Crack advice needed!!! pics included

[Jack07]

Ive just removed the wallpaper from one of my bedrooms in preparation on turning it into a bathroom. (First phase of a renovation/extension)

Ive noticed a large crack running diagonally down from the corner of the window frame. The plaster is stepped either side of the crack by a coupe of mm.

The crack sounds hollow but plaster either side sounds solid. The is no crack on the exterior wall and I have not yet found out if thge crack is in the brick work itself. Looks like original 1930 plaster. The exterior concrete sill outcside looks like its been replaced at some time, hence the large amount of filler below interior window sill.

Just wanted to know:

1. The likely cause of the crack? Being an old house I realise it could just be the age,

2. Im likely to hack off and replaster the wall but dont fancy going through all that only for it to happen again. Is there any tips on preventing this(I realise I will need to find the answer to number 1 to come up with a solution to number 2).

Would appreciate advice.

Untitled

• Jack07
• 28 Jan 2012
• 1

Untitled

• Jack07
• 28 Jan 2012
• 1

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

It is likely to be settlement over the years, looks like it has been repaired and the crack since has not re-opened. But hard to tell for definite by your picture.
Best thing to do is rake it back to brick/block work and look for cracks within the brick/bloke work. Then I would point up any cracks, base coat installing a reinforced mesh, over damaged area to restrict the crack from opening again, then skim it.
But I have seen this damage before, created by the spikes that the joiners put in to fix the window boards, often shattering the brick/block work beneath the surface.

 

[Jack07]

Thanks for the advice, I will be opening up the crack before carrying out any work so will have a good idea.

thanks again

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

If you find anything sinister this is the type of mesh I would suggest placing over the repair.