Case 6
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- Introduction
- Causes of Defects
- Good Practices
- Standards
- Maintenance and Diagnostics
- Remedial
- Similar Cases
- References
Remedial
Inconspicuous cracks in walls that remain dry and sound are usually best left alone. Cutting and repairing, however carefully done, invariably results in some differences in appearance over the area of repair.
If the cracks are small they can be easily concealed by painting over with an elastomeric paint.
If the cracks are wide, it can be repaired by grouting the crack before applying a finishing coat identical to the existing surface.
Alternatively, the background should be first made good:
- Cut back the plastering on both sides of the crack for at least 150 mm and the repair to be done with the design as set out in the good practice stated above.
- After cutting back,of the plastering, the exposed area of the background should be well brushed to remove any dirt or loose material and should be washed. The area cut out should be made good according to the nature and type of background as stated in BS 5262.
- Laying of the expanded metal lath or exmet over the interface is essential. Bonding agents can be applied to the background to receive the new plastering.
- The colour and textured of the new plastering should be matched as closely as possible to the existing work.