Welcome to Brockley Builders, your trusted partner in London for all your construction and renovation needs. Today, we will delve into the intricate process of repairing non-structural cracks in walls, including whether painting over the crack will effectively repair it. Addressing wall cracks can significantly enhance the appearance and stability of your home, preventing further damage and increasing property value. Let's get started!
Tasks Involved in Repairing Non-Structural Cracks:
Before initiating any work, our skilled team will conduct a thorough on-site assessment to evaluate the condition of your walls and ensure that the repair process meets your needs and expectations.
Site Assessment and Safety Precautions: Before starting any work, our skilled team will conduct a thorough on-site assessment to evaluate the condition of your walls and ensure safety. This step ensures that all underlying issues are identified and addressed before the repair process begins.
Cleaning the Cracks: The cracks need to be cleaned thoroughly to remove any loose debris, dirt, or old paint. This step is crucial to ensure that the repair materials adhere properly to the wall.
Repairing the Cracks: The actual repair process involves filling the cracks with appropriate filler or plaster. For small cracks, a simple filler may suffice, while larger cracks might require multiple layers of plaster.
Sanding and Smoothing: Once the filler or plaster has dried, the area is sanded to create a smooth, even surface. This step is essential for ensuring that the repaired area blends seamlessly with the surrounding wall.
Priming and Painting: After the repair is complete, the area is primed and then painted to match the rest of the wall. It is important to note that simply painting over a crack will not repair it; proper filling and sanding are required to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Potential Problems and Challenges:
Underlying Issues: Cracks can sometimes indicate underlying issues, such as settling or moisture problems. It is essential to address these root causes to prevent future cracks.
Matching Paint and Texture: Ensuring that the repaired area matches the existing wall in terms of paint color and texture can be challenging and requires careful selection and application of materials.
Quality of Repair Materials: Using low-quality fillers or plaster can result in poor adhesion and future cracking. High-quality materials are essential for a long-lasting repair.
Permissions and Building Regulations:
Generally, repairing non-structural cracks in walls does not require planning permission or building regulations approval. However, if your property is a listed building or located in a conservation area, you might need to comply with certain regulations.
Repairing Non-Structural Cracks Costs in London:
Professional Fees: This includes labor costs for the skilled team at Brockley Builders, project management, and any additional expertise required for the job. The professional fees could range from £100 to £500 depending on the size and complexity of the project.
Materials: The cost of fillers, plaster, primer, and paint varies based on the quality and brand of the materials chosen. On average, you can expect to pay between £20 and £100 for high-quality repair materials.
Additional Supplies: This includes sandpaper, brushes, and other tools necessary for the repair process. These costs typically range from £10 to £50.
Waste Disposal: The cost of removing and disposing of debris generated during the process can be approximately £20 to £50.
Overall, the total cost for repairing non-structural cracks in walls in London could be around £150 to £700.
Please remember that these are general estimates, and the actual cost may be higher or lower based on the complexity of the project, the size of the area, and any unforeseen issues that may arise during the repair process.
It's advisable to request a detailed quote from Brockley Builders for a precise assessment of the costs involved in your specific case. Categorizing Wall Cracks
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) in their BRE Digest 251 "Assessment of Cracks in Houses" identifies six categories of cracks and provides recommendations for repairs. Here’s a summary:
Damage Category | Description | Typical Crack Width | Repair Ease |
0 | Hairline cracks (<0.1mm). | No action required. | |
1 | Fine cracks easily treated with normal decoration. | Up to 1mm. | Simple. |
2 | Cracks easily filled; may need some external repointing. | Up to 5mm. | Moderate. |
3 | Cracks requiring some opening up and patching. | 5 to 15mm. | Considerable. |
4 | Extensive damage needing wall section replacement. | 15 to 25mm. | Major. |
5 | Severe structural damage needing major repairs or rebuilding. | >25mm. | Extensive. |
Cracks in categories 0, 1, and 2 generally require simple redecoration. Categories 3 and 4 need more significant repairs, while category 5 requires urgent professional intervention.
Important Considerations
When consulting a contractor, they will need to know:
How long the cracks have been present.
Whether the cracks are widening.
If the number of cracks is increasing.
Monitoring cracks over time, noting new appearances, and measuring changes is crucial. Draw a pencil line across a crack to track its progression.
Competent at DIY? Heres the Materials Needed to Repair Non-Structural Cracks in Walls and Tips to get a Great Repair.
Repairing non-structural cracks in walls is essential for maintaining the aesthetic appearance and overall health of your home. These cracks, often caused by settling, thermal expansion, or minor shrinkage of construction materials, typically do not affect the structural integrity of the building. Here’s a detailed guide on the materials you'll need to repair non-structural cracks in both internal and external walls.
Internal Wall non-Structural Crack Repair Materials
1. Filler Compounds
Toupret Interior Filler
Description: A versatile filler for interior cracks, providing excellent adhesion and a smooth finish.
Usage: Suitable for plaster, drywall, and other internal surfaces. Ideal for fine cracks and minor damage.
Knauf EasyFill 60
Description: Easy-to-mix and apply filler, perfect for repairing plasterboard joints and internal cracks.
