Overly dramatic, but that’s what it reminds me of. The crack is not wide; in fact, I would call it “hairline,” except that it is three-dimensional! The wall on one side of the crack is slightly proud of the other side. Is this repaired the same as a hairline crack, i.e., widen the crack and patch with setting-type compound? Should the patch extend farther on the lower side of the crack, so the change in height is less noticeable? Janet
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Learn more about the benefits and compliance details for the DOE's new water heater energy-efficiency standards.
Featured Video
Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by BrickHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
It sounds like the plaster has come loose from the lath. I would see if it is loose, and if it is, as I suspect, use plaster washers and screws to reattach it to the studs. Then repair the crack.
Best source for me has been Charles Street Supply (Google them), an old TOH supplier back when TOH was legit. Since plaster washers were initially intended to screw into wooden lath, they don't work as well with wall board lath. You'd have to hit the studs for sure. Can you push the proud side in? This would be the case if the plaster had separated from the lath.
old crack or new? Is it the result of other damage such as a water leak? Does the crack move with the seasons?
Personally I think you need to at least tape and feather out a repair rather than just packing a widened joint.
The lath is metal, not wood. I pushed on the wall but nothing moved.
Even metal lath won't hold a
Even metal lath won't hold a plaster washer. If there's no movement, probably best to feather it out, though a plaster washer can pull in the plaster even when you can't push it in with your finger. Just has to be done slowly.