How to Fix Cracks – Easy DIY Waterproofing Guide for Walls and Terrace
Long-Lasting Results • Easy Application • DIY Solution
How to Fix Cracks permanently using simple DIY waterproofing methods. This step-by-step guide helps you stop water leakage and protect your home without hiring a contractor.
How to Fix Cracks on Terrace and Wall – Step-by-Step Guide
To protect your home from water damage, it is very important to understand How to Fix Cracks properly. Rainwater often enters the house through cracks in the terrace and walls, which leads to dampness, water stains on the ceiling, a persistent damp smell, and over time, weakening of the building structure.
Small and large terrace cracks can develop for many reasons, such as continuous exposure to heat, cold, and rain, poor-quality construction, or the natural ageing of the building. These cracks may appear horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or irregular in shape. If cracks in the terrace and walls are not repaired at the right time, they can cause serious and long-term damage to the house.
In this post, we have explained how to fix cracks permanently at a very low cost using accurate information, clear step-by-step guidance, along with videos and images. This practical guide will help you understand the right method of terrace crack repair and will prove to be very useful for protecting your home from water leakage.
When Can Leakage Be Prevented by Simply Fixing Terrace Cracks?
In many cases, how to fix terrace cracks depends on the condition of the terrace and the type of damage present. The first step is to carefully assess the situation. Inspect your terrace surface and check how many small and large cracks are visible. In some homes, you may notice two or three clearly visible large cracks (around 1 mm to 6 mm wide) along with several small cracks. In addition, the edges of the terrace slab may appear slightly separated from the boundary wall.
Because of these issues, signs of water leakage, moisture, damp patches, or crusting may be visible on the ceiling inside the house. When such early signs appear, it is important to take immediate action to prevent further damage.
In this type of situation, how to fix terrace cracks yourself can be an effective solution. By repairing the visible cracks at the right time, water leakage can often be controlled without major work. Below, we have explained a step-by-step method to fix terrace cracks and reduce leakage problems.
However, if large cracks are visible in many areas, and small cracks are spread across the entire terrace surface, the situation is different. Similarly, when there are holes, damaged plaster, or cracks in the waterproof layer, simply filling the cracks may provide only temporary relief. In such cases, if you want a permanent solution to leakage, it becomes necessary to carry out Complete terrace waterproofing.
For this situation, you can refer to our detailed guide on Terrace Waterproofing by Yourself, where the full waterproofing process is explained step by step.
Prevent Future Damage After Fixing Terrace Cracks
Once the repair, patchwork, or waterproofing work is completed, it is important to take preventive measures to avoid future terrace or roof cracks. Regular inspection of the roof helps identify early signs of damage before they turn into serious problems.
Make it a habit to check your terrace periodically and keep all outlet and drainage pipes clean so that rainwater does not get collected. Avoid storing unnecessary materials on the roof, such as extra bricks, sand piles, additional tiles, or unused construction waste, as these add extra load and can damage the surface.
Before the monsoon season, wash and clean the terrace properly. Also, trim any overhanging tree branches or vines near the roof, as they can cause cracks or damage during strong winds or heavy rainfall.
By following these simple steps, if any new cracks appear or old cracks reopen, you can inform your waterproofer and get them repaired in time. Taking early action makes a big difference.
Regular roof maintenance and timely repair of minor issues help prevent costly repairs, re-plastering, or major waterproofing work later. In many cases, serious damage happens not because of the roof itself, but due to lack of maintenance and delayed action.
Do not wait until small terrace cracks start leaking and damage your home. Take action early to fix cracks and prevent further damage. Remember, regular terrace maintenance is the key to a safe, strong, and long-lasting home.
How to Fix Cracks by Yourself – Step-by-Step Method
If you are looking for a practical way to repair terrace cracks on your own, the steps below will help you understand how to fix terrace cracks yourself. This is a DIY process and may take some time. It also requires basic tools and the right materials, such as an all-in-one Waterseal Instant Crack Filler Kit.
Step 1: Clean the Crack
Start by cleaning the crack thoroughly. Use a wire brush to remove dust, loose cement, crust, algae, or any debris inside the crack. Proper cleaning is important so that the crack filler can bond well with the surface.
Step 2: Cut Grooves Along the Crack
Cut grooves about 2 to 4 mm deep along the crack using a hand scraper, glass cutter, or poker provided in the kit. If possible, opening the crack in a V-shape using an angle grinder gives better results.
Keep in mind that operating a grinder machine can be risky. It should only be handled by experienced electricians or mechanics. Grinder machines are usually available on rent at electrical tool shops.
Step 3: Fill the Crack Properly
Prepare the crack-filling solution by mixing 1 part PSV Premix with 1 part clean water. Pour the mixture into the opened cracks and allow it to settle for about 10 minutes. If the solution level goes down or if the crack is deep, refill it as required.
Step 4: Smooth the Surface
Once the filler starts setting, use a 4-inch hand scraper to level and smooth the filled crack so that it blends evenly with the terrace surface.
Step 5: Protect the Crack with PPC Mat
Sunlight and heavy rainfall can cause repaired cracks to reopen. To prevent this, protecting the crack is very important.
After levelling the crack, apply PSV Premix directly over the surface using the 2-inch brush provided in the kit. Place the PPC mat over the wet coating and brush another layer on top. Make sure the mat sticks evenly to the surface and avoid trapping air bubbles.
Step 6: Allow Proper Drying
Let the repaired area dry for at least 24 hours. Avoid walking on the surface or placing heavy objects until the filler has fully cured.
Important Note
This DIY method works well for small to medium terrace cracks. However, for large cracks or widespread damage, or if you are unsure about any step, it is safer to seek help from a professional waterproofing expert.
How to Fix Cracks on Terrace – Video
If you are facing terrace leakage, this video will help you see how terrace cracks can be repaired easily and correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fixing Terrace Cracks
Can terrace cracks be repaired permanently without full waterproofing?
Yes, terrace cracks can be repaired permanently if they are small to medium in size and repaired at the right time. Proper crack cleaning, filling, and surface protection can stop water leakage effectively. However, if cracks are spread across the entire terrace, full waterproofing may be required.
When is the best time to fix terrace cracks?
The best time to fix terrace cracks is before the monsoon season. Repairing cracks early prevents rainwater from entering the slab and walls, reducing the risk of dampness and structural damage during heavy rainfall.
Is DIY terrace crack repair safe, or should a professional be called?
DIY terrace crack repair is safe and effective for non-structural cracks when done carefully using the right materials. For large, deep, or structural cracks, it is better to consult a professional waterproofing expert to avoid long-term damage.
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