Usage: Dries quickly and sands easily, making it ideal for creating a smooth surface ready for painting.
2. Sandpaper or Sanding Sponge
Grit Options: Typically, 120 to 220 grit sandpaper or a fine sanding sponge.
Usage: For smoothing the filled area to ensure a seamless blend with the surrounding wall surface.
3. Putty Knife or Filling Knife
Description: Tools used to apply filler into the cracks.
Material Options: Stainless steel or plastic.
Usage: Ensures even application and smooth filling of the cracks.
4. Primer
Description: Seals the repaired area before painting.
Brand Examples: Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer, Dulux Trade Quick Drying Primer.
Usage: Ensures the filler adheres properly to the wall and provides a good base for the topcoat of paint.
5. Paint
Description: The final touch to match the repaired area with the rest of the wall.
Brand Examples: Dulux, Farrow & Ball, Crown.
Usage: Apply after the primer has dried to achieve a uniform appearance.
External Wall non-Structural Crack Repair Materials
1. Exterior Filler Compounds
Toupret Touprelex Exterior Masonry Repair Filler
Description: High-performance filler designed for external masonry repairs.
Usage: Weather-resistant and provides excellent adhesion, suitable for brick, stone, and concrete surfaces.
Knauf Exterior Filler
Description: Durable filler for exterior use, offering a smooth finish suitable for painting.
Usage: Ideal for repairing cracks and gaps in external walls.
2. Masonry Repair Mortar
Sika MonoTop or Remmers Betofix
Description: High-strength repair mortar for more extensive non-structural cracks.
Usage: Provides durability and weather resistance, ideal for larger cracks and damaged areas.
3. Sandpaper or Wire Brush
Description: For preparing the surface before applying filler.
Usage: Removes loose debris, old paint, and ensures the surface is clean for better filler adhesion.
4. Trowel or Putty Knife
Description: Used for applying the exterior filler or mortar.
Material Options: Stainless steel or plastic.
Usage: Ensures smooth and even application, essential for achieving a professional finish.
5. Primer and Paint
Description: To protect the repaired area and ensure it blends with the rest of the wall.
Primer: Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Plus Primer, designed for exterior surfaces.
Paint: Weather-resistant exterior paint from brands like Dulux Weathershield, Sandtex, or Johnstone’s.
Usage: Apply primer first, followed by the paint to match the existing wall color and provide additional protection against the elements.
images from-https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-Wall-Cracks
Steps for Repairing Non-Structural Cracks
Preparation:
Clean the cracked area to remove dust, debris, and any loose material.
For external walls, use a wire brush to clean the surface thoroughly.
Application of Filler:
Mix the filler compound as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Use a putty knife or trowel to apply the filler into the crack, ensuring it is fully filled.
Smooth the surface with the knife or trowel, removing any excess filler.
Sanding:
Once the filler is completely dry, sand the area to achieve a smooth, even surface.
Use finer grit sandpaper for interior walls and coarser grit for exterior surfaces if needed.
Priming:
Apply a primer to the repaired area to seal the filler and prepare it for painting.
Allow the primer to dry as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Painting:
Paint the repaired area to match the surrounding wall.
Apply multiple coats if necessary, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
By using these materials and following the proper steps, you can effectively repair non-structural cracks in your walls, ensuring a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish.
FAQs about Repairing Non-Structural Cracks Service in London
What is involved in repairing non-structural cracks in walls?
Repairing non-structural cracks involves cleaning the cracks, filling them with appropriate filler or plaster, sanding to create a smooth surface, and then priming and painting to match the existing wall.
Why would I want to repair non-structural cracks?
Repairing non-structural cracks can improve the appearance of your walls, prevent further damage, and increase the value of your home.
How much does repairing non-structural cracks cost?
The cost of repairing non-structural cracks varies depending on factors such as the size of the cracks, the quality of repair materials used, and the complexity of the job. On average, you can expect to pay between £150 and £700.
Do I need planning permission to repair non-structural cracks in walls?
In most cases, you won't need planning permission to repair non-structural cracks. However, if your property is a listed building or located in a conservation area, you may need to comply with specific regulations.
How long does repairing non-structural cracks take?
The time it takes to repair non-structural cracks depends on factors such as the size of the cracks and the complexity of the job. On average, it takes between 1 to 3 days to complete the repair process.
Can I repair non-structural cracks myself?
While it is possible to repair non-structural cracks yourself, it can be challenging and requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Hiring a professional service ensures the job is done safely and efficiently.
Will painting over the crack repair it?
No, simply painting over a crack will not repair it. Proper filling, sanding, and priming are required to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Will repairing non-structural cracks affect the structural integrity of my home?
Repairing non-structural cracks should not affect the structural integrity of your home when done correctly. It is essential to address any underlying issues and use high-quality materials for a long-lasting repair.
Conclusion
Repairing non-structural cracks in walls is a routine task that can typically be completed within a day. By using the right materials and following the proper steps, you can ensure your walls are restored to their original condition, both aesthetically and functionally.
If you have any cracks in your walls that need attention, get in touch with us. We perform these repairs all the time and are ready to help you achieve a flawless finish quickly and efficiently.
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