Ever looked at your building and wondered why you have so many cracks? Or, how many cracks constitute as “bad” or “damage”. Well this article should help you identify and establish the severity of the cracks on your home or business.
Cracks and Water Seepage:
First of all, let me explain why cracks can be bad. Cracks on the exterior walls of your house or building can actually allow water or dew to seep through and enter your wall. Usually, if it’s a well ventilated and open area this moisture tends to dry up, however over time this can be problematic. Horizontal surfaces such as ledges, window sills and parapet walls are generally more affected by penetrating damp.
However, a high concentration of plaster cracking even shallow can contribute to considerable penetrating damp and the resultant damp damage on adjacent interior surfaces. The cost of leaving cracking unattended for too long is well in excess of the cost repairs and maintenance required for prevention.
Generally speaking, consistent periodic efforts exterior surface maintenance such as wall preparation and painting, parapet waterproofing, window sealing etc. would attend to most of these generally minor issues before they could become a major problem
Structural Cracks
These cracks tend to open quite wide, usually due to excess movement and loss of stability. This generally indicates structural movement, and often, your building or home will need major structural repairs and underpinning. You should call a professional to assess and assist.
Now its not all doom and gloom, if you notice some hairline cracks here and there, that is okay. Generally speaking, they too small to create any issues and can get filled easily the next time you paint. If you need more information, or need a professional to assist you with maintenance to your building or home, give us a call. We are here to help. Visit our commercial painting section at dampcon.com/exterior-painters or our residential painting section at dampcon.co.za/house-painters to find out more.
