adjoining garden wall has several long, horizontal cracks from hairline to 6mm
Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 2.39 PM
The wall is part of my first floor sun terrace, dividing mine from my neighbour's. It slopes down with the descending steps a little way and then ends, is about 6 x 8 feet, is part of a 1910 terraced house near the sea. These cracks seem to have appeared fairly recently I think due to winter freeze but seem to be growing quite fast! Some are quite long - six feet or so, and wend their way round to the neighbour's side. The wall is about six inches wide. If it's just a rendering problem, what's the very best substance to fill and seal the cracks with, to ensure water proofing and flexion? Do I need more than one product? Can it be done diy-style? If it's a deeper problem, will it need stitching, should I buy a stitching kit (cheapest I've seen is £99) or just collect the materials individually, can it be done by an experienced diy person, or do I need to get the pro's in? What sort of costs would I be looking at? Many thanks!
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
and also the trick is when it is repaired
get a little square bit of glass
stick the glass over the repaired crack
and if it trys to move again you would know because it will smash
just a thought to help
Actually stitching the wall isn't difficult, and a competent DIYer would be able to do it. However, you do need a professional who is experienced to look at it for you. The first thing to identfy is why the cracks have appeared, then (if required) remedy that. The next step is to identify where the wall should be stitched and which method is best for that particular wall. So you would be best getting someone to look at it before you do anything. You may have to notify your building insurance company as the have been known to use stitching as a reason to refuse a claim if they were unaware. The builder/stonemason who looks at it may suggest that you get an engineer's report and recommendation before starting repair work. That will help when notifying the insurers, and also let you know how serious (or not) the problem is.
So I would suggest that your first step is a free quote from an experienced builder/stonemason, which will give you an opportunity to discuss it will a professional.
Regards,
Larry
Answered23 September 2011
1
Anonymous user
Is the wall rendered both sides? what about copings? near the sea it's pretty exposed...so I suspect it's superficial. If rendered one side damp will get in from the other, re-render it with stainless EML this will stop cracking. Decorate it with a mastic paint like Andura this will fill cracks(it's thick) and is flexible enough to hold together, and prevent further cracking. STO render installed over the top would also achieve a long lasting resolution. Is there DPC under copings? this would prevent water getting behind render and causing the problem...loads of possibilities... depends upon budget/longevity.
Regards Simon
