PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO AVOID CRACKS IN

PLASTERING
Raja Guru
September 23, 2014
CIVIL CONSTRUCTION
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PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO AVOID CRACKS IN

PLASTERING
o Cracking of plaster in a phenomenon observed in most buildings if enough precautions are taken the plaster
cracks can be minimized. Following are the precautions to be minimized the plaster cracks. please note that
the precautionary measure to be taken from the masonry stage of the workmanship
oAt the time of masonry apply a thin layer of rough-cement and plaster at the junction cracks is likely to develop
due to different co-efficient of expansion of two materials. application of thin cement-sand layer reduces the
chances cracks developing
oDo not erect more than 1.0m of masonry work at a time for 10cm,and 15cm thick masonry walls provide
R.C.C band at every 1.0m height this will reduces the settlement of masonry of cracking at the top level, at
junction of beam & masonry
oTreat masonry & floor beam help of khadimaal packing of 20mm (3/4) metal tightly with rich cement mortar
on the junction of R.C.C beam column and masonry and chicken mesh because here formation of crack is
definite as the co-efficient of expansion of two materials is different

oDo not plaster the concrete block masonry up-to 60 days, as the shrinkage of the block masonry wall normally
continues up-to 60days.if full shrinkage period is given to the masonry & then plaster is carried out, chances of
cracks due to shrinkage of masonry get minimized
oProperly fill and cure all the holes gaps, chiseled portion of masonry, conduits etc. with cement sand mortar
1:5
oFor constant cement proportion & controlled mortar quality use drops measured with farms
oDo not allow the use of stale mortar as its initial setting time is covered leading and cracking of fresh plaster
do not allow excessive thickness of plaster in a single coat as use of dry cement becomes unavoidable in such
circumstance leading to cracking of the plastering
oDo not allow plastering on oily surfaces as poor bonding to plaster may cause cracks or peeling of the
plastering always plaster the ceiling first in cement-sand mortar& then plaster the walls. His reduces the
possibility of using stale mortar when the ceiling plaster is first
oSieve the sand as explained in the masonry plastering chapter too course or too fine sand leads to crack in
plastering quality of the sanla should be checked before applying it to be plastered surface cracking & peeling
of the top layer, leading ugly patches
oNeeru paste is prepared from slacked lime. it should be used within 15 days and should be always be kept
moist. neeru finish gives more whiteness than sanla finish.
oProvide lintels on windows, exceeding sufficient distances at both the sides to avoid diagonal cracks below
lintels at the window corner due to stress concentration.