The reasons why cracks appear on plastered walls

In many homes, cracks that appear in the plaster of the walls can be a common problem that needs to be addressed. The causes of these cracks are usually related to the structure of the building, the surrounding environment, or the plaster application process.

Natural building settling with time is one of the main causes of plaster cracks. Little shifts can happen as a house settles into its foundation and the surrounding soil, which puts stress on the walls. Hairline cracks in the plaster, particularly in the vicinity of corners, door frames, or windows, may be a sign of stress.

Variations in humidity and temperature are a major contributing factor to plaster cracks. Materials may expand and contract due to variations in weather. As a result of the plaster’s inability to adapt to these changes, the plaster may eventually become weaker due to the thermal movement.

Inadequate plaster application during building or renovation can also be a contributing factor. Plaster may not adhere to the wall surface properly if it is applied too thickly or thinly, or if the proportions are off. As the plaster dries and settles, cracks may form as a result of this poor adhesion.

Plaster cracks should be repaired as soon as possible because if they are ignored, they may get worse. Early detection of cracks in your plastered walls can be facilitated by routine maintenance and inspection. Homeowners can reduce the risk of cracks and guarantee the integrity of their walls by being aware of the underlying causes and adopting preventative measures, such as using flexible or reinforced plaster materials.

Why are cracks appear on the walls

A web of tiny fissures bothers not just the owners of old, well-maintained buildings but also brand-new homes that have just undergone renovations. If it’s more or less evident with older homes. The primary cause of the wear and cracks is the settling of the walls, which wears down all structures. Nevertheless, an updated foundation or a brand-new building has this shortcoming because of the possibility of one or more plastering errors. We shall therefore address all potential subtleties, the neglect of which will eventually cause fractures.

Wall processing with only one layer

Plastering requires the application of multiple layers of a solution with varying consistency to be completed as effectively as possible. The owner is only certain that there won’t be any plaster cracks in this particular instance. Even with a very thin layer, at least three layers are applied to align the surface.

Neglect of a primer

Wall decoration with plaster begins with the preparation of the base. It is important not to miss the primer layer here. This is a special mixture that will help increase the adhesion of the base. There are also antiseptic and antifungal compositions. They will prevent the development of mold and fungus on the wall. A plaster solution is applied only after the primer is completely dry. But the primed layer of the plaster solution is also called the primer layer. By consistency, it is a little slurry than the main one, but at the same time it is easily pounced on the wall surface and is well applied. At this stage, the applied mixture is not aligned, which will make it possible to apply subsequent layers much easier. The primer solution of plaster takes on the entire load, if the walls are slightly shrinkable and then the cracks will appear much later. In addition, it is impossible to do without this layer when using cement -based mixtures. In the process of drying, such a solution changes, because the plaster is cracking on the walls. The primer will protect against the unpleasant "web".

The use of a poor -quality or old mixture

The expiration date for plaster is as important as for products. If the mixture has been produced for a long time, then the components lose their positive qualities why suffers, and the ability to stay on the processed surface. In the case when the date of purchase coincides with the end of the use of the use or is as close as possible, it is better to abandon such products. Do not forget about the composition of the mixture for plaster. It is important that the amount of cement does not exceed the third part of the total weight of the components. If it is more, then for a long time the solution on the wall will not be held in perfect condition. Cracks will appear very soon. But the figure is not less suitable either. If there is little cement, then the solution will not cling to the base. Relief at the time of application is guaranteed, and if you still manage to process the surface, in the future it threatens to exfoliate.

Incorrect mixing of the solution

• control the amount of water;
• Add dry mixture in small portions;
• Mix thoroughly;
• Use a construction mixer or a drill with an appropriate nozzle;
• let the solution set off, mix again and only after that start working.

Rushing through things and doing everything by eye will result in a heterogeneous solution that is applied incorrectly. Additionally, as it dries, cracks will start to show.

Lack of reinforcing frame

It is required to use a reinforcing grid when plastering over drywall, underneath wallpaper, and on other surfaces that are decorated. An occurrence like this will prevent the following issues:

1. Examination of plastering solution.
2. The appearance of cracks after drying.

The following varieties of nets are employed, depending on the applied layer’s thickness and the likelihood of cracks:

• fiberglass;
• plastic;
• metal.

