Preventing cracks from reappearing

tomlangl · Post by **tomlangl** » Sun May 28, 2023 7:35 am

Hi there

Wondered if I could get some advice, please.

We had an outdoor office built and the builder used plywood inside (question whether this was the best solution now). I’ve been trying to, albeit my experience when it comes to this kind of thing is minimal, how I can get these cracks closed up?

They are between where the plywood boards join up. I’ve tried the following filler and then caulk (as per photos) and where it has been successful in some places, it’s still cracked through the caulk (as the latest layer added) in other places (as per photos).

I wondered what filler / product I could use, which would stop this from happening? I thought what I tried already had worked, but it seems after some days these cracks have reappeared.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Sun May 28, 2023 7:44 am

The problem you have is that the ply wood is moving with the heat cold cycles. Even though ply is quite stable it will still shrink and expand enough to cause the cracks. Try not to overfocus on the cracks as to get it right is to rip out the ply and do it properly with a vapour barrier and plasterboard drylining. Have a look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvXtdimV9m0

DWD

tomlangl · Post by **tomlangl** » Sun May 28, 2023 8:52 am

Thanks for reply.
Understood. So all these products such as ‘anti-crack acrlyic’ sealant or wood filler etc won’t prevent the cracks from coming back?

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Sun May 28, 2023 9:13 am

Well, there is always a chance both ways. The filler can of course dry out and crack too, so I think this will be a little like cutting the grass, you know you will be doing ot again. It really depends on how much it is annoying you as to how much effort goes in to sorting it. My thoughts are it is a home office, it is a work place not your sitting room so I think I would do the minimal.

DWD

tomlangl · Post by **tomlangl** » Sun May 28, 2023 9:25 am

Thanks! And what product would you suggest as your minimal? I applied that caulk in the photo and those cracks appeared 2-3 days later… wondering if there is is better (proven) product than that caulk that can deal with the moving parts.

dewaltdisney · Post by **dewaltdisney** » Sun May 28, 2023 9:55 am

I have not used it but Toupret Fibacryl is supposed to be good for high movement cracks. Research on that and see what you think.

DWD