Crack Filler Query Update

[Old_Geezer]

Hmmm... didn't get into 'Latest Posts'

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Home-and-Garden/DIY/Question1717418.html#answer-12628812

[The Builder]

OG, I thought I'd better reply on the previous thread.

[The Builder]

There's something silly going on here OG.
I've just replied on the original thread, but that isn't showing on "recent posts" either.

Click on your link above to get there.

[theshedman]

I always used to use Tetrion filler on cracks as I found it much better than polyfiller. Rake the cracks out, and clean all dust away and force as much into the cracks as possible allow to dry then sand until flat. I only ever use caulk around skirting boards and edges of door frames etc. If you are going to paper it you may get away with caulk but I find it hard to hide and cover fully if you are going to paint. The Builders idea of lining with a good thick lining paper would also work as it covers a multitude of sins.

[Old_Geezer]

I'm unsure of the time limits but after a while it seems that a thread doesn't qualify for the 'Latest Posts' list any more.

Needed to use caulk as the previous owners filler attempts gradually showed under the wallpaper as time went by. Dissimilar building materials are to blame, I'm told. Unsure what they are though. All looks plastered over breezeblock and mortar to me.

[theshedman]

Maybe the previous owner made a bad job of it but cracks do come back sometimes.

[The Builder]

You mention the "dissimilar materials" thing OG. I've been giving it some more thought. I really don't think it's that at all.
That happens when substrates such as timber/steel beams/masonry are right next to each other and plastered over together.
They expand/contract with different rates of expansion. Thus, the plaster is put under tension.......... and cracks.

You don't have this here. Also, in a previous post, you mention cracking in several different places.
I would guess that it's simply plaster shrinkage cracking. Usually occurs if plastered on a hot day and it dries out too quickly.
Another favourite is when the substrate (concrete blocks here) is far too dry, and it sucks all the water out of the plaster.
I guess this cracking has been in place since day 1.

As for exterior... same thing can apply. Repeat filling will eventually rid you of the problem.
Surveyors often know little about plastering, so they tend to look for "mechanical" problems.

[Old_Geezer]

It's not just the plaster. Downstairs the utility room had no covering. The cracks were in the blocks. Which is why I got a professional in to tell me what I was facing.

[The Builder]

The same thing applies to blockwork OG.
Shrinkage........... NOT structural. In fact, anything involving masonry built with cement mortar is constantly under tension.

Now you know why I gave up on masonry several years ago, and much prefer timber-frame :o)

[Old_Geezer]

I was told to get a professional to deal with the outside but only managed to get two out to look at it. One clearly wasn't interested when I said I only wanted the cracks sorted and not the whole side of the house covered with something. Had visions of it all just being covered over and reappearing years later. The other seemed keen enough but not so much as to send a quote.

[Togo]

Saw your thread earlier Geezer but had nothing to add. Since then it has been decided that the bathroom needs a lick of paint in the untiled sections and the ceiling. We had a new suite and shower fitted a while ago and the fitting left a few areas that needed filling, before a repaint, after the work was done and new pipework installed. I found this stuff which turns out to be great. Fast drying, in a handy tube, easily applied, sands to a smooth finish. Ronseal Smooth Finish Filler. Recommended.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Togo]

I also use one of these Geezer. makes the job much easier. The wet end of a finger does for the join between skirting and wall.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Old_Geezer]

Cheers.
Sure I have one of those tools around somewhere.