Cracked Wall Repairs

Seeing cracks in your walls can be a real concern. Depending on the type, width and extent of the cracks, they can signal anything from a small cosmetic problem that can be easily fixed with a bit of filler and a lick of paint to more serious structural damage. In some cases, you might have to relocate your family and take on expensive structural repairs in order to keep the integrity of your home intact. The good news is that if you spot the signs of cracks early, you can reduce their severity and prevent further issues.

The most common cracked wall repairs are due to a house settling or the soil under the property shifting. They can also be caused by vibrations, such as those from machinery or heavy traffic. These types of cracks tend to radiate out from a central point, often creating the appearance of steps moving up your wall. They can also cause doors and windows to become misaligned.

A professional structural engineer can help you assess the extent of any cracking and recommend the best course of action. Typically, if the cracks are wide and extend up to your roof or ceiling, this is an indication that you have a significant structural problem and you should consider getting it checked out by an expert.

If you have drywall, plaster or concrete walls, repairing cracks is relatively straightforward. For drywall cracks, use a utility knife to cut a V-shaped notch into the length of the crack. Then, vacuum off loose material and wipe down the wall. Then, spread a thin layer of joint compound over the crack, taking care to feather it out past the edges of the crack to produce a smooth surface. Allow the joint compound to dry completely and lightly sand it, if necessary.

Repairing cracks in plaster walls requires a little more work, as the cracks may not extend as far as those in drywall. Tape a strip of mesh tape or paper tape over the crack, then apply a thin layer of joint compound to it, feathering the edges out past the crack to produce a smooth wall surface. Once the compound has dried, lightly sand it and paint.

Lastly, you can repair cracks in concrete walls by injecting epoxy. Start by drilling holes with a 3/16-inch masonry bit that will penetrate the plaster but not the wood lath every three inches along the length of the crack. Vacuum away any dust and dirt from the holes and then spray the adhesive conditioner as per the product instructions. Then, inject the epoxy, taking care to ensure that it reaches the bottom of each hole.

Wall cracks can be extremely concerning, but the good news is that with the right advice and early intervention you can avoid them. So take the time to inspect your walls regularly, document any damage with photographs and a ruler for reference, and call in the experts as soon as you see signs of cracking.

Precise Restumping & Underpinning successfully maintains a reputation for delivering quality, reliable and sound services to clients all over New South Wales, with a licensed builder that personally oversee all work.