Cover the crack with either mesh joint tape or joint compound and paper tape, followed by a thin layer of joint compound, extending about 2 inches on each side of the tape. Some cracks are just annoyances, while others are symptoms of a larger problem – and with a little bit of know-how, you can tell the difference. The first step to repair cracks in walls made of drywall is to use a utility knife to widen the crack slightly. 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.
But when water—not just moisture—actually seeps through a crack, it poses an increased risk of Although many larger cracks may still turn out to be harmless, it’s a good idea to have a foundation contractor or a structural engineer inspect the foundation to check for structural problems. Repairing a foundation crack of this nature is similar to repairing other non-structural cracks: Fill it with a caulk suitable for use on concrete. Robert J Benham
The cracks in your walls form for a reason. Apply a second coat of joint compound, feathered approximately 6 to 7 inches on either side of the crack. Therefore filling the crack with a mastic or sealastic compound is recommended.However, for more severe cracking it is advisable to form an expansion joint. If you can fit a dime into the crack in the wall, get a professional opinion from a foundation contractor. Your comments are very helpfulGopal Mishra is a Civil Engineer from NIT Calicut and has more than 10 years of experience in Civil Engineering and Construction.
I think you may get a more positive response if you place your question on the home page.Many thanks for your response. Each has several serious cracks all of which follow the lines of pointing. The severity and age of these cracks would decide whether simple repointing would suffice until the window is replaced.In some properties no lintels are provided relying on the timber frame of the window to support the masonry above, but once the window is replaced the cracks occur.New lintels need to be installed and the cracks repaired.Wall ties are metal ties that are built into both solid and cavity walls built in stretcher bond to hold the outside skin of brickwork to the inside. The epoxy will make a watertight seal in the crack. Allow to dry. If you’d like to cover them, apply a coat of paint suitable for masonry, such as INSL-X TuffCrete Acrylic Paint (available from When you notice a new crack that’s not hairline but still no wider than 1/8-inch, it’s probably due to settling and most likely it doesn’t present a problem—unless it continues to expand. Hide the holes and original crack with a coat of joint compound. Whether found in drywall, plaster or concrete, a crack in a wall is an eyesore. Immediately attach plaster rings with a drill to pull the plaster tight against the wall. Recently I noticed that my garden and along my concrete fence wall has become waterlogged. If the tape is lifting in multiple areas, however, your best bet is to re-tape all the seams because the problem will continue to recur.Water leaking from a window or the roof, or even a leaky attic water line, can run down inside a wall’s framing and saturate the drywall, which then softens and deteriorates, creating a crack with noticeable yellow or brownish stains. However, specialist advice from a structural engineer will be required.The pattern of crack is similar to subsidence crack, however, the crack will be widest at the base of the wall. Cover with tape and joint compound, as outlined previously, to achieve a smooth wall.Concrete walls, especially in a foundation, are load-bearing walls. However, once again repointing will suffice until the window or door is replaced.This often occurs above first floor lintels where the roof purlins have been installed directly above the window openings. The other causes of movement and cracking are due to poor design, poor construction methods, or poor maintenance.Walls are affected by temperature and moisture change.