How do I deal with cracks in my walls?

Question

Hi there

I have noticed that on a few walls in my house lines are appearing where it looks like two sections of plasterboard are pushing against each other and bowing out, is there anything I can do about this?

Also any ideas on a good remedy for hairline cracks?

Cheers

Answer 1

Can be a number of things that cause this ,weather has it been really dry -not much rain for a few years ,bad foundation if your house is on stumps or it could be just a old house.

Best thing to do is get a builder in to check it out .

He will tell u if its the weather or u got probs ,he will have ideas on what to use and trade people u need.

good luck  

Answer 2

I take it you refer to non load bearing internal walls.

The hairline cracks use a filler such as  Polyfiller and rub down with sandpaper.

Bulges are different I think you may need to re-plaster that wall.

Load bearing walls could be the same but it could also signify more serious problems. Tap the bulges and the non bulges and if the sounds are different it will posibly be OK and just need re plastering but if it is the same get help, I thinkyou  have a problem      

Answer 3

Use filler and smooth them out.

Answer 4

On the bowing walls, you do need to have a pro take a look.  Sounds like maybe a foundation problem.  If you know someone who does structural inspections, they'd be able to guide you in the right direction.

For hairline cracks, just fill with spackle, sand down, and paint.  

Answer 5

Hairline cracks are often not wide enough to get any filler right in them.  A decorator will use the triangular pointy end of a shave hook and rake the hairline crack so it widens into a 'V' shaped crack.  Then you can fill it.  Ready made lightweight fillers (one-time, red devil) are ideal.  Don't overfill.  Apply some emulsion and second fill.

I would be speculating on the bulging plasterboards.

Answer 6

try this

http://cgi.ebay.com/POLYCELL-NO-SANDING-...

or this

http://cgi.ebay.com/POLYCELL-FINE-SURFAC...

Answer 7

The problem is that the timber battens holding the plasterboard are warping as they dry out.  There's no quick answer to this.  Stripping out the plasterboard and relining is the permanent solution, but that is a big job.

You can stabilise the wall by adding more nails (use zinc plated clouts).  First locate the battens by tapping on the wall.  Knock in the nails and use a punch so that the heads are just below the surface.  Prime the nail heads, wait 24 hours and fill with a vinyl filler.  Sand off any lumps, fill any  dents and repaint.  If the battens are really unstable, this will only be a temporary solution.

Hairline cracks are caused by the plaster being put on too wet.  Fill them with fine surface vinyl filler.  Overfill slightly, leave it 24 hours and rub it down with fine sandpaper.

Answer 8

Mix up Polyfiller into a smooth paste that is bordering on the runny side. Use a brush and paint the mixture down the cracks and work it into the cracks. Leave to dry and then rub down to smooth with sandpaper.