More hairline cracks on newly plastered ceilings every day

simsalasim

Hi there

I just bought a top floor flat in a 19050s purpose built block and had all ceilings re-plastered, because they had stains, old wall paper etc and looked very unsightly.

It all looked fine for the first few weeks even after the ceilings were painted, but now I am shocked to see that nearly every day there are new hairline cracks in all rooms. I think the trigger may be the fact that the humidity in the flat decreased due to the recent wave of cold weather.

However, after reading up about this, I now also have the suspicion that the job hasn't been done properly. For example I am not sure they put PVA before applying the new plaster to the old plaster nor if they sealed the new plaster before painting.

When I asked, the plasterer said that there is no problem and that it doesn't need sealing and that cracks can happen.

How do I find out whether these cracks are normal - there are many and the keep appearing - or it is really down to a poorly done job? And if so what should I do to get this sorted?

It is pretty upsetting having paid all this money only to face even bigger problems now.

I would be most grateful for any advice you can give.

Thanks

Sim

johnjackson

If the ceiling was not PVA'd before it was skimmed it would crack for sure.

Was the plaster fully dry before it was painted?

A plaster sealer is not necessary, normally a mist coat will do!

phill99

It shouldn't be cracking. If it has died out too quickly it may crack, but its very rarae. Have you tapped the ceiling? If it sounds hollow or bits drop off then its down to poor workmanship.