A home requires constant maintenance and a variety of care, especially when it comes to infrastructure and avoiding serious construction problems. In this sense, it's important to pay attention to the appearance of cracks in walls.
Since handling this type of demand requires thorough preparation, this post will cover some essential knowledge you and your clients need. We'll also share tips that can help you deal with this situation.
Read on to better understand the main causes of cracks in walls, their risks, and how to correct these defects!
Cracks are any type of extensive, visible damage to a wall surface, less than 0.5 mm thick. They are a common defect in many solid structures and can result from various forms of pressure or natural wear. Cracks are not necessarily serious, as many of them are present only in the coating layer and do not represent structural damage.
It's also important to differentiate fissures from cracks and splits. While fissures are less than 0.5 mm thick, cracks represent more severe damage, ranging from 0.5 mm to 3 mm thick. In many cases, this leads to the complete separation of a section, compromising the safety of the property.
In the case of cracks, the defect is even larger, with a thickness of 3 mm or more. In these cases, the risk of rupture and wear to the infrastructure is greater, potentially resulting in the closure of the property.
There are many possible causes of cracks in walls. Understanding their origin is the first step to ensuring proper repair. Here are some of the main examples.
All materials expand and contract based on changes in ambient temperature, whether caused by natural climate changes or the action of nearby equipment. Therefore, it's natural for cracks to occur due to the thermal expansion of the structure.
Because they're common and difficult to prevent, these cracks require regular attention. Once the problem is identified, it's important to perform the necessary maintenance before the crack becomes a structural problem.
Especially in buildings, cracks result from excessive load on the structure of the property. This is the case, for example, when installing swimming pools or heavy equipment in areas not designed to support this extra weight, or when debris accumulates under the walls. tiles.
Cracks caused by overloading are quite serious, as they reduce the structure's load-bearing capacity. This leads to further cracking—or even splitting—which can lead to structural damage. To avoid complications, it's crucial to remove excess load as soon as possible.
A property's foundation is the base on which all its weight rests. However, there are cases where the ground wasn't properly laid, or some shift in the location causes it to begin to sag. When this occurs, the foundation becomes uneven, potentially causing cracks.
These cases become more complex when differential settlement occurs, when parts of the building are affected differently. It is in these contexts that the most serious fissures, or even cracks, occur. If the settlement is uniform, the structure itself is not damaged, but there may be problems with the piping and electrical network.
As mentioned, cracks are a natural occurrence in any property, resulting from wear and tear over time. However, they become more frequent when the building doesn't receive the necessary regular maintenance. The problem is that, over time, these minor damages resulting from the property's use can lead to more serious defects.
This does not just apply to maintenance on masonry or slab, but also the entire infrastructure of the property. In fact, problems with the plumbing or electrical system can also cause more serious problems if not properly monitored.
Cracks can occur in different ways and for different reasons. See below for their classification.
These are cracks that extend from the top of the building to the bottom. In some cases, they can extend from the ceiling to the floor, but they rarely extend beyond a single floor.
This type of crack is common and usually quite superficial, posing little risk. In many cases, vertical cracks are the result of problems with the mortar or paint application.
Similarly, you'll find horizontal cracks in walls. They're most common in the upper area, near the wall-ceiling divide. Like vertical cracks, they don't usually present serious structural problems.
If the crack is small and superficial, basic maintenance is sufficient to seal it. However, if the damage is larger or deeper, it's necessary to determine whether there is a structural problem.
Diagonal cracks require more attention. They can indicate overloading issues, infrastructure fitting failures, and other more complex situations that can lead to more serious defects.
You find these cracks near windows, doors, steel angles and other similar areas where wall stress is greatest. It's important to be extra careful if these cracks—in more severe cases, fissures and splits—appear in other areas, extending from one corner of the wall to the other, as the damage may be deeper.
These cracks are located in key structural components, such as pillars or support beams. Naturally, cracks in these areas of the building are more serious, as they affect its stability and support. In other words, there's a real risk to the building's structure, especially when there's a crack or split.
