Hairline cracks on walls are fairly common, whether in new or old buildings. So it is important to address hairline cracks quickly so they don’t grow and lead to other problems, like damp walls, mold, or a less appealing home.
The good news is, hairline cracks can usually be fixed with the right approach. However, if you leave them until the cracks get bigger, repair costs will be higher.
So, what are the right steps to fix hairline cracks on your walls, and what are the estimated costs? Check out the full explanation in the following article.
Ways to Fix Hairline Cracks on Walls
Before you start repairing, do it carefully to get the best results. Hairline cracks on walls usually result from several factors during the hardening process or from the building's age.
Material shrinkage as it dries, drying too quickly because of the weather, an incorrect material mix, extreme temperature changes, poor curing, or excessive load before the wall fully hardens can trigger it.
Even though it seems minor, these small gaps can become entry points for water that damages the wall layers from the inside. Improper handling can lead to water seepage and mold, worsening your home's condition. To avoid mistakes, here is how to properly deal with hairline cracks in walls.
1. Make Sure the Wall Is Completely Dry
If your walls were just built, wait until the materials are completely dry before making any repairs. Forcing repairs while the walls are still damp can actually make the repair materials deteriorate faster later on.
2. Clean the Wall Surface from Dust
Before starting repairs, make sure the wall surface is free from dust, dirt, or leftover materials. A clean surface helps the coating materials stick better and last longer. You can use a dry brush, or a brush and sandpaper if the cracked area has already developed mold or moss.
Read also: Identifying the Cause of Wall Cracks and How to Fix
3. Apply Waterproofing Paint and Fiber Mesh
After cleaning the surface, apply waterproofing paint to the cracked areas. If the cracks are wide enough, use fiber mesh. To do this, gently press the fiber mesh into the first coat of paint while it's still wet, then brush it down until all gaps are evenly covered.
4. Let the First Coat Dry
Once the fiber mesh is in place, let the layer dry according to the time recommended on the product packaging.
Avoid applying a new layer immediately, because an incompletely dried layer can affect the next coat. This can cause bubbles in the paint, making the final result uneven and more prone to peeling.
5. Repaint with Waterproofing Paint
If the fiber mesh layer is completely dry, you can apply the waterproofing paint again. Spread the paint evenly across the entire surface to maximize protection against water seepage and prevent repeated damage.
6. Repair and Strengthen the Wall Structure
If hairline cracks are caused by structural issues, reinforce the wall. For minor damage, you can repair the problem areas.
However, if the condition is severe, you may need to partially dismantle the wall structure.
7. Recoat and Patch with Quality Plaster
For cracks caused by fairly serious issues that have spread to the brickwork, you need to recoat the area. To do this, sand the exterior wall until it is clean, then patch it with quality plaster if the problem comes from the previous plaster.
Finally, repaint the area so the color matches and hides the patch marks. Make sure the new plaster is completely dry before painting, or it can ruin the finish.
Read also: Recommendation for Wall Waterproof Coatings and Prevention Tips
Estimated Cost of Repairing Hairline Cracks in Walls
The cost to repair hairline cracks in walls depends on the severity of the damage. For minor cracks, the estimated cost is around IDR 5 million, as it usually only requires partial demolition, cleaning the cracked area, applying a special solution, and adding cement.
If the cracks affect the building's structure, repair costs can reach IDR 10–15 million. This type of repair typically involves demolishing the cracked wall until the repair is complete.
Work duration also varies. Minor cracks can generally be fixed within 1–2 weeks, while damage that requires wall demolition can take around 1–2 months because the structure needs to be inspected and rebuilt until it is sturdy.
Those are effective steps to address hairline cracks in walls so your home stays sturdy and looks good again. To ensure repairs or construction work deliver the best, long-lasting results, choose premium-quality materials from the start.
As the best solution, you can rely on Semen Merah Putih Watershield. This super premium multipurpose cement offers quality far superior to regular cement, making it the ideal choice for various construction needs, from foundations, concrete slabs, castings, brickwork, plastering, to skim coating.
With its water repellent technology innovation, Semen Merah Putih Watershield provides triple protection that effectively prevents water seepage from three directions at once, whether from outside, inside, or from the ground. This extra protection keeps buildings strong, durable, and helps minimize future maintenance costs.
Interested in getting the best construction solution to make your project a success? Don't hesitate to contact us now! We are ready to support your construction success by providing high-quality materials and excellent services.
Read also: Porous Concrete: Characteristics, Causes, & How to Fix It
