Tips and recommendations on how to properly repair a crack in a brick wall of a house, outside and inside

In addition to being an eyesore, cracks in brick walls may be a sign of structural problems that require repair. Whether these cracks are inside or outside of your home, fixing them right away will help to stop additional damage and preserve the structural integrity of your building. You can ensure the safety and soundness of your home and effectively repair these cracks with the appropriate method.

The first step in fixing the crack is figuring out what caused it. A number of things, like settling foundations, thermal expansion, or moisture infiltration, can cause cracks. Finding the underlying cause aids in selecting the best repair strategy and averting repeat incidents. We’ll walk you through the steps of identifying and repairing brick wall cracks in this post.

Cleaning the damaged area, filling the crack with the appropriate material, and making sure the repair blends seamlessly with the surrounding brickwork are all important steps in fixing exterior cracks. The strategy for interior cracks may be slightly different, emphasizing the preservation of the wall’s aesthetics while strengthening its structural integrity. Without the need for specific knowledge or equipment, we’ll offer advice and suggestions for both situations to help you accomplish a polished finish.

If you adhere to our detailed instructions, you’ll be well-prepared to confidently address brick wall cracks. This will not only improve the look of your house but also add to its stability and value over time. Let’s get into the specifics and restore the original beauty of your brick walls.

Tip	Recommendation
Identify the cause	Check if the crack is due to settling, water damage, or other issues. Fix the underlying problem first.
Clean the crack	Remove any loose debris and dust from the crack using a brush or vacuum.
Use the right filler	For exterior cracks, use a weather-resistant filler. For interior cracks, a standard crack filler works well.
Apply filler properly	Fill the crack completely, ensuring no air pockets. Smooth the surface with a putty knife.
Allow to dry	Let the filler dry completely before painting or adding a finish.
Paint or seal	For exterior repairs, use a paint or sealant that matches the rest of the wall. For interior, repaint the area to blend with the existing wall color.

Types of defects

One common material for organizing interior and external walls is building brick. It is thought to be long-lasting and robust, lasting for decades.

Brick walls that have cracks indicate that internal or external destructive factors have been applied to the surface. It will therefore be essential to determine the cause of the chip.

Maybe the weight on the walls has increased someplace, or these are the results of events caused by humans. Regardless of the situation, you must thoroughly inspect the entire cracked wall, taking note of the chip’s width and direction.

When there is a significant vertical load applied, the crack will widen downward; however, if the foundation is the issue (sagging, groundwater erosion, construction errors), the crack will widen upward. A finer network of cracks will be found closer to the surface if the material is no longer usable.

Cracks classified into the subsequent categories:

1. Vertical.
2. Horizontal.
3. Narrow (up to 5 mm).
4. Wide (more than 1 cm).
5. Superficial.
6. Deep.
7. Medium (5-10 mm)
8. Oblique.
9. Direct.
10. Closed.
11. End-to-end.
12. Curvilinear, etc.d.

Upon visual inspection, the types mentioned above are easily identifiable; they are found on both the building’s exterior and inside the residence. A construction tape can be used to easily measure the defect’s size.

Small chips can be easily repaired by hand with concrete mortar, sealants, or injection. Large cracks will need to be fixed by professionals, and the damaged area will need to be replaced.

Large cracks larger than one centimeter are regarded as critical flaws that must be fixed with specialized techniques.

Causes of cracks in masonry

Depending on the particular causes of the surface cracking, defects on brick walls are categorized into different types. Various types of cracks can arise based on the influencing factors:

1. Constructive. Influencing factor:
2. incorrect calculation of foundation dimensions (depth);
3. increased load on the walls;
4. broken construction technology;
5. unsuitable brand of solution;
6. lack of reinforcement.
7. Shrinkage. Main factor:
8. a nearby pit with a building;
9. construction of buildings on soils classified as bulk.
10. Deformation. Main factor:
11. man-made reasons;
12. incorrect selection of materials for laying.
13. Worn out. The main reason: the service life of the brick has expired.
14. Temperature. Factors:
15. unprotected, constantly freezing foundation;
16. constant temperature changes indoors and outdoors.

