Hairline cracking in EIFS
Hairline cracking in exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS)
Causes
Shrinkage as a result of new plaster drying too quickly
Shrinkage of timber because wet framing was used
No movement control joints installed
Building movement or settlement
Building subjected to vibration movement such as earthquake, high wind
Listed under: Exterior, timber and wood-based, earthquakes, timber, cladding, framing, walls, wind, moisture, leaks, wall cladding, exterior insulation and finish systems (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.