How to fix cracked rendered interior wall?

[Jackle1]

Good evening 

Anyone know what happen with the wall in living here ?

And how can i fix it ?

Thank you very much 

 

[EricL]

Hello @Jackle1 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your rendered wall.

It appears to be a rendered brick wall and the white substance on the brick might be efflorescence, the white, powdery deposit often seen on concrete, brick and masonry, can be caused by hydrostatic pressure. This pressure occurs when moisture, under pressure from the ground, rises through the building material and carries dissolved salts to the surface. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind the white mineral salts, resulting in efflorescence. 

This water under pressure also has the ability to push paint, sealer or render off its surface. Can you please tell us what is behind this wall? Is there plumbing or pipework behind this wall? This is just a guess on my part as your picture appears to show efflorescence. If there is no leak and it just happens that the brick surface is dusty the old render must be removed and repatched using Dunlop 20kg Multipurpose Acrylic Render. Once the render has been patched all that is left is to paint the surface to match the existing wall colour.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Jackle1]

behind wall is bathroom 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Jackle1,

Considering there is a bathroom on the other side of the wall, I would suggest you have it inspected for leaks before considering any repairs on this side of the wall.

If there is a leak present, then any aesthetic repair will be wasted as it will likely return.

You could contact a leak detection specialist for their assistance with this.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Jackle1]

How much cost for leak detection specialist and if they found the leak, how much cost for repair ?

[EricL]

Hello @Jackle1 

The cost of a leak detection service varies in each state. I suggest searching online to see how much the going rate is in your area. As for the cost of the repair, the cause of the leak will need to be determined first. If it is structural issue a builder or handy person will need to be engaged to properly seal off any damage that is allowing water to come through the brick wall. If it is a plumbing issue a licensed plumber will need to be engaged to repair the damage. 

The purpose of the leak detection service is to track down where the water is coming from. The repair itself will need to be done by other trades, unless of course the leak detection service offers the repair service as well.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Jackle1]

I live in Adelaide, can you introduce me some leak detection service company in SA ?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Jackle1,

Unfortunately, this is not something we could directly assist with.

You can use a service such as HiPages or Airtasker, or even just a quick Google search to find a leak detection company that operates in your area.

Good luck!

Jacob