Cracks can be the result of a problem in the property's construction itself, which requires more attention. However, they can also appear due to natural wear and tear. It's important to recognize this difference so you know how to properly handle the situation.
In the case of superficial cracks, which do not present structural damage, the primary risk is accelerated wear and tear. Even if only the coating is damaged, the crack allows the entry of more moisture, fungi, and other corrosive substances, which can lead to severe damage to the infrastructure.
Deeper cracks require even more attention, as they reduce the property's load-bearing capacity. In these cases, it's essential to seek professional help as soon as possible to make the necessary repairs. Without proper measures, the home or property could pose a safety risk.
There are efficient tools and procedures in civil construction to deal with cracks in walls. Below, we show you the steps to follow to repair this damage.
The first step in maintaining walls with cracks is cleaning. It's important to remove any dust, debris, paint, or other substances from the crack before proceeding. Additionally, the area must be thoroughly dried to prevent air bubbles and moisture buildup.
After proper cleaning, it's time to fill the damaged wall. You can apply mortar or other sealing materials, depending on the type of property or structure.
The shallower the crack, the simpler the process. For deeper cracks, it may be necessary to reapply concrete or cement for a complete restoration.
To prevent the crack from propagating or reappearing, a good alternative is to reinforce the wall with a crack-sealing mesh. This is a steel mesh that covers the crack, helping to withstand the stress that caused the failure in the wall surface.
The idea behind the crack sealing screen is to minimize potential long-term damage, especially that related to temperature fluctuations. However, keep in mind that the screen is not a substitute for more thorough repairs, especially if the cause of the crack is structural.
Once the crack has been completely filled and, where applicable, reinforced with a crack sealant, the next step is to finish the entire surface and make it flush with the rest of the wall. Simply use sandpaper to remove excess filler and then remove dust with a cloth.
The sanding and finishing step is important for:
To ensure your wall is more secure against future cracks, you can add reinforcement to its structure. This minimizes the chances of new damage occurring and compromising the results of your maintenance.
It is common to use reinforcements of steel in civil construction, as this material is flexible and lightweight, making it more resistant to cracks. Furthermore, reinforcing the wall with a steel frame is durable.
Regardless of the cause or severity of wall cracks, it's important to be well-prepared to deal with the situation. Here are some essential precautions to take.
The first step to solving any engineering problem is understanding its nature and, above all, its cause. The same applies to cracks in a building: when you don't clearly understand the source of the defect, it becomes more difficult to choose the right actions to correct the problem and prevent it from recurring.
Therefore, it's essential to have the necessary knowledge to assess the property and identify the source of the problem—whether it's overloading, a structural defect, improper application of materials, or any other situation. Without proper preparation, you could waste time or even increase the risk of new cracks in the wall.
Another important role of a specialized professional is to identify the right solution for each problem. Once the root cause of the cracks in the property is identified, it's much easier to establish an action plan to correct them, taking into account the potential long-term consequences of the situation.
Depending on the depth of the crack, more elaborate renovations may be necessary, reinforcing the property's infrastructure or correcting design and construction errors. On the other hand, if the problem is simpler, the solution can be implemented efficiently in a short time, avoiding restricting access to the home.
Another aspect worth highlighting is how adequate knowledge helps you choose the right tools and materials for repairs. After all, using low-quality materials is one of the main causes of infrastructure problems in any property.
With this knowledge at your disposal, you have a more solid foundation when planning different aspects of the project. For example, you can create a budget more accurate and in advance.
Finally, it's essential to have the necessary training to review the results after the repairs are complete. This will allow you to assess whether the problem was resolved satisfactorily and identify any potential areas for attention.
Renovation review is essential to avoid serious long-term problems. This way, you won't have to deal with defects and errors that could go unnoticed, which is crucial for maintaining the comfort and safety of any type of structure.
Now you understand more precisely the main causes of wall cracks and what to do about them. With the right tools and knowledge, you'll be able to solve these problems safely and efficiently, minimizing negative impacts on residents or property users.
Was this information helpful to you? Then follow Grupo Aço Cearense on social media! We're on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
EN 
PT_BR 
