filling gaps

10 years ago

I have a number of spots where the shifting of walls and woodwork over many years (1837) have left various sized gaps. My current project is an upstairs hallway where a window frame was installed at some time right up against a corner, with a piece of wood trim installed against the adjacent wall. Someone had filled it with plaster and painted over it, but the paint eventually cracked. I'm not sure if the crack is changing or not, but I need to fill it anyway.
I varies in width from about 1/2 inch at the top, to nothing below the chair rail.
I'm thinking plaster won't stick well to wood and will crack in time, and the crack is too wide for caulking. I need to be able to smooth it and paint it to match the trim.
The dark line to the left of the crack is where I scraped off some loose paint, but that's another post. I put my hand there for scale.
Is wood filler a good choice? epoxy? spray foam that dries hard?

Comments (7)

Saypoint zone 6 CT
Original Author
10 years ago
Another shot showing the relationship of the window casing and piece of wood on the adjacent wall.
renovator8
10 years ago
This is what paintable sealand and caulking is for.
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renovator8
10 years ago
This is what paintable sealand and caulking is for.
Saypoint zone 6 CT
Original Author
10 years ago
I should have mentioned that the gap is over two inches deep.
akamainegrower
10 years ago
You need something that will flex wthout cracking so a paintable caulk is probably the best choice. For cracks as wide and deep as these, however, you need to install backer rod before caulking. This should be available at most places tat sell caulk.
Saypoint zone 6 CT
Original Author
10 years ago
thanks. I was just wondering if it would be better to use a strip of wood or something, but getting a tight fit would be difficult without the proper tools.
I do have some of the extruded foam caulk backer.
energy_rater_la
10 years ago
use the backer rod & caulk it will move
as the wood expands & contracts.

using a strip of wood would cause more
problems when the frame/trim expands & contracts.

purchase a good caulk with a long life.
like Dap's Alex brand, 25-50 year life
water clean up, paintable.

best of luck.