Hairline cracking in EIFS

Cause

Shrinkage as a result of new plaster drying too quickly

Repair

  • monitor cracking for one month:
    • if no further cracking occurs, paint with a high-build acrylic coating
    • if cracking is still occurring or cracks are getting wider, obtain specialist advice
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage, engage a New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS) building surveyor to report on the building. 

Cause

Poorly installed reinforcing

Repair

  • monitor cracking for one month:
    • if no further cracking occurs, paint with a high-build acrylic coating
    • if cracking is still occurring or cracks are getting wider, obtain specialist advice
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage, engage a New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS) building surveyor to report on the building. 

Cause

Shrinkage of timber because wet framing was used

Repair

  • monitor cracking for one month:
    • if no further cracking occurs, paint with a high-build acrylic coating
    • if cracking is still occurring or cracks are getting wider, obtain specialist advice
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage, engage a New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS) building surveyor to report on the building. 

Cause

No movement control joints installed

Repair

  • monitor cracking for one month:
    • if no further cracking occurs, paint with a high-build acrylic coating
    • if cracking is still occurring or cracks are getting wider, obtain specialist advice
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage, engage a New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS) building surveyor to report on the building. 

Cause

Building movement or settlement

Repair

  • monitor cracking for one month:
    • if no further cracking occurs, paint with a high-build acrylic coating
    • if cracking is still occurring or cracks are getting wider, obtain specialist advice
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage, engage a New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS) building surveyor to report on the building.

Cause

Building subjected to vibration movement such as earthquake, high wind

Repair

  • monitor cracking for one month:
    • if no further cracking occurs, paint with a high-build acrylic coating
    • if cracking is still occurring or cracks are getting wider, obtain specialist advice
  • where it is suspected that the building may be leaking and there is a risk of damage, engage a New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors (NZIBS) building surveyor to report on the building.