Noticing new or growing cracks in render at your property can be alarming, but are they always cause for concern? It is important to understand the different types of cracks, what causes them and whether they need immediate attention. Let us find out more…
What is render?
Render is the outermost coating applied to a building’s external walls during construction. It is smooth, often white, relatively thin and applied in layers.
Traditionally, render was made by mixing lime, water and an aggregate e.g. sand, although there are lots of modern variations. Whatever recipe is chosen, the desired end result is a good quality finish.
People will usually add a final coat or two of paint, but some types of render can be left unpainted.
Should I worry about a crack in render?
Look at any property, and chances are you will notice the odd crack or two in the render. Whether the homeowner should be worried depends on what is causing the cracks. Often, hairline cracks in render are superficial and do not indicate a serious structural concern. However, structural cracks can indicate a range of serious problems. It is important to know the difference or ask a professional’s opinion if there is any doubt.
Different types of cracks in render
Hairline cracks
These are small, superficial cracks that are usually cosmetic. They are caused by settling, the render drying too quickly when applied, a brittle base layer, or moisture trapped between the bricks and render.
While most causes of hairline cracks are harmless, if left unattended they can lead to the render pulling away from the wall. In turn, this can allow penetrating damp and damage to the property. A clue to this problem is a hollow sound if you tap the render.
Shrinkage cracks
These cracks are a little more obvious than hairline cracks and are caused by the drying process of the render. If the render has been mixed incorrectly or dries too quickly through evaporation or absorption by the substrate, you may notice this kind of damage.
Some shrinkage cracks are small enough and insignificant enough to ignore, but others may lead to damp or indicate structural issues if they are not attended to.
Structural cracks
These cracks are larger and more significant, suggesting there may be serious structural issues such as subsidence, substrate failure and moisture ingress.
How to repair cracks in render?
Superficial cracks in the render can be filled with external filler and repainted. Scrape out any debris before filling the crack and carefully smooth the surface with a flat-edged trowel before leaving the product to completely dry.
However, if the cracks reappear, it is essential to find out what is causing them.
When to seek professional help?
If you notice any cracks in the render of your property it is never a bad idea to ask a professional to have a look and do a survey. A Chartered Surveyor will be able to determine the cause of the cracks and advise you on what action to take.
Get in touch
As we have learnt, while many cracks in render are harmless, some indicate serious problems requiring immediate action. At Trinity Rose, we have years of experience diagnosing the causes of cracked render and are here to help. We can inspect a single issue or thoroughly examine your entire property for complete peace of mind.
If you are concerned about cracks in your property’s render, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We will be happy to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have.