External cracks in render, how best to fill them. Ask your questions and find answers on many subjects relating to plastering and dry lining

[lofi]

Hi, my house has a number of cracks in the render, it should be lime render because the house is pretty old, but it looks like at least in the majority of cracks that the render is cement and the walls may have a combination of lime render and patched cement render. The cracks appear to be due to the house expanding/contracting with temperature as it's clay lump construction under the render. Should I fill the cracks with lime render or cement render? The sides of the cracks are very solid so it doesn't appear that anything needs hacking away.

[stoneyboy]

Hi lofi,
Clearly attempts have been made to fill the cracks in the past so you are unlikely to have much success with a hard product like render mix. Suggest you use flexible external decorators filler and accept that it will occasionally need redoing.
Regards S