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[DianaR]

Many older homes have cracks around the windows and in the walls.

Is this always a sign that the foundation needs work, or is it something that is common when walls are plaster instead of sheet rock?

[KrisNY]

In our living room we have plaster... I know I hate it- The rest of the house is dry-wall. We are going to knock out the plaster and start over in there-- but I'm sure it will make a big mess.

I've been told the foundation is secure. My sig other is a mason and he has checked everything out- the basement is fine. So my guess is it's just plaster gets old and cracks- Looks terrible!

[Moondance]

I bet moisture in the home makes a big difference as well.  We have plaster walls and have the cracks to go with them.  We also have a humidifier on our furnace.

[Lissy]

It is probably because of old plaster, I think everyone who has it for a longer time begins to experience that. Probably nothing to do with the basement.

[Moondance]

There might be a way to make the plaster look as if it's  part of a faux finish.  I just don't know if it is worth taking hte time to create the look or if it's better to just get some joint compound and repair the cracks.

What would you do?

[knight]

In most cases it is a common problem with the walls and not with the foundation. However various factors such as moisture and other low quality materials used in construction can really lead to this problem.

[kitti72]

Plaster will crack over time.  Usually it is due to the house settling.  It can be repaired with compound.  Actually rather than take out the plaster, I would keep it as long as it is insulated properly behind it.  Drywall will also crack, dent, seems can break open and if you have any water problems it also will take on alot of water which can cause mold.  Plaster is a better product.

[joe]

they are common air cracks. you need not worry about that. just you can cover them by giving touch ups if you want to.

[anuch60]

Many older homes have cracks around the windows and in the walls.

Is this always a sign that the foundation needs work, or is it something that is common when walls are plaster instead of sheet rock?

The cracks around the window is a sign that the lintels above the windows are not transferring the load to the walls as they should. Cracks in plaster or on walls can also be result of temperature stresses over the years. Try and cover the walls with an elastomeric paint from the outside. These are sufficient to cover most cracks, unless the failure is structural