Cracks in facades can have a disturbing appearance for building owners and occupants. These cracks can develop due to a variety of factors, including structural stresses, temperature fluctuations, soil subsidence and even poor building materials. Regardless of the cause, cracks in facades can often compromise the structural integrity of the building and lead to aesthetic problems. Traditionally, cracks in facades are filled with a mortar combined with metal reinforcements such as spiral anchors.
A better alternative to spiral anchors, are fiberglass rods. First, fiberglass rods offer exceptional levels of strength and durability. Unlike metal reinforcements, fiberglass rods are resistant to corrosion and rust, providing a long-term solution for crack repair. In addition, they are lightweight and light-flexible, meaning they can adapt to different crack shapes and sizes without compromising the structural integrity of the facade.
Another advantage of crack repair with fiberglass rods is aesthetics. After the cracks are repaired and the fiberglass rods are embedded in a reinforced mortar, the facade can be finished to blend seamlessly with the surrounding structure. This preserves the aesthetics of the building without visible signs of repair.
In addition, crack repair with fiberglass rods requires minimal disruption of the surrounding structure during repair. This means less inconvenience to residents and faster execution of the repair process.
1. Joint grinding out: every 5 joints (+/-300-450mm) the joint is grinded out to a depth of 35 to 70mm, with about 50cm on each side of the crack, so 1m width in total. This length must always be symmetrical to maintain stability.
2. Dust removal: After the joint has been ground out, all dust and loose material is thoroughly removed to ensure proper bonding. This can be done with air pressure or water.
3. First layer fill: The joint is filled with a first layer of about 10mm with RC 854, epoxy-based micro mortar or RC 730, fiber-reinforced concrete repair mortar. A 6mm fiberglass rod is inserted during filling.
4. Second coat fill: After inserting the fiberglass rod, a second coat of approximately 10mm, RC 854 or RC 730 is applied to completely cover the repair.
5. Grouting: Finally, the repaired joint is grouted with RC Astivo or natural hydraulic lime mixed with sand in a 1:3 ratio. This finish ensures that the repaired crack blends seamlessly with the surrounding facade and maintains its aesthetics.
