In Singapore, unwanted cracks in the walls of flats, establishments, or homes are causing anxiety and dissatisfaction to homeowners who occupy them. It not only destroys the aesthetic display of their walls, but these cracks do impose a serious potential threat to the establishment’s overall structural integrity if neglected.
According to a study, concrete is the most commonly used building material. The crack in concrete is an inherent characteristic that cannot be completely avoided, but it can be managed and minimized. However, cracking is an early sign of structural failure.
You, as a responsible homeowner, must seek and discover what could have possibly been the source of these unwanted cracks. Yet, these cracks do differ from one another depending on their length, how wide they are, and where they’re found. Here are some of the possible causes of cracks in the walls and their types.
What Causes Cracks in Walls?
The sudden movement of the land where the establishment is located, the material used for the construction of the walls, renovation, and outside forces are just some of the plausible reasons why cracks in the walls suddenly appear.
Earthquakes and violent strong vibrations coming from construction work nearby your establishment could affect it and can cause cracks in your walls. These strong movements could harm the structural integrity of the establishment since they weaken the materials which bind the walls.
Renovation inside the establishment can cause cracks in the wall like attaching decorations and hanging paintings. These cracks are minimal yet will damage the outer wall.
Another plausible source for the cracks in the wall is unlikely outside forces, such as the growth of trees, because their roots would penetrate the walls and damage them.
On the official website of the Ministry of National Development (MND), it posted an answer to an inquiry regarding the cause of wall cracks in Singapore’s flats.“ Cracks observed on internal and external walls are usually plaster or skim coat cracks,” MND stated.
Furthermore, “They are primarily caused by the natural expansion and contraction of building materials, vibration from nearby construction works or renovation activities when residents first move into their flat. They are non-structural and will not affect the structural integrity of the building,” the MND added.
What Are the Common Types of Cracks?
To the untrained eye, cracks in the walls may look similar to one another. Yet, little that most people do know is that these cracks may vary from each other depending on what could have caused them. Here’s a list of some of the common types of cracks.
Horizontal Cracks
Large horizontal cracks are frequently the result of severe foundation shifting or water damage and should be taken seriously. In some cases, these horizontal cracks may become a source of leaks. The worst-case scenario would be that the furniture and other establishments’ materials may be damaged by unwanted elements such as water. It is highly advised that you seek help when you notice this type of crack in the walls and let the professionals examine it.
Diagonal Cracks
Another type of crack is the diagonal crack. It’s the most common type of crack in the walls and is caused by structural deterioration. There are plenty of reasons why this happens, such as termite damage, or the collapse of supporting wood timbers. In addition, diagonal cracks are mainly caused by internal issues. The concrete wall could be a result of “improper mix or improper curing at the time the concrete was set in place.” It is critical to ensure that there is enough soil for the foundation/structure to be placed, as well as that the concrete mix and curing were done correctly. Wall crack repair must be done as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Splitting Cracks
Splitting cracks appear in reinforced concrete columns as short parallel vertical cracks. They differ in width. Cracks like these are common in columns with poor concrete quality and insufficient steel reinforcement. Splitting cracks in reinforced concrete typically appear as a result of the material reaching its maximum load-carrying capacity. When the cross-section of the concrete is insufficient or the reinforcement ratio is insufficient, or a combination of the two, the ultimate load-carrying capacity of a column is exceeded.
Vertical Cracks
Vertical cracks are often the result of settlement and can be found where the wall meets the ceiling. Unless they are growing in length or width, these cracks are usually not a cause of concern. However, if there is water ingress, signs of dampness or the crack appears to be alive, it is worth having it investigated. Get them checked out if the crack is wider than 14 inches.
There are severe cases of vertical cracks. These unwanted cases are caused by poor soils and a lack of diligence during the initial construction of the house. It is the failure to properly test the soils, failure to compact the soils, and/or use of poor fill material. You may need to consult an expert to address this issue.
Heating Concrete Cracks
Changes in temperature such as freezing and heating may cause the ground to expand. The concrete may lift several inches during these movements before thawing and settling back down. There’s a huge possibility that the concrete may crack due to these unwanted movements.
The roots of the nearby trees may also penetrate the concrete walls and can cause unwanted cracks. The best thing you can do in this scenario would be to excavate and remove the roots to prevent further damage.
When to Call For Help?
There are some cases where you can repair a wall crack all by yourself as long as the crack is only visible in the outer layer of the wall and doesn’t run deep into your walls. For those cracks that are very wide and long. You must instantly call the help of an expert to assist you as soon as possible so they may assess the current state of your establishment. These severe cases could run the risk of ruining the overall structural integrity of your property while at the same time protecting you from imminent harm.
Wall crack repairs are complex work and then it takes a sheer amount of extra effort to repair them. This type of task requires years of experience and specialization. The M3 Multi Services PTE LTD (M3M) is one of the companies in Singapore that is gaining popularity because it can provide its clients with premium construction materials while at the same time helping them assess their clients’ establishments.
M3M offers on-site consultation to assess the current situation of your establishment. It enhances the data-gathering and provides their clients with numerous options to address the issue at hand. Moreover, the company keeps ensuring that its work will exceed its client’s expectations.
In addition, the company also extends its service via waterproofing service where you can strengthen your establishment and prevent unwanted leaking inside of your property.
Of course, repairing cracks in the walls is not an easy task since it will take a lot of manpower, which is why M3M is here to provide you with skilled and talented workers to address and fix your walls in the fattest time possible without compromising their quality of work.
Over the years, M3M proves to their clients that they continue to innovate their strategies and techniques when it comes to handling their tasks.
You can read our articles. You can also contact M3M for an on-site consultation. M3M is looking forward to assisting you.