Plaster Cladding Crack Repair
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Exterior Plaster Crack Repair Specialists
We are specialists in high-quality crack repairs for plaster cladding systems. These cracks are more than just surface flaws. If left unaddressed, they can compromise the weatherproofing, structure, and long-term value of your home. We deliver a comprehensive and durable solution that restores the integrity of your exterior while maintaining its original look and feel, completed with expert attention to detail.
We service the greater Auckland area – from Bombay to Whangaparaoa
Why Choose HomeSmart?
We are specialists in monolithic cladding repairs and maintenance, we know plaster homes and will help point you in the right direction.
A large number of monolithic clad / plaster homes were built with the cladding fixed directly to the (often untreated) timber framing. This design created a huge problem as moisture will penetrate through cracks or damaged sealant. Due to the lack of a cavity, moisture can’t dry and the untreated timber will rot.
Many of these homes solely relied on the sealant around doors/windows and penetrations to prevent moisture from getting in. We use a paintable sealant which helps to prevent deterioration but over time the sealant will perish and separate allowing moisture direct access. Pressure differences (while small) can lead to moisture being sucked into cracks and penetrations. Plaster homes should be regularly inspected and ideally have a maintenance plan in place. Part of the maintenance would generally include:
- Grinding out cracks, embedding mesh into a flat coating of plaster and applying texture to match the existing surface
- Removal of old sealant from all penetrations and replace with a high end paintable sealant
- Wash and Paint home with 2 coats of Resene or Shieldcoat
While this maintenance might suit most homes, there are many other factors to consider:
- Lack of head flashings
- Lack of water (kickout) diverters
- Lack of expansion joints
- Poor design or finishing detail
Unfortunately there is a misconception that just painting a plaster home will suffice. And while painting over cracks probably will work for a while, the expansion and contraction (heat) every day as well as house general house movement will inevitably mean the cracks will return.
When it comes to painting a plaster home, make sure you get quotes from plaster home experts – not just people that paint houses. We’ll do everything we can to make your home as watertight as possible prior to painting.
Make sure you get a quote, you won’t regret your decision. Remember, maintenance is cheaper than remedial work.
Before and After: see the difference
Plaster / Monolithic Clad homes were often built with risky design features. Cracked plaster cladding not only affects the appearance of your home but can also signal underlying damage or moisture ingress. At HomeSmart Maintenance, we don’t just patch the surface — we restore your home to its original strength and beauty
Exterior Plaster Cracks
Poor Detail, Exposed Timber Framing
Lack of Diverter Flashing
Example of Perished Sealant
Damaged Cladding due to Ground Level Being Too High
Potential for Exposed Wiring Behind Spotlight
Steps to maintain your plaster home:
Schedule a House Wash
Have your home washed every 12 months to remove dirt, salt build-up, mould, and organic growth that will degrade surfaces over time.
Crack inspections
Inspect for cracks regularly to detect early signs of movement or stress, allowing for targeted repairs before issues escalate.
Sealant checks
Check and replace sealant at a minimum every time you paint, especially around windows, doors, penetrations and expansion joints to maintain a watertight seal.
Painting
Repaint every 7 to 10 years to preserve the waterproofing, colour depth, and UV resistance of your exterior coatings.
Every home is different, so becoming familiar with your property is crucial. While it’s important to stay on top of the general maintenance, you should also:
- Check for water diverters and finishing detail.
- Ensure ground level has clearance well below the level of the cladding
- Ensure your gutters are clear, especially if you have ‘internal gutters’
- Check for swollen/mouldy skirting boards as this can indicate damage/rot to timber framing inside the wall.
We’ve seen timber framing rot (2 storeys, top to bottom) to the point it feels like wet dirt.This was simply caused by nothing more than a cable entering the wall from a home security alarm box mounted on an exterior wall.
This is not here as a scare tactic, just a reminder to get to know your property and look for potential weaknesses in the design or finishing detail.
Plaster Crack Repair FAQ's
Cracks typically result from natural building movement, thermal expansion and contraction, ground settling, or moisture ingress. Poor original installation or ageing materials can also contribute. Identifying the cause is essential for a lasting repair.