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Plastering & Rendering

Gauze over cracks/ holes (?) visible

Anonymous user 16/03/2024 - 2.51 PM

Edit 2: Thank you - this is very helpful. Given that humidity/ temperature might be a cause I have a follow-up question: I know that there is an issue with the roof that the freeholder is currently looking into. There is one additional flat above mine. However, I am wondering whether it is theoretically possible that the ceilings and walls of my flat (which I believe to be concrete, but I might be wrong) have become damp internally because of the roof issue and that this is causing the issue? This might be very far fetched, but I am trying to understand why the issue has suddenly appeared now and why it seems to be slowly 'progressing' through the flat (first it was only the living room, now also the hall and the bedroom adjacent to the living room). Note that there are no waterstains on the walls and the neighbours above have said they don't have a leak either. (Edit 1: for clarity re age of building and structure of building) Hi, I moved into a flat in November last year. I didn't do any plastering or painting at the time as the walls were in a good condition; the building itself is from the ~ 1960s-70s. Over the last couple of months, ceilings and walls (overall structure is concrete I believe) have started showing uneven patches: (1) some long bulges (maybe three inches wide, stretching across the ceiling and some running a few inches down the wall); (2) smaller, square bulges of maybe 3-4 inches - for both, the imprint of gauze is visible/ can be felt in some places; (3) general uneven patches on ceilings where it looks almost like a thin layer of plastering is missing (but I'm pretty sure these weren't there at the beginning); (4) some thin lines where it looks like a small crack in the top layer of plasterin/ paint might be emerging. Some, but by far not all, of the patches sound hollow when knocking against them. Do you know what might be causing this? Why are they appearing now - could this have to do with weather? Or something else? Is this something I should be concerned about in the short/ medium term (ignoring that it doesn't look pretty)? And finally, what can I do to stop this from becoming a bigger issue? (ideally I would like to avoid renovating at this point, as the move itself was expensive enough) Thank you!

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2 Answers

Forcite Facilities

No reviews yet

Nottingham

From your description, it seems you are dealing with a few separate but potentially related issues. Here are a few potential causes and solutions: Bulges and Gauze Imprint: Bulges on walls or ceilings usually indicate that the plaster or drywall is detaching from the lath (supporting structure) behind it. The gauze you're seeing might be a form of mesh tape that's used to repair cracks in plaster. It's possible that the previous owners patched over some cracks and the repair job is failing, which can happen over time, especially if the repairs were not properly done. Fluctuating temperature and humidity levels can exacerbate these issues by causing expansion and contraction. General Uneven Patches: These may be due to a poor plastering job or due to the plaster deteriorating over time. Over time, old plaster can lose its bond with the wall, creating these uneven areas. Cracks: Small cracks can occur due to a variety of reasons such as settling of the building, moisture, temperature fluctuation, or even vibrations from heavy traffic or construction. Hollow Sound: This usually suggests that the plaster or drywall is not securely attached to the structure behind it. You should definitely be concerned about these issues. While some are merely cosmetic, others, like the bulging and hollow sounds, could lead to larger portions of the plaster falling off the wall or ceiling. In terms of fixing these issues, the solution largely depends on the cause. Here are some suggestions: Temperature and Humidity Control: If the issues are being caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations, you might be able to reduce the progression by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep the indoor climate more stable. Fixing Bulges and Hollow Areas: These areas might require more extensive repair. You'd need to remove the bulged plaster and reapply it. For hollow areas, you might be able to reattach the plaster using plaster washers and screws, but if the detachment is extensive, the plaster may need to be replaced. Addressing Cracks: Small, hairline cracks can be filled with a flexible filler and then repainted. Larger cracks might need to be taped and then covered with joint compound before being sanded and painted. Given the complexity and potential seriousness of these issues, it would be wise to consult with a professional. They can assess the extent of the damage and provide more accurate advice on how to proceed. If the building is very old or has historical significance, it may be especially important to seek professional help, as improper repairs could cause more harm than good.

Answered16 July 2023

Darren's Decor

Rating: 5 out of 5

Bellshill

Answer deleted now as customer has stated that property was not new build which my answer related to.

Answered11 July 2023