Large gaps around window corners

[LukePDIY]

Hi, I've just purchased an old property and it has gaps around the windows. The living room seems the worst with large gaps in the corners. In summer when I purchased they were barely visible but now due to temperature you can see from the images they are quite large. I'm unsure what to do next. The plaster is also damaged around the top of the window with cracks running the entire length which I will also have to replace - do I sort that first?. Thanks for any advice.

 

[diy_fun_uk]

I wouldn't bother doing anything with the plaster cracks as such, they look small. You could paint over with something like this:

Polycell Crack Free Ceilings Smooth Matt 2.5L

Polycell Crack-Free Ceilings is a great way to restore cracked ceilings to a smooth ‘good as new’ finish. It’s flexible paint formulation uses Polyfilla technology to not only cover cracks but prevent them from reappearing.

www.diy.com

As for the cracked sealant around the window. Remove as much of it as you can, then use something like this:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-glazing-silicone-white-310ml/57735?tc=TB4&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhPSpwqeniwMVhpJQBh14Wh8PEAQYBSABEgJnD_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

And apply as per this (turn the volume down to avoid the music!):

 

[LukePDIY]

Thanks for your reply, I've added another couple of pics of the cracks, I don't mind painting over just concerned about them getting worse. If I silicon around the window will it not pull away with the temperature flex? Never used silicon before so unsure.

 

[Notch7]

cracks around side of windows -the plaster always cracks there, you can either put some MS polymer silicon in -its a type of silicone that can be painted over, or you can buy some 20mm x 6mm upvc trim and stick it around the window -places like Eurocell stock it

the plaster cracking is probably because its stuck to the lintel, maybe the plaster is a bit thin or adhesion was poor or theres been a bit of movement -if the plaster is still stuck ok but just has a crack then go along the crack making it bigger with a stanley knife to form a V, then wet it and then fill with easifill, sand back and paint over