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Cracks may appear in the walls due to moisture problems. Resurfacing this surface requires some do-it-yourself skills to cover the widening gap. With this guide, the ceiling or any other surface in the room will look smooth and without imperfections.
Cracks in walls can be worrisome if not repaired. To do this you do not need a mason but basic DIY knowledge to fill the holes. For a good seal, you need to follow this step-by-step tutorial.
Repairing cracks requires a sense of observation.
Before proceeding with the repair, it is necessary to carefully analyse the extent of the damage when cracks appear. And for good reason, a problem that requires wall repair is not trivial. Filling the hole with putty is not a long-term solution to repair a cracked surface. It is important to know why the cracks appeared and to understand their origin. Understanding where the waterproofing failure stems from, instead of mechanically applying a layer of plaster, will serve to improve the strength of the walls and avoid these problems. Taking care of our home makes us feel better. Some storage tips can quickly clear your head.
Several cracks in the walls.
Several cracks in the walls – Source: Bob Vila
Solving cracking problems depends on several factors
When you want to proceed with crack treatment, you have to look at the particularities of cracks. And for good reason, depending on whether they are on the outside or the inside, visible cracks will need different repairs. It is also necessary to take into account the size of these holes, but also their depth. These elements influence the filling and repair needed to smooth the wall.
How do you know if the wall has dangerous cracks?
As explained above, in order to fill these voids that may be due to water infiltration, several particularities such as size or depth must be taken into account. It is also important to understand the severity of this hole in the wall because there are different types of cracks. Micro-cracks are superficial and measure less than 0.2 millimetres wide. Although they can be harmless, it is important to monitor them if they have appeared recently. The second category includes small cracks between 0.2 and 2 millimetres wide. Attention must be paid to these because they may be caused by intrinsic damage to the house. In this case, professional intervention is required. The size of the cracks, also known as crevices, is greater than 2 millimetres and is symptomatic of a structural problem such as a building or foundation failure. And for good reason, this hole can deteriorate the strength of a roof or wall.
repainting a wall
Repainting a wall – Source: The Spruce
It is essential to keep an eye out for cracks in walls.
Covering a cracked wall should precede the assessment of the hole’s danger. Hiding the latter is not enough because fixing it without analysing the underlying reasons is a time bomb. And for good reason, even small visible cracks can be the result of a serious cause, even if repaired. When they exceed 0.2 millimetres, they can potentially turn into cracks. In this case, it will be necessary to anticipate by seeking advice and repair from a construction professional. And for good reason, these large cracks can cause the substrate to collapse. Sometimes it is mould that damages them. Fortunately, it is possible to get rid of them with various techniques.
How are cracks in ceilings and walls assessed?
During a specialist’s intervention, you start by analysing the severity of the cracks in the ceiling or wall. You will use tools such as a plaster holder to measure the depth of the hole. You can also analyse this with a graduated crack gauge to measure the width of the crack . The construction professional can also use a sample cup for the same purpose. It is thanks to these devices that the expert will be able to know whether a repair will be necessary.
sealing cracks
How to fill a plaster wall?
Walls with this material are generally found inside homes. The cracks that can damage them are usually superficial. Fortunately, cracking can be stopped with DIY knowledge and the right tools. To do this, you will need a paintbrush, a scraper, sandpaper and a cartridge of putty. The first step is to enlarge the hole with the scraper. . Then use the brush to clean the plaster residue and sand the sides with the inside of the crack. Now it is time to use putty to fill the gap and wait for it to dry. Use the sandpaper to sand the wall or ceiling. For a more aesthetic appearance, it should be repainted white or the colour of your choice. Magic, isn’t it?
My wall is made of concrete: how can I repair it?
This more fragile wall material requires more extensive repair work. If the crack is superficial and shallow, you can plug the hole in the wall by equipping yourself with the essential tools for this action. Putty, which you can easily find in DIY shops, can seal the space and make it disappear if the width is not very wide. Shaving or finishing smoothes the wall before painting or wallpapering it. You can use a squeegee to make it easier. It is important to observe the drying times indicated on the packaging.
What types of cladding are available?
There are different types of coatings available on the market for effectively sealing a crack in a wall. When a wall starts to crack, you can choose powder or paste. The former is suitable for larger cracks, while the latter has the advantage of being longer lasting and ready to use. On the other hand, it acts sporadically against surface cracks. If you have a layer of powder, read the packaging carefully to find out how much water you should mix this DIY product with. Then it should be poured into a medium container for mixing. The preparation should be smooth and homogeneous. The final touch is to work the spatula into this liquid and seal the crack. Remove the excess with the tool and just let it dry. When your siding is ready for use, it will be easier for you to repair the opening cracks. Whether vertical or horizontal, these holes must be filled with the coating, which requires no prior preparation. Apply this clay product on a spatula that you will spread over a surface that extends beyond the grooves. Make sure that the liquid fills the latter by passing the tool several times. Once dry, you will need to sand to remove residue and give the paste time to dry. After these actions, the wall will be sealed again and the potential damage from the small crack will be eliminated!
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