Vertical hairline crack down wall

Question

I have a hairline vertical crack going down internal wall between my house and next door in a terraced .I used filler to the repair the  crack a few months ago then  painted  to try and repair but the crack has reappeared what can cause is it a concern

Steven · Accepted Answer

Just movement between properties, usually nothing to worry about, use a coloured silicone as an expansion joint not filler which will crack.

Oleg · Answer

A vertical hairline crack on an internal wall in a terraced property is quite common and, in most cases, not a structural concern.
The most common causes are natural building movement, minor differential movement between the party wall and internal finishes, and shrinkage of plaster over time. In such cases, repairing the crack with standard filler and repainting will often only provide a temporary solution, which explains why the crack has reappeared.
As long as the crack remains very fine, straight, and does not widen, it is generally considered a cosmetic issue. However, if the crack becomes wider, stepped, diagonal, or is accompanied by other signs such as sticking doors or external cracking, further investigation would be recommended.
For a longer-lasting repair, the crack should be slightly opened, reinforced with scrim or crack tape, and filled using a flexible repair compound, followed by proper finishing and repainting. This method allows for minor movement and significantly reduces the likelihood of the crack reappearing.

Jason · Answer

Hi Stephen,
Not usually a problem slight movement between two properties .
I would rake out the filler back to solid material and fill with a suitable joint mastic /silicone 
They do coloured so can usually match in ok.

Darren · Answer

A filler will almost certainly crack out....to have any real chance with it,I'd say tape and plaster it over which would give it a chance.....the crack itself is just movement,nothing to panic over....all in my opinion obviously but we see lots of cracks without demolition as an outcome

Allan · Answer

Rack out the crack with a scraper then dust down the crack. Apply Toupret Fill-Flex into the crack then wait 24 hours before filling the crack again with normal interior filler.

Paul · Answer

Maybe dig out around the crack put some scrim tape over ot and plaster skim  this should be more durable and longer lasting

Jordan · Answer

Hi, if you tap the wall, with something hard like the end of a trowel or spoon does it sound hollow? Like the plaster has come away from the wall behind? If so would need to remove back plaster and reskim. Or as another quick fix use plasterers jointing tape over the crack and then fill it. Should hold stronger but further issues would need to be investigated

Dragos Daniel · Answer

Hairline vertical cracks are quite common in terraced properties and are often caused by slight movement or natural settlement of the building. Using filler alone usually only provides a temporary fix, which is why the crack has reappeared. In most cases it is not a serious structural issue, but if the crack continues to widen or new cracks appear, it would be worth getting it inspected by a professional. For a longer-lasting repair, rake out the crack, apply scrim tape, and then re-skim or use a flexible filler before repainting.

Martin · Answer

possibly the background plaster may become detached from the brickwork and the skimming would leave a hairline crack

Artjoms · Answer

Hairline vertical cracks between terraced houses are usually caused by minor settlement or seasonal movement. If the crack is small, vertical, and not widening, it’s generally cosmetic. Use a flexible filler and paint; monitor for any changes. Call a surveyor only if it widens or spreads.

Vertical hairline crack down wall

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