Cracked exterior plaster.

Jalalabad

Hey Guys
The exterior render on the front and side of our house is cracked all over with a whole series of cracks which have a hollow sound underneath. We have had 2 different guys out to look at it. One guy says we need to hack it off and re-do it. the other says a good paint should sort it. I have attached pics and they are this size and appearance all over the wall.
Any advice?

builditwell

Its not immediately clear if this is the structure moving or a render that has let in water and become loose around a poorly plastered area. Can u take photo form a bit further back maybe ?. If it is loose plaster you would need to remove all loose plaster using a bolster and hammer, then repair the area with suitable waterproof plaster in a few coats and float finish to blend in with existing surface. Allow to dry and get a few coats of paint on it. Hope this helps.

TheLastMohican

Yes, a few more pics from further back might shed more light.
However, if the bond has failed it may be due to one or more of the following:
Failure of splatter coat
Scratch coat not sufficiently wetted before floating coat
Scratch coat lighter (less cement) than floating coat
One of the two coats being affected by frost before going off

Jalalabad

Thanks for the replies guys. Will take some better pics and put them up. Looks like it might need to come off so by the sound of things.