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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Building Questions >> Plastering question https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1227043302 Message started by CWatters on Nov 18^th, 2008, 9:21pm

Title: Plastering question
Post by CWatters on Nov 18^th, 2008, 9:21pm

Newish house with a concrete lintel/slab above the fireplace. When the fire was first used the concrete slab expanded and cracked the plaster above the fire. The area now sounds "blown" when tapped.

Is there a way to replaster it so that the plaster is isolated from any expansion and contraction the slab behind?

The fire is an insert type and I'm not sure if I can afford the depth to batten out the wall and plasterboard it.

Title: Re: Plastering question
Post by Zambezi on Nov 18^th, 2008, 10:15pm

Tidy up the crack and repaint, if it sounds blown then it is already separate ;D
Not sure what to suggest... I will get my coat....

Title: Re: Plastering question
Post by woodsmith on Nov 19^th, 2008, 7:32am

It's always a problem over a fireplace. I have a crack in the plaster over mine. I fill it each year and it reappears the next. :-/

Title: Re: Plastering question
Post by CWatters on Nov 19^th, 2008, 9:10am

I probably won't get around to fixing this until next summer but thought I might try removing the plaster over a larger area then fixing a patch of something like 2mm polystyrene insulation or 6mm plasterboard to the wall before replastering. It needs something to isolate the movement going on underneath.

Title: Re: Plastering question
Post by woodsmith on Nov 19^th, 2008, 10:55pm

Plasterboard would be your best bet, that's what I've been advised to use anyway. That or a big mirror to cover the crack!

Title: Re: Plastering question
Post by CWatters on Nov 20^th, 2008, 5:03pm

Mirror or better still a nice big plasma TV would be good but the crack is just a bit too low.