Hello everyone,
I have inherited an apartment from the 1960s. Some rooms have relatively large plastic window sashes, some about 180cm (71 inches) wide, which were replaced around 10 years ago. While clearing out the apartment, I noticed cracks in the plaster on the ceiling near some windows, see photos. I understand that plastic windows expand and contract depending on temperature and likely also move under wind loads.... BUT: when pressing outward against the top of the window frame, it can be moved a few millimeters, approximately the width of the cracks. To me, this feels like the window frame was not installed correctly – or is this normal, and the connection between the frame and ceiling plaster just needs to be flexible? Since the apartment is going to be sold, I would appreciate an assessment of how serious this issue might be and how it can be professionally fixed.
I have inherited an apartment from the 1960s. Some rooms have relatively large plastic window sashes, some about 180cm (71 inches) wide, which were replaced around 10 years ago. While clearing out the apartment, I noticed cracks in the plaster on the ceiling near some windows, see photos. I understand that plastic windows expand and contract depending on temperature and likely also move under wind loads.... BUT: when pressing outward against the top of the window frame, it can be moved a few millimeters, approximately the width of the cracks. To me, this feels like the window frame was not installed correctly – or is this normal, and the connection between the frame and ceiling plaster just needs to be flexible? Since the apartment is going to be sold, I would appreciate an assessment of how serious this issue might be and how it can be professionally fixed.
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Benutzer20030 Nov 2021 11:14Jann St schrieb:
Well, we have a thermally induced component shrinkage.I don’t disagree with that either.But the damage pattern doesn’t look like normal movement. From a distance, I would rather say these are poorly fixed windows, where the frame visibly flexes when the window is slammed shut. Especially in picture 1.
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hampshire30 Nov 2021 13:12If some movement in the window would be normal (which I cannot assess), the cracks would suggest the use of a rigid material in a place where a more flexible material would be appropriate.
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k-man202130 Nov 2021 19:29Thanks for the responses, which fit the installation situation very well. The apartment is on the 4th floor, southwest side, meaning the sun shines directly on the windows during summer. Additionally, this is the windward side, so wind loads can be high at times.
I think when the apartment is repainted, the painter can repair the cracks and seal the joint between the plaster and the window with silicone. Until then, I will check if the frame’s fastening screws on the sides are secure. Overall, the effort should be manageable.
Thank you very much, you have been a great help!
I think when the apartment is repainted, the painter can repair the cracks and seal the joint between the plaster and the window with silicone. Until then, I will check if the frame’s fastening screws on the sides are secure. Overall, the effort should be manageable.
Thank you very much, you have been a great help!
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