What Is a Crack Sealer?
Crack sealer is a material used to repair cracks in walls and floors.
A crack sealer should be selected according to the material to be repaired and the width of the crack. In addition, there is a high possibility that water will erode into the interior of the building, causing water to splash on household goods and electrical systems, leading to corrosion of household goods and electrical leaks.
Therefore, when cracks are found, early action is required.
Uses of Crack Sealers
Crack sealers are used on exterior walls, asphalt, floors, and other areas where cracks exist. Cracks can be caused by earthquakes, dryness, deterioration due to wind, rain, and ultraviolet rays, and the compatibility of materials.
Deterioration due to wind, rain, and ultraviolet rays can be prevented through regular inspection and repair. When cracks occur, corrosion inside the exterior wall may progress from the cracked area, and the exterior wall itself may collapse.
Types of Crack Sealers
Different types of crack sealer should be used for different applications. The main types of materials used are as follows:
1. Concrete and Ceramic Exterior Walls
Cementitious or epoxy resins are used. Depending on the width of the cracks, epoxy resin sealers are recommended. If the exterior wall is chipped along with the crack sealer, a cementitious sealer should also be used.
2. Asphalt Cracks
A sheet made of fiberglass or asphalt-based heat injection material is used. For an easy fix, there is a product called instant asphalt. It can be made by mixing with water and kneading a bit of asphalt, so there is no need to call a contractor to fix cracks and minor dents.
3. Wood
Use a repair material made from acrylic resin, epoxy resin, or beeswax. If you are indoors, don’t worry about it, but if you are outdoors and there is a possibility of leaks, we recommend using a type that also includes a water stopping effect.
4. Plaster
Plaster is used to repair walls finished with plaster. Used for exterior walls of traditional houses and, more recently, for interior materials, plaster is a material that is particularly prone to cracking because of its humidity-controlling effect.
5. Vinyl Wallpaper
If cracks appear in vinyl wallpaper, a gap filler called Bondo Coke can be used to repair them. Cracks are caused by expansion and contraction due to the dryness of the substrate and temperature changes, as well as vibration caused by the opening and closing of doors and windows. The color of the Bond Coke should be selected to match the color of the wallpaper.
Other Information on Crack Sealer
1. How to Use Crack Sealer
There is a method of filling in flaws by pouring crack repair material into the cracked area, or the “U-cut sealer filling method” for exterior wall cracks. For cracks on exterior walls, there is the “U-cut sealant filling method,” in which a U-shaped groove is dug with a disk grinder and filled with a special epoxy resin material.
Another method is the “low-pressure injection method.” This method is used when cracks are deep. Epoxy resin is placed in a special syringe-like device and set along the crack. Using the force of a spring or rubber, the repair material is injected over a period of about 24 hours.
In either method, the repair material acts like an adhesive to fill the flaw and prevent water intrusion. If the inexperienced person is using this method as a first aid measure, paint, cartridge, or pouch types are relatively easy to install. If you are looking for a high-quality installation, it is safer to ask a professional contractor to do the work.
2. Points to Keep In Mind When Repairing Cracks
Cracks that exceed 0.3 mm in width should be repaired as soon as possible. The reason for this is that cracks over 0.3 mm in width have a very high possibility of moisture penetration into the exterior wall.
In this case, it is recommended to have a professional contractor take a look at the cracks instead of repairing them yourself using a crack sealer. If the crack is left too long, the entire building will probably be damaged. The area to be repaired will be larger and the cost will be higher than using a crack sealer.
Crack scales, which are specially designed to measure the width of cracks, are available at home improvement stores, and crack scales can be used to self-diagnose cracks.