Cracking of Putty in Prefabricated Panel Houses

There are various reasons for the cracking of putty in prefabricated panel houses. To repair it, the cracked putty must first be removed, and then the base layer should be treated, cracks repaired, putty applied, and paint brushed according to standard procedures.

Reasons for Cracking

• Internal Reasons: Product quality is a crucial factor. If the putty itself is of poor quality, with insufficient adhesion and flexibility, it is prone to cracking during use. Improper construction techniques can also cause problems, such as uneven force application during scraping or scraping in the wrong direction. Excessive thickness during scraping can lead to uneven shrinkage during the drying process of the putty, resulting in cracking. Additionally, poor treatment of the base layer interface, such as the presence of dust, oil, or other impurities on the base layer surface, can affect the adhesion between the putty and the base layer, leading to cracking of the putty layer. Changes in humidity are also an internal reason. When the environmental humidity changes, the putty will absorb or release moisture, forming shrinkage cracks.
• External Reasons: Temperature changes are a common external factor. Prefabricated panel houses will expand and contract with seasonal and diurnal temperature changes, and this temperature stress can cause temperature cracks in the putty layer. Structural cracks can also affect the putty layer. If there are issues with the prefabricated panel structure of the house, such as loose splicing of the panels or uneven settlement of the house, the resulting structural cracks will be reflected on the putty layer, causing it to crack.

Repair Methods

• First, remove the putty from the cracked area on the ceiling and use a small scraper to clean the base layer, ensuring it is flat, firm, and free of impurities. If there are small cracks on the original ceiling, first cover the cracks with PVC mesh tape, which can enhance the strength of the cracked area and prevent further expansion of the cracks.
• Then, repair with putty. Choose a putty product that is of good quality and compatible with the base layer. During construction, apply two coats of putty. The first coat is mainly to fill the depressions and cracks in the base layer, while the second coat is for leveling to make the surface smoother. After each coat of putty is applied, wait for it to dry completely before sanding. The degree of sanding should be parallel to the surrounding ceiling to ensure consistent surface flatness.
• Finally, apply paint. Choose a latex paint that is similar in color to the original wall and of reliable quality, and apply it according to the correct construction method to make the repaired wall consistent in color and texture with the surrounding walls.