Living in an apartment means dealing with small imperfections—like wall cracks. But the good news is, most cracks are easy to fix with a bit of time, effort, and the right approach. In this guide, we’ll explore five quick fixes for common wall cracks in apartments.
Why Wall Cracks Happen in Apartments
Before jumping into solutions, it helps to know why cracks appear:
- Foundational settling — Buildings move slightly over time, causing vertical or diagonal cracks.
- Thermal expansion — As walls warm and cool with the seasons, they expand and contract, leading to hairline cracks .
- Poor construction — Faulty curing, low-quality plaster, or lack of joints can cause cracking.
- Moisture seepage — Leaky pipes or damp walls can crack plaster and paint.
- Vibrations or settling — External factors like nearby construction or foundation movement can also shake walls.
1. Fix Hairline Cracks with Flexible Filler
Hairline cracks (fine surface splits) are very common and the easiest to fix.
Steps:
- Clean the area, removing loose paint or debris with a scraper.
- Widen the crack slightly with a V-notch to help filler stick.
- Apply a flexible acrylic filler or stretchable caulk (e.g., Crack Proof Paste or HomeShield Crack Fill).
- Smooth the surface with a putty knife, let it dry, then sand and repaint to full coverage.
Reddit advice:
“If you are SURE it’s superficial, … fill those cracks with a stretchable caulk”.
2. Repair Moderate Plaster Cracks with Mesh and Mortar
Moderate cracks (1–5 mm) in plastered walls need a more robust repair.
Steps:
- Clean the surface and create a V-groove along the crack.
- Apply fiberglass or mesh tape inside the groove for reinforcement.
- Mix and apply polymer-modified mortar or filler (TruBuild CFP‑525 recommended).
- Smooth, let dry, sand, and repaint for a seamless finish.
3. Treat Minor Concrete or Brick Cracks
Cracks in concrete or brick walls need a more durable repair approach.
Steps:
- Clean and open the crack with a cold chisel or wire brush.
- Use a bonding agent or primer to promote adhesion.
- Fill with concrete patching compound or epoxy using a trowel .
- Smooth the surface, let cure, then paint or finish to match surroundings.
4. Seal Structural Horizontal or Diagonal Cracks
These cracks indicate underlying structural stress and should be monitored—or repaired professionally.
Steps:
- Inspect crack size and monitor for widening.
- Use an epoxy injection kit (for horizontal cracks) or steel stitching method (for masonry) .
- Finish with smoothing, sanding, and painting.
- Hire a structural engineer for large or growing cracks.
5. Handle Moisture-Related Cracks with Waterproofing
Moisture cracks need fixes to both crack and water source.
Steps:
- Locate and repair leaks or damp areas.
- Let walls dry thoroughly.
- Clean and fill cracks with waterproof filler (e.g., Crack Proof or Trubuild epoxy paste).
- Apply an external wall waterproof coating like Astral Trubuild Walltect before repainting.
DIY vs Professional: When to Call Help
- DIY repair is fine for hairline and moderate cracks.
- Structural or large cracks, leaks, shifting giveaways, or even horizontal cracks need a licensed structural engineer and professional repair .
Maintenance Tips for Apartment Wall Care
- Inspect after monsoon or seasonal shifts
- Seal small cracks immediately to prevent spreading
- Maintain drainage and waterproofing around window and balconies
- Invest in high-quality plaster and sealants from brands like Trubuild, JK Cement, UltraTech
- Keep trusted local contractors (e.g., CrackProof, Trubuild dealers) on speed dial
Local Vendor & Product Mentions
- Crack Proof Paste – flexible wall filler, available in ~₹300–600/L .
- Astral Trubuild CFP‑525 – cement-based wall crack filler for deeper repair.
- HomeShield Crack Fill Paste – flexible filler for minor external cracks.
- Local fitters in Delhi/NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore often include plaster & paint repair with home maintenance services.
Quick Comparison Table
| Crack Type | Best Fix | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Hairline | Acrylic filler + paint | ₹100–₹300 per meter |
| Moderate plaster | Mesh + polymer mortar | ₹300–₹800 per meter |
| Concrete/brick | Epoxy/concrete patch | ₹800–₹1,500 per meter |
| Structural | Epoxy injection/engineer input | ₹1,500+ per meter |
| Moisture-related | Waterproof filler + coating | ₹500–₹2,000/m² |
Final Thoughts
Repairing wall cracks in apartments doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By identifying the crack type and using quick fixes—like flexible fillers, mesh reinforcement, waterproof sealants—you can keep your home safe and attractive. Tackle issues early, use quality materials, and consult a professional when needed. With routine checks and timely action, your walls will stay solid and fresh—year after year.
Source : fulinspace.com
