Cavity brick or concrete block veneer – cracks in lintel
Listed under: Exterior, concrete and cement, concrete blocks, masonry, brick, metal, steel, cladding, walls, durability, corrosion, wall cladding, cavity brick or concrete block veneer
Cause
Corrosion of steel lintel bar supporting the bricks
Repair
- if lintel corrosion is not severe, remove corrosion by sanding or brushing with a stiff bristle brush; apply zinc-rich primer and minimum two coats acrylic paint
- monitor crack width for one month
- if cracking increases, consult a chartered professional engineer
- if it remains the same, replace damaged bricks as necessary
Cause
Differential settlement of the building caused by swelling/shrinking of clay soils and inadequate foundations
Repair
- if lintel corrosion is not severe, remove corrosion by sanding or brushing with a stiff bristle brush; apply zinc-rich primer and minimum two coats acrylic paint
- monitor crack width for one month
- if cracking increases, consult a chartered professional engineer
- if it remains the same, replace damaged bricks as necessary
Cause
Building subjected to vibration movement such as earthquake, high wind
Repair
- if lintel corrosion is not severe, remove corrosion by sanding or brushing with a stiff bristle brush; apply zinc-rich primer and minimum two coats acrylic paint
- monitor crack width for one month
- if cracking increases, consult a chartered professional engineer
- if it remains the same, replace damaged bricks as necessary