klasstaffan
New Member
Old lath and plaster walls are prone to cracking. Over time the plaster separates from the lath, creating structural cracks. Plaster is also prone to thinner spider-web cracks, which occur when the topcoat of the plaster degrades.
It’s common to have both kinds of cracking — and both types can be repaired. How can you tell the difference? A structural crack “will be beefier, it will be longer. A structural crack will also move when you press one side of it “like plate tectonics.”
The cracks keep returning because you haven’t repaired the underlying problem — you’re just covering up the wound with paint. Wallpaper would give you the same result. You need to repair the walls before you cover them. A professional painter should be able to repair minor cracking.
It’s common to have both kinds of cracking — and both types can be repaired. How can you tell the difference? A structural crack “will be beefier, it will be longer. A structural crack will also move when you press one side of it “like plate tectonics.”
The cracks keep returning because you haven’t repaired the underlying problem — you’re just covering up the wound with paint. Wallpaper would give you the same result. You need to repair the walls before you cover them. A professional painter should be able to repair minor cracking.