Hairline Cracks In New Plaster

[Fru124]

A little advice folks please, recently in a new property and with the heating on and the pot belly stove on a few nights the cracks in the plaster have really started to appear now. They are hairline cracks but some are quite long, i do understand that all new properties will get these cracks from drying out and i do not intend to try to patch them up just yet prob a year or so and then re-paint etc but what is the best way to do it just with pollyfilla or some other thing like that? Am i right in assuming the builder/plasterer is not liable for these repairs in the snagging?

[mastercraft]

As it is a new property, the builder/developer is usually responsible for all shrinkage/expansion for up to 6/12 months depending on the contract you have. Don't do/attempt any repairs, let them sort it.

[bookbinder]

...however, if you really do want to fill them in, use Polyfilla. Mix it as per the instructions, and use a finger tip to press it into the cracks. Let it dry, then rub it lightly with fine glasspaper that is wrapped around a small block of wood.

[The Builder]

With the hard plasters used today, this is quite normal............ to some extent.

Even if plasterboard has been scrimmed (net-type reinforcement), it can still happen. Difficult to say without seeing it, but possibly scrim cloth wasn't put on properly.

Iy can also happen on perfectly good plaster if it dries out too quickly. Let it go through the winter, with heating on.

Any attention to it now will need to be repeated for probably the next twelve months, so I would leave it for now.

Eventually, fill wider gaps with flexible decorator's caulk from a gun-type applicator. Hairlines can be filled with regular Polyfilla. Emulsion paint on new plaster is a non-vinyl variety to let moisture out. This can be overpainted with ordinary vinyl paints together with shrinkage crack repairs.

About a year after moving in is about the right time.

The thing is to simply keep an eye on it. Shrinkage is not a worry. Movement is potentially more serious, but certainly not always.

If anything serious, then the builder certainly should be called in.

As our resident Medic would say .......... monitor the situation.

[Fru124]

Thanks for all the answer dont think its movement (hope more like it) but i knew there would be an odd crack here and there especially with the heating and the pot belly going thanks again.