Case 5

Navigation

Remedial (see also 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.
patch1
Figure 1a
patch2
Figure 1b
patch3
Figure 1c
patch4
Figure 1d

Where the cracks penetrate not only the plastering but also the background, the cause of the cracking should be ascertained and dealt with before proceeding with the repair. The backing wall should be first made good. Where it is not possible to effect complete repair of the background, the plastering should be cut back on both sides of the crack for at least 150mm and light expanded metal over building material or polyethylene sheet should be fixed to the background and embedded in the undercoat of the plastering (Figure 1a to 1d).

fig3
Figure 2a
PIC4
Figure 2b
  • The patches of damaged plastering should be cut out preferably in rectangular areas, down to the background. The exposed edges of the plastering should be slightly undercut (Figure 2a).
  • The exposed surface of the backing wall should be well brushed to remove dirt or loose material and should be washed.
  • The area cut out should be made good according to the nature of the background and the type of finish as stated in the BS.
  • Bonding agents are particularly useful when carrying out minor patching work.
  • The colour and texture of the new plastering should be matched as closely as possible to the existing work.

An example of heritage conservation work involving Shanghai plaster restoration is shown below:

Heritage Conservation in Singapore: Shanghai Plaster Restoration of Family & Juvenile Court – Courtesy of Structural Repairs The Building Doctor