Cracks in a wall are not a pretty sight. Even if they are small and harmless, you’ll want to get rid of them. Read here how to repair cracks in a brick wall and what you need for this task.
Harmless cracks and dangerous cracks
Sometimes, cracks in the brickwork are not just ugly but indicate structural problems in load-bearing walls. In such cases, it’s always better to consult an expert before attempting to conceal them.
These cracks can indicate structural problems
- Horizontal cracks
- Cracks just below the bearing
- Diagonal cracks in the exterior wall
- Cracks in the exterior wall combined with rust spots
- Cracks above the lintel
- Cracks that quickly widen
Vertical cracks in the interior or exterior wall and vertical cracks under a window frame are usually harmless and can be easily repaired by yourself.
What do you need?
Tools
- Paint scraper
- Brush or vacuum cleaner
- Sponge or spray bottle
- Putty knife
- Caulking gun
- Coarse sandpaper
Materials
- Mortar or silicone sealant
How to proceed
You can fill cracks with mortar or silicone sealant.
Mortar is most commonly used, but an advantage of silicone sealant is that it retains some elasticity, which is useful when the crack widens slightly after repair.
Step 1: Clean the crack
Scrape out the crack with a paint scraper and remove all dust and debris with a vacuum cleaner or a brush.
Step 2: Seal the crack
If you are using mortar to seal the crack, first moisten the crack with a sponge or a sprayer. Prepare the mortar according to the instructions on the packaging and spread it over the crack with a putty knife. Remove any excess mortar immediately.
If you are using an elastic silicone filler, inject it into the crack and smooth it out with your finger, which you have dipped in soapy water beforehand.
Step 3: Finishing
Allow the mortar or filler to dry and sand as necessary to ensure the repair blends seamlessly with the rest of the wall.
