External wall painting of old building is tricky
Addressing wall cracks is a crucial step in exterior painting, especially for a 10-year-old building. Here’s a detailed guide to effectively repair these cracks:
1. Assess the Cracks
- Inspection: Examine the exterior walls to identify all cracks, noting their size and depth.
- Determine Cause: Understand whether cracks are due to structural movement, weathering, or material shrinkage.
2. Clean the Cracks
- Remove Debris: Use a wire brush or scraper to eliminate loose material, dirt, and debris from the cracks.
- Wash the Area: Clean the surrounding surface with water to ensure proper adhesion of repair materials.
3. Prepare the Cracks
- Widen for Filling: For hairline cracks, slightly widen them with a chisel to allow filler penetration.
- Undercut Edges: Create a V-shaped groove along the crack to enhance filler bonding.
4. Apply Appropriate Filler
- Select Filler: Choose a high-quality exterior-grade filler suitable for the wall material.
- Apply Filler: Use a putty knife to fill the crack, ensuring it’s slightly overfilled to account for shrinkage.
- Reinforce Large Cracks: For wider cracks, embed fiberglass mesh tape over the filler to prevent future cracking.
5. Smooth the Surface
- Sand the Area: Once the filler is dry, sand it smooth to match the surrounding wall texture.
- Clean Residue: Wipe away dust and debris resulting from sanding.
6. Prime the Repaired Area
- Apply Primer: Use a suitable exterior primer over the repaired sections to ensure uniform paint adhesion.
- Allow Drying: Let the primer dry completely as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Paint the Exterior
- Choose Quality Paint: Opt for a durable exterior paint designed to withstand local weather conditions.
- Apply Even Coats: Paint the entire wall, ensuring the repaired areas blend seamlessly with the rest of the surface.
By meticulously following these steps, you can effectively repair wall cracks and achieve a long-lasting, professional exterior finish.
For a visual demonstration of repairing deep cracks in exterior walls, please get in touch with our BPT Painting division BPPaints.
Dr Balaji Singh
Founder & CEO of BPT group
Call us on 9980789618 or write to us on info@bptonline.in
Or visit us at our website.
Few links to click and understand our individual brands
BPTOnline-Corporate:-
BPChem:-
BPArch:-
BPPaints:-
BPSOL,
BPVastu