ᐅ Interior plaster with or without mesh – Can it develop without cracks?

Hello everyone,

In my construction specification, under interior plaster it says: "Note: Hairline cracks in the plaster can occur according to DIN standards in new buildings and are therefore not considered a construction defect."

My grandfather suggested that the developer might avoid embedding reinforcing mesh in the plaster to reduce costs, which would result in more cracks, and this note is included as a kind of disclaimer. If reinforcing mesh were embedded, would hairline cracks not occur?

What is common practice nowadays? What is advisable?

By the way, a smooth machine-applied gypsum plaster will be used.

PS: The same note appears for the exterior plaster. However, I strongly assume that reinforcing mesh is used there (since an ETICS with mineral wool insulation is being applied).

Best regards,
Dennis

What quality level are we talking about?

For Q2, it means the surface is ready for wallpapering or painting. If you don’t apply wallpaper, you will likely see hairline cracks.

If you want everything reinforced, you can probably upgrade to a higher quality level for an additional cost.

Otherwise, you have to accept hairline cracks.

Your building specification reflects the price of your house. Basically, you can order upgrades almost everywhere. However, it might be worth considering from the start whether it makes more sense to choose a builder who charges more but delivers better quality features.

Oh, Q2, but I’ve been told that with gypsum plaster there’s not much difference compared to Q3, so you could basically paint over it right away.

I don’t quite understand the relationship between the quality level and reinforcement. Is Q3 always applied with reinforcing mesh?

I know I can order upgrades everywhere. The question is just whether it makes sense.
Why should I change the construction phase (BU) right away?

For interior walls, mesh plaster is never used; anything else is considered outdated and not standard practice. You will have to accept small cracks, as nearly all new buildings experience them nowadays. If larger cracks occur, they must be repaired afterwards.