Re-plastered wall - months later looking really weird

[redrabbit]

The area above my window got a MASSIVE crack going along it. It was due to the metal lintel inside being disturbed, causing plaster to crack.

A reputable plasterer repaired it. About 6 months later, and it looks really odd, like almost rusty, or rotting. Is it damp maybe? We sanded it once and painted but it's happened again.

The cladding outside is due for replacement by the freeholder this year. Maybe it is damp due to rotting cladding or an issue there? Any ideas? I'm a bit lost about what this is.


Far away view - can see the outline of the previous crack:



Closer:



Really close:

 

[bobasd]

why was the metal lintel disturbed?

it will help if you post photos of the outside.show the cladding an the gutter/fascia.

moisture is penetrating from the outside an showin as rust an damage to the finish plaster an decoration.
i see a rough line of water damage but i dont see a crack?
was it a metal lintel or a wood lintel covered with galvanised mesh and a galv.angle bead.?
scrape off the finish plaster and expose the lintel metal/mesh

 

[redrabbit]

why was the metal lintel disturbed?

it will help if you post photos of the outside.show the cladding an the gutter/fascia.

moisture is penetrating from the outside an showin as rust an damage to the finish plaster an decoration.
i see a rough line of water damage but i dont see a crack?
was it a metal lintel or a wood lintel covered with galvanised mesh and a galv.angle bead.?
scrape off the finish plaster and expose the lintel metal/mesh

Hi, the metal was lintel was disturbed as I stupidly was trying to drill into it for ages to hang up a new curtain rail. At the time I didn't realise why I was unable to drill into it. Also, it wasn't until a period of months later that the wall began to come away and the crack got worse and worse (see below).



I can't post the pictures from the outside for various reasons - partly as I don't have direct access (I am not a ground floor house), and secondly I'm away at the moment.

As stated, the freeholder is doing major works this year - to the cost of £12-15k which unfortunately I am having to pay for. However, it will mean the outdated, horrendous exterior will be renewed.

I will have to get the area repaired again potentially, or once the outside is completed, try to sand and re-paint/re-finish.

Thanks

 

[ivixor]

Eh? Your drill will not have 'disturbed' the lintel.

Looks more like water is getting in via the window and corroding the lintel. That will blow out all the brickwork around it.

 

[redrabbit]

Eh? Your drill will not have 'disturbed' the lintel.

Looks more like water is getting in via the window and corroding the lintel. That will blow out all the brickwork around it.

All I can say is that crack developed slowly after the drilling saga and over about 2 years got worse and worse to the point that a large section looked like it would fall

The brickwork has been repaired and Re plastered

But as can be seen the moisture highlights where the crack once was

I'm 99% sure that the drilling had something to do with the crack. Maybe it's not lintel related but I'm sure it was as a result of drilling