It’s quite common for cracks to appear in the façade of a building. They often form a few months after laying the foundation, as the structure stabilizes. In most cases, these cracks measure between 0.2 and 2 mm and only affect the aesthetics of the façade.
Cracks larger than 2 mm can cause problems and even affect the stability of the building. Therefore, it’s important to address cracks in the façade promptly. Find out how!
Assess the crack
Before repairing a crack in your façade, you’ll need to determine its source. The crack may be caused by a problem with the waterproofing or stability of the building.
If the damage to the façade seems to stem from the foundation, we recommend having a specialist inspect the building. The Foundation Crack Expert Group carries out many inspections every year to determine whether cracks are related to problems with the foundation. We provide foundation repair services that will correct the problem, preventing new cracks in the façade and their associated costs.
Types of cracks
After assessing the potential causes of the crack in your façade, you’ll need to repair it.
Start by determining what type of crack it is. An active crack tends to grow over time and needs to be repaired. These types of cracks are often located at wall junctions. On the other hand, dormant cracks are stable and don’t move or grow. Internal cracks less than 0.5 mm wide can be left alone.
Cracks should be repaired promptly in order to prevent water infiltration. Rest assured that cracks are unlikely to cause parts of the wall to collapse unless they have been there for a long time and form an outline around a part of the wall that is no longer fully attached.
Which product to use
The product used to repair the crack should be selected based on the kind of material used to build the façade, the size and type of crack, and the siding. You should always follow the product’s instructions and terms of use.
Polyurethane and epoxy are the main products used to seal cracks. The first is an effective solution for waterproofing cracks in concrete. The second has a much higher resistance, but is primarily used for large structures such as bridges, tunnels and dams.
For the façade of a house, we recommend using polyurethane foam, which is very sticky and insulates well.
Steps for repairing a crack in the façade
In order to effectively repair a crack, the first step is opening and cleaning the gap. That means that any debris and loose bits of wall will need to be cleared away.
Gently apply the product or sealant to the crack using a foam gun, then smooth it out with a sponge to avoid drips.
Don’t hesitate to reinforce the crack to prevent it from reappearing. Let the foam cure, then add another coat in case of shrinkage.
Finally, replace the siding for a nice finish.
Want to crack down on your cracks? Give us a call!
Cracks in the façade rarely require emergency intervention to repair, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them. Proper crack repair requires a good understanding of foundations and the different types of cracks, so it’s best to entrust the work to a professional to make sure your façade stays in good shape.
If you want help with your crack repair, don’t hesitate to call us. Our professionals have extensive experience and know the best techniques for reliable, long-lasting crack repairs.
If you have any doubts about the state of your foundation or façade, contact us.
