Hi everyone!
Hope I can get a bit of advice...
Two years I had some builders in my house, who built a few new brick walls, then plastered and painted them. In the months since then, all of the new walls that they build now have cracks in the plaster, along the lines of the bricks. (the existing walls that they also re-plastered/painted don't have these cracks)
It's clear to me that the builders didn't do their work properly, but I'm not sure of how to prevent this happening again. So I hope someome can help with these questions...
1. After building a new brick wall, is it necessary to wait a few days, before starting plastering? (and if so, how may days?)
2. Whats't the correct procedure for building then plastering/painting new walls to avoid cracks in the paint/plaster like this.
Thanks for all your help and advice!
David
Are you saying that they
Are you saying that they built the wall and plastered almost right away? They should have waited at least 3 days, if not 4. It's likely the mortar was not completely cured, however, when did this problem show up? It should have occured more quickly than 2 years later.
Thanks for the reply
Thanks for the reply Ken,
Yes they plastered pretty much straight away after laying the bricks... :-(
Most of the cracks appeared 3 to 6 months after the work was finished, and all along the lines of the brickwork.
Is the 3 days waiting for the cement between the bricks to dry?
Or is it 3 days after the cement plastering (covering the bricks)?
And does it help to water the cement to prevent it drying too quickly?
(Sorry, I feel like an idiot asking all these basic question)
Thanks again for any help, comments
DJJ :)
Yes, the wait is for the
Yes, the wait is for the mortar to 'set'. There is some shrinkage when this occurs.
You would only need to use water if it was very hot outside. If you are laying the brick inside, as it seems you are (on a concrete slab I assume) then I would doubt you'd need it unless the A/C wasn't working.
Don't feel bad about asking questions, feel bad about getting poor quality work done and paying for it! :wink: