Solutions to Plastering Problems

• Cracks caused by inadequate backing such as old wooden laths; it's best to remove the laths and replace with plasterboard
• Moisture from plumbing leaks or water penetrating from outside; contact a reliable contractor and get them to find the cause, and repair
• External vibration leading to cracks, caused by heavy road or rail traffic; by removing the damaged plaster and using EML (expanding metal lathe) or scrim (a fibrous mesh) before re-plastering. If this fails, then consider moving to a quieter area!
• Expansion and contraction with studwork due to varying hot and cold weather; always ensure your house is well insulated to prevent this problem occuring
• Foundation weakness or subsidence; an engineer should evaluate the situation before plastering repairs can be carried out

If your ceilings or walls have large open cracks (more than simply hairline) and running some distance along the surface, I'd always recommend you get an engineer to inspect and make a report on the damage.

However, not every crack means you have major plaster problems. Most of the plaster problems I encounter involve cosmetic cracks and other defects. www.plastering4u.com