The appearance of crack on a building, whether newly constructed, on- going construction or an old construction is a sign of weakness and shouldn't be overlooked.

Cracks are signs that something is happening within and around your build. They are fault lines that distorts the aesthetic of your building


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Here are some cracks in pictures.

What is to be done! Thanks!

It is important to know the cause of the crack(s) before any remedial measure is taken to avoid it re appearance, loss of money and waste of time.

Causes of cracks in building

1. Vibration: Crack occurs due to stress from vibration, temperature change, water movement,  settlement, poor design and construction techniques and more.

During the construction process alot of vibratory activities happen on the site. Chiseling, pulling and dragging of materials, breaking of portion of wall, dropping of heavy materials on the floor.

These are some of the activities that can cause movement within and around the building resulting in cracks.

2. Moisture movement is another cause of Cracks in building.
Water removes air/ voids from the soil and compacts the soil during the process. If the subsoil was not well compacted this could result to differential settlement of the foundation. Once the building begins to settle differently, it will cause a pull effect on the structure and cracks begin to appear.

3. Temperature change causes expansion and contraction of the structure too. In extreme cases this can also result in cracking of portion of the structure.

4.The design and construction method could also result in cracks if not done properly, such as poor mix ratio, improper mixing, under or over reinforcements of stuctural members, foundation not well compacted, honey combing in concrete etc.

5. Other times the soil condition can cause cracks if the the overburden load of the building cannot be adequately supported by the subsoil. This can cause settlement and results in crack around the foundation which  could easily spread to other parts of the building and begins to open , If not addressed quickly..

Does crack means the building isn't fit?

The presence of cracks in a building can be worrisome especially if the crack continue to spead and gets wider. It can result in tilting, deflection, partial or total collapse of the member.

But the major concern will be whether the cracks are structural or non structural.

Non structural ( hairline) cracks are cracks on partition blocks , plaster or screeds .They pose no structural problems to the building and can be easily repaired.

Structural cracks are those ones on the structural members such as beams, columns and slab which could be as a result of poor structural design/ construction , change in the use of the structure, settlement and more.
Shearing of the structural members is a sign of failure and requires immediate attention to prevent further shearing and eventually fall or collapse of the structure.

The building can be fit or unfit depending on the severity of the cracks. It is advisable to engage the services of a structural engineer to determine this.

Non destructive testing should be carried out on the structural members of abandoned and distressed buildings before renovating them.

If you observe a structural crack on your building. Get a professional involved.

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Yes. Get those checked.

Before working on any crack it is important to observe the pattern and progress of the fault lines.

Is the crack getting longer and wider ?

You can measure the length and width of the crack to know if it is progressing over a particular time.

It is not advisable to work on a progressing crack because it will keep reoccurring unless you resolve the main cause of the crack.

How to repair crack
Cracks can be repaired using any of the following methods.

1. Grouting and sealing

2.Stitching

3. filling

4. Underpinning

Repairing non structural crack on wall by grouting and sealing.

Break open and expose the crack

Clean the surface

Use cement mix to fill the crack holes ( do not use excessive cement in the mortar mix)

Apply and fill the mortar onto the expose surface area

Make good the surface of the wall.

Stitching is a method of repairing structural cracks on building. Its involves the use of steel or fibre bars to join the cracked portions together.

Its a very good repair option for structural cracks cos it prevent further movements of the members.

Stitching repair works

For column and wall cracks

Good job.


Is this only applicable to walls?

Thanks.

No, it's not only applicable to walls and columns. Slab can be stitched as well if need be to prevent further movement which can widen the crack size


author=Roytimidgreat post=118941917]Good job.


Is this only applicable to walls?[/quote]

For your crack repairs. Contact us on
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Happy new year everyone

Use of chicken mesh wire for crack repairs.

When settlement occurs in a building, cracks can occur between some concrete structural elements and the block wall due to thermal change.

When repairing such cracks , it is advisable to use chicken mesh wire. This is placed at the joints between the two members before plastering the crack.

The chicken mesh wire will strengthens the plaster against forces that might want to pull them apart.

Uses of Chicken mesh wire for crack repairs continues

It is good for plastering over mechanical and electrical conduits pipe works.

It can also be used when plastering over a previously plastered wall to create a better hold.

It is however not advisable for external plastering works.

Do you have cracks on your build.
Let's repair them for you. Call a professional

08028136294

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Call us for renovations and cracks repairs.

Thank God it's Friday. Call us for inspection now.

Do you have cracks in your building? Call us now to work on them for you..

Compliments of the season to you and yours.

If the cracks on your building is getting wider and longer, then it's time to call a professional.