The factor series, which needs to be determined on its own or with the help of an experienced expert, directly determines the approach to be taken in order to eliminate the defect. Defects may manifest for a variety of reasons.

Other factors that lead to cracks in brick walls include:

1. Broken ligament between bricks (or lack thereof). A vertical gap appears, which will require a tie with an armored belt.
2. Errors when laying a house (failure to take into account the level of freezing and type of soil, the use of silicate materials (blocks), the use of poor-quality fill. Cracks in the corners of the building are rapidly expanding. In this case, only deep strengthening of the foundation will help, and only then repair the wall.
3. Lack of consideration of soil during construction. Nearby drains, nearby highways and groundwater can damage walls over the entire surface. Here, before repairing the walls, it will be necessary to strengthen the base at the level of concrete pouring.
4. Shrinkage of the building in the first year of construction. Initially, thin cracks appear, which can then expand. But, if they are repaired using cosmetic repairs, the defect will be eliminated.
5. Load from top coverings, floors, balconies and other load-bearing structures. Here you will need professional construction assistance with a reinforced screed in order to redistribute the weight on the problem area of ​​the wall.

After a brick wall’s cracks are found and their origin determined, the contributing factor is removed before repairs can start. This regulation is followed when fixing the building’s exterior as well as inside the grounds.

Test for determining the dynamics of destruction

Make sure the crack does not widen before beginning the restoration process. Installed on the wall, a construction beacon records its readings every two weeks to determine when the wall is ready for repair.

Small deviations could mean that the primary factor causing the cracks hasn’t been removed, in which case the base needs to be strengthened once more and the load on the wall and groundwater drainage system efficiency need to be assessed.

There are tests using cement mortar or a piece of paper in addition to beacons. Using a small amount of liquid cement, seal the gap in the first option and allow it to dry. Next, they check to see if the defect has healed or if the crack is still there.

The procedure for the paper strip test is as follows: after adding a small amount of cement to the gap and allowing it to dry slightly, place a paper strip of any length on it. The strip’s width should be 1-2 cm greater than the defect.

Next, examine the strip while the solution dries. You can start fixing the surface if it remains in its original position, does not rip or heal, and does not widen the crack.

A good screed will be required if the strip’s position changes or if there is damage to it. You can apply makeup only after the surface has completely dried. The paper strip needs to be screeded, dried, and then finished if it retracts and changes position.

You can perform a professional engineering examination if you’d like. The engineer will conduct all of the test work personally and will be able to identify brick wall flaws with accuracy.

Experts typically use plaster or plate beacons with a scale to control surface tensile tests. You take the written exam at home.

Sealing options

Brick walls can be covered in a variety of ways, each with more benefits than drawbacks. The kind of crack, its distribution area, and its depth all influence the option that is selected. Sometimes a combination of two to three sealing options is applied to the surface at the same time, one after the other.

Injection

In order to remove the seal, the load-bearing capacity of the bricks must be restored and any leaks must be sealed. This approach is particularly advised following the removal of incidents linked to leaks (pipe bursts, precipitation) that resulted in the formation of the crack.

The benefit of using this technique is that brick walls can be promptly restored without the need to be taken apart and reassembled. However, injection needs to be done by trained personnel with specialized tools. They also choose the appropriate content.

Various materials are used for the selected method:

• microcements;
• polyurethane, one-component, silicate compounds;
• epoxy resins;
• methyl acrylate gels.

The injection process requires opening up big fissures, much like drilling. After being blasted with compressed air, the marked points (holes) are arranged in a checkerboard pattern for drilling. Through the use of a special hose, the repair composition is pumped into the preexisting pores using a construction tool (pump, gravity).

The sole drawback of this approach is that it requires specialized training and tools for you to do it yourself, and hiring an expert will cost extra money.

With injection, you can completely fill the crack and damaged areas of the wall with the repair compound by penetrating deeply into the damaged area.

Concrete mortar

For sealing the surface of a brick wall, finely crushed stone can be mixed with cement mortar. You can perform this popular and speedy type of repair on your own.

Many experts make a screed with T-shaped anchors on both sides just in case, to keep the gap from expanding. Metal strips are used to tie anchors.

To strengthen the completed repair mortar, polymers or lime milk are added. Classic building materials are cement, sand, and water (the composition of the cement). It becomes a concrete solution when you add crushed stone to it.

For concrete repair, the ratio is 1 (cement), 3 (river sand), and 5 (crushed stone up to 15 mm). Using a trowel and spatula, the finished mixture is applied to the wall after water is gradually added and combined until creamy.

Because the composition hardens quickly (in 1-1.5 hours), repair work requires small amounts of the material, which must be applied sparingly.

Sealant

The content of this strategy aids in keeping moisture out. The polymer-based sealant quickly dries, sticks to any stone surface, and effectively seals seams.

This material doesn’t alter the appearance of the wall; instead, it deeply penetrates pores to provide protection.

Diverse varieties exist for sealants. Different levels of elasticity and hardening are characteristics of both single- and multi-component materials. Additional sealants include bitumen, polyurethane, silicone, acrylic, and mixtures. Foam concrete, or spray foam, is an illustration of a polyurethane sealant.

When selecting a sealant for brickwork repair, keep in mind that the packaging specifies that the substance must be resistant to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and sunlight. This material’s primary benefit is that it is thought to be quick and efficient. The expense is the only drawback.

For brick walls, experts advise selecting a breathable sealant that won’t peel.

The better to cover up?

The following factors determine which restoration work option is best:

• crack sizes,
• its depths,
• surface damage area,
• the main cause,
• selection of material by the master.

For instance, it is best to begin by reinforcing the concrete belt at the building’s base if the flaw resulted from an improperly poured foundation.

In order to accomplish this, a trench that is significantly deeper than the foundation is dug around the house’s perimeter. According to technology, the problem with soils and groundwater drainage is fixed, bulk backfilling is completed, and the concrete solution is then poured.

You can use concrete mortar or sealants to seal cracks if they are only superficial and do not require strengthening the building’s foundation. Concrete screed and injection are used in tough situations.

Consumables and tools

In order to restore and repair brick surfaces, the following may be required:

• container for mixing concrete mortar, shovel;
• trowels, spatulas;
• beacons, protractor, construction tape measure;
• brush, hammer, dowels, anchor bolts;
• sealant (foam);
• cement, sand, gravel, running water (or ready-made dry concrete mix);
• reinforcement sheets and rolled metal;
• sledgehammer, crowbar, pickaxe, chisel;
• drill, pump;
• rags, gloves, work clothes;
• ladder.

The amount of each material and tool is chosen based on the chosen repair option and the degree of damage. Cement grade M 400 is the best choice for concrete mortar.

Many artisans suggest hammering steel brackets on both sides of the crack to stop it from opening further. The brackets need to have their ends bent toward the wall and fastened with bolts.

Repair technology

Whether the technology is injection, concrete mixture, or sealant, the general procedure for repairing a brick wall is followed, whether the wall is inside or outside the structure:

1. The repair site must be cleared of contamination (debris, dust).
2. Then pour clean water on the surface and leave until dry.
3. Expand the crack to lay the mortar or, conversely, screed with a metal profile and anchors.
4. Treat the crack with concrete mortar or apply sealant. Leave until completely dry.
5. Clean and remove the remaining mortar, cut off excess pieces of polyurethane foam with a construction knife.
6. You can apply reinforced fly, having previously strengthened it with dowels on the surface. Then apply cement mortar.
7. After complete drying, they begin to decorate.

If an injection is required, fill the empty space on the wall after completely cleaning and washing the crack with a construction pump (gun, syringe).

Using your hands, seal a brick wall crack. Watch the video for instructions:

What not to do?

When fixing cracks in brick walls, the following mistakes could occur:

1. Failure to eliminate the main reason that caused the defects. If the cause is problems with the foundation or loads, then surface repairs will only give a short-term effect.
2. Uneven masonry during deep wall repairs and poor binding of bricks. Deviation in level (vertical or horizontal) can form a bulge that cannot be eliminated with plaster. Vertical seams should not coincide with adjacent ones.
3. Sealing on an uncleaned surface. Dirt, debris, mortar and brick residues that are not removed before starting restoration work can cause poor adhesion to the new mortar or sealant. This will lead to ineffective current repairs.
4. Inaccuracy when filling pores with concrete or sealant solution. If the solution has not completely filled the space, then there is a possibility that under the influence of atmospheric air pressure the crack will begin to diverge again.
5. Refusal of the screed. In case of serious damage, it is better to tighten the edges of the crack. This will help prevent further destruction of the masonry, and will provide a good stable base for filling the pores of the wall.

Making repairs in an environment where the temperature is not appropriate can also be viewed as an error. Generally speaking, the full process involving a brick wall is thought to require a temperature greater than + 5°C.

To guarantee a long-lasting solution and preserve the structural integrity of your house, carefully consider both the exterior and interior of the brick wall when repairing a crack in it. After giving the crack a thorough cleaning, fill it in with mortar or a suitable sealer, making sure it blends in perfectly with the surrounding brickwork. Before filling, use steel bars or mesh to strengthen larger cracks. Inside, smooth out the wall using plaster or an appropriate filler, and then apply paint or wallpaper as necessary. Early detection and corrective action can stop future damage and expensive repairs.

Cost of repair work in the Russian Federation

In the Russian Federation, brickwork crack repair varies by region. One way to display it is as a table:

City (region)	Average cost of repair (RUB)./m2)
Moscow	800
Novosibirsk	600
Krasnodar	450
Ekaterinburg	500
Khabarovsk	400

The price listed covers the necessary repairs to restore:

• brick walls;
• masonry surfaces in separate places;
• cracks in masonry.

If the specialist is extremely highly qualified and offers sealing using his own materials, the price may vary from the one shown. Hiring specialized individuals who offer their services as contractors is significantly less expensive than using the professional services of construction companies.

Check out this section if you’re interested in learning more about brickwork restoration and repair.

It doesn’t have to be difficult to fix a crack in a brick wall. You may repair your home’s aesthetic and structural integrity by taking the right procedures and using the right supplies. Determine the source of the crack first in order to avoid problems later. Use high-quality tools and mortar to guarantee a long-lasting fix.

Before using any filler on exterior cracks, make sure the area is dry and clean. Think about applying a weather-resistant, flexible sealant. For a seamless appearance inside, take the time to match the repair material to your current wall finish. Don’t forget to take care of any underlying concerns, like foundation issues, to stop the crack from reoccurring.

Maintaining and inspecting your brick walls on a regular basis will help them last longer. Watch for early indicators of damage and take quick action when necessary. You can prevent future, more involved and expensive repairs by being proactive now.

You’ll be well-prepared to handle crack repairs with confidence if you follow these tips. If you take your time and adhere to the instructions, you’ll get a polished finish that improves the appeal and durability of your house.

Video on the topic

REPAIR OF A LARGE CRACK IN THE WALL

Repair of a crack in a brick wall

Sealing cracks on the facade, repair technology from Palych!

The house has cracked, reasons for cracks in the house, how to eliminate cracks

New technologies for eliminating cracks in brick walls.

The appearance of cracks in the facing brickwork on the facade of the house. Reinforcement of brickwork