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Building Homes or Extensions/drywall plaster spider cracks

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Expert: - 8/24/2008


Question
Hi, I have an old house that has plaster walls with a rough surface, I applied drywall plaster over my bathroom walls to make for a smooth finish and on one side of an exterior wall after about six months spider cracks started to appear. How do I fix these cracks? Should I apply a mesh and more plaster?

Answer
Hi Tracy, putting down a layer of mesh won't help that much.  The mesh may keep the cracks from getting wider but they won't stop them. A couple of good coats of an elastomeric paint might work.  The thick pliable paint will float over the cracks and keep the water from penetrating the wall surface which is really why the  cracks are evident.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

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Bruce E. Johnson

Expertise

I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.

Experience

Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.

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