How to Fix Cracked Walls Permanently

Posted by Architecture & Engineering Malaysia on January 29th, 2021

Whether found in drywall, plaster or concrete, an eyesore is a crack in a wall. You can repair a broken fence on the weekend, usually caused by the normal settling over time. Easy tools and supplies will have you on your way to a smooth wall from your nearest home improvement shop. If drywall cracking or surface distortion is extreme or other signs of severe settling or possible structural issues, have your home inspected before fixing the drywall by a trained construction professional.

Fixing Drywall

 The simplest of the three wall forms you are likely to find in your home repair a crack in drywall. To trim a 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch V-notch along the length of the crack:

First, Use a utility knife. Second, Vacuum out loose stuff. Third, Cover the crack with either mesh joint tape or joint compound and paper tape, followed by a thin layer of joint compound, each side of the tape extending approximately 2 inches. Allow to dry. Apply a second coat of joint compound, feathered approximately 6 to 7 inches on either side of the crack. Allow to dry overnight. Lightly sand until smooth. The wall is ready for paint or wallpaper.

Plaster Wall Patching

Treat small holes, with joint compound, in plaster close to a drywall crack. However, if the plaster pulls away from the lath, with a two-step procedure that involves a conditioner spray accompanied by adhesive, you first need to shore up the wall. Start by drilling holes every three inches along the crack's length with a 3/16-inch masonry bit that will penetrate the plaster but not the wood lath. Vacuum the spots with dust and debris. Into each hole, spray the adhesive conditioner. Enable dwelling time according to instructions from the maker. Inject the adhesive into each hole, starting at the wall's lowest point. With a wet towel, wipe off the excess adhesive. Attach the plaster rings immediately with a drill to draw the plaster firmly against the wall. Please enable it to heal as directed by the manufacturer. Remove the rings made of plaster. Hide a layer of joint compound from the holes and initial crack. Lightly powder, then add a second joint compound layer—sand when dry, smooth.

Concrete Walls

You may need an epoxy repair kit to repair a particular concrete wall. In the crack, the epoxy would create a watertight seal. Start the repair by partially tapping 3-inch finishing nails into the crack every 12 inches; injection ports are connected to these nails. There are two Epoxy pieces, A and B, which you need to combine only before using it. With a putty knife, blend equal parts of the epoxy on a scrap piece of wood. On each injection port tab, add a small amount of mixed epoxy; fasten each port against the wall by covering each of the finishing nails with one port. Mixed epoxy is spread over the crack, stretching 1 inch to each side of the crack. Cover each injection port's flange with epoxy as well. Enable six to 10 hours to recover. Liquid concrete repair is pumped into the ports using a caulk gun, starting at the bottom before the port's liquid oozes. Until moving to the next, plug each port. Please enable it to heal for at least five days, then use a hacksaw to cut the port flush with the wall.

Repairing Deep Cracks

If cracks in drywall or plaster are more profound than 1/4 inch, if you first fill the aperture with a filler compound before joint compound taping, you will have better results. As per instructions from the maker, combine the compound. Until it is flush with the existing wall, fill the crack. Cover with tape and joint compound, to achieve a smooth wall, as illustrated previously.

Signs of Structural Damage

Concrete walls are load-bearing walls, especially within a base. Although minor cracks can be patched, large fissures can be a sign of impaired structural integrity. A horizontal crack stretching and bulging the length of a wall is a tell-tale sign of severe damage. Only experienced structural repair specialists can fix this type of cracks.