Cracks in plaster

ldm84

Have just moved a chair to fit the Christmas tree in and we've noticed cracks running vertically and one horizontally on plaster in the far corner of our bay window

I have checked the bricks outside and can't see any defects. My main concern is the length of the crack - it's at least a metre long

They are thin cracks but it's panicked me. We have had damp in that wall before, but no replaster.

I'm wondering whether it's time for a replaster?

Would post pictures but can't work out how!

ldm84

jcb208

Have linked to images as original are very large
http://imgur.com/yn1WEIl
http://imgur.com/5yXspjc
http://imgur.com/7iEiwef


These cracks are nothing to worry about as they look like settlement cracks

MisterBaxter

If I saw something like in this in a clients house I would tell them not to worry (I'm a surveyor but not structural engineer). It's worth keeping an eye on them and if they start to open up more then you may want to get someone in to look at them but I don't think your house will be falling down around you any time soon.

If you tap on the wall around the area does it sound hollow at all? If the plaster is solid then I wouldn't run the expense of replastering.

If you are finding them unsightly then just use a bead of decorators caulk and paint over.

patman99

If you have had damp issues in that part of the wall in the past, then it could well be that the wall has dried out and as plaster is less 'elastic' than the render it is applied to, the plaster will crack.

ldm84

Once again, MSE has reassured me no end!

We have a damp surveyor coming on in next week any way to check on works that were done a year ago. Will get them to take a look.

As always greatly appreciated all!

spaccanaut

Cracks can often be caused by expansion / contraction in the plaster boards themselves