Cracks in walls can be a warning sign for more serious structural damage.
If the cause of wall cracks is not identified and addressed, damaged foundations can quickly devalue a property.
So, when do wall cracks indicate a structural problem?
Some cracks can be the result of seasonal expansion and contraction. These can easily be patched.
However, larger cracks that display the following characteristics may indicate a weakness in the property’s foundation:
- One side of the wall is higher than the other
- Doors and windows no longer close in their frame
- Cracks are wider than about 5mm (half a centimetre)
Problematic wall cracks will typically start at windows, doorways or house corners.
Large cracks can appear because of weaknesses around the foundation.
The CSIRO’s Homeowner’s Guide is a great resource for understanding why a home may move and how to manage the soil beneath its footings.
How to fix large cracks in the wall:
The best long-term solution for fixing large cracks is to lift, re-level and re-support the home.
This process is called ‘underpinning’.
James O’Grady from ground engineering firm, Mainmark said a modern, innovative alternative to traditional concrete underpinning is Uretek resin injection.
A lot like keyhole surgery, an expanding Uretek resin is injected into the home’s foundations through tiny holes (usually 16mm, but as small as 6mm if used inside the house).
The resin expands to fill in voids and compact soft ground, exerting controlled pressure to raise the home back towards a consistent level.
The process is very specific and carefully controlled using laser technology.
To determine if a home requires underpinning, consult a structural engineer to assess the cause of the crack and recommend a solution.
The team from Mainmark can then be contacted to discuss the scope of work you want and to arrange a quotation.
Details: 1800 623 312 or mainmark.com.