Thin wooden shingles, which were previously crammed onto the base, were utilized.

Dust and garbage on the walls

Plaster cracks appear as a result of fine dust particles and pollution on the wall, manifested as fat spots. As a result, it is important to prepare the base. The adhesive qualities of the base and the solution itself will be diminished by dust.

The plaster can be discouraged after it has dried. You can either use a damp cloth to wipe down the base or simply use a spray to clean it.

From clay and sand

Given that it is primarily composed of clay and sand, the mixture is referred to as fatty. They are challenging to implement on the base, and there are several subtleties:

1. A surface with a large number of bumps. On this basis, the plaster will begin to crack very quickly. If the owner wants to restore the decorative layer for a long time, then you need to take care of the flat surface of the wall. This means to engage in black alignment.
2. Increased humidity or regular jumps. This will definitely provoke cracks. Clay mixtures are poorly tolerated, because they are not used to decorate walls in the bathroom or in the kitchen.
3. Too thin layer (less than 5 mm). In this case, the water from the solution evaporates too quickly. In order for the plaster to become as strong as possible, it is necessary that this process proceeds slowly and evenly. Otherwise, plaster cracking on the walls immediately during drying.

Sun rays

The solution applied to the wall must withstand the proper temperature for uniform drying in order to gain the required strength and strength. Plastering should be done on the street between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius, and inside the room when the thermometer reads no more than 25.

If the surface is exposed to direct sunlight, or if heaters and heat guns are used on purpose, moisture will evaporate too quickly and unevenly. Little cracks appear, which means the mixture does not have time to acquire all the required qualities.

Moisture hit

A surplus of moisture can be just as harmful as an excess of heat. Additionally, there are multiple choices regarding the impact of water:

1. Too much water was used to prepare the solution.
2. The base was abundantly wetted before applying plaster.
3. Work was carried out with overstated (more than 75%) environmental humidity indications.
4. Different vapor permeability of the main material and finishing.

Every one of these instances will eventually cause cracks to show up and cause the plaster to become exfoliated.

Cracks in case of damage to supporting structures

Such a scenario is typically conceivable in structures with extended service lives. Consequently, it is best to check how much the supporting design of the house supports the cracks rather than doing cosmetic repairs if they appear. Housing loss may occur at some point if this is not done.

In the event that damage is found to the primary material, the walls are strengthened before the appearance is enhanced. First, the extent of the damage is assessed. The rule that the base should be stronger than the decorative layer serves as a guide when decorating walls.

Cracks as a result of the deformation of the foundation

If there are no obvious wall flaws and all plastering and preparation guidelines are followed, but the cracks persist, it may be worthwhile to investigate the possibility of a foundation issue. There is no way to completely fix the major issue of the foundation’s deformation.

Have you ever questioned why the walls in your plastered home seem to be cracked? This prevalent problem is caused by a number of variables, from temperature and humidity swings to building settling and structural movements. It is essential for homeowners to comprehend these causes in order to recognize possible hazards early on and schedule timely maintenance and preservation of the external integrity of their home. This sentence lays the groundwork for the article’s clear and understandable exploration of the numerous causes of wall cracks.

Plastered walls may develop cracks for a variety of reasons, all of which require careful investigation. One frequent cause is settlement, which occurs when a building’s foundation moves over time and puts stress on the walls. Cracks may appear as a result of this stress, particularly in older structures or those constructed on unstable ground.

Variations in humidity and temperature are additional factors. Materials expand and contract with the seasons. When the materials in a building or renovation react to their surroundings, these changes may cause cracks in the plaster if they are not taken into consideration.

Inadequate drying times or improper plaster application can also cause fractures. Plaster can crack as it dries and settles if it isn’t applied evenly or doesn’t stick to the wall surface properly. Similar to this, hurrying the drying process can cause the plaster to crack before it’s completely cured.

Finally, over time, structural problems like underlying flaws in the building’s construction or design may result in cracks. These could include insufficient reinforcement against outside forces like wind or seismic activity or insufficient support for load-bearing walls.

It’s essential to comprehend these possible reasons for plastered wall cracks for both maintenance and prevention purposes. Homeowners and builders can make sure that their walls stay both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound for many years to come by taking care of the underlying causes as soon as possible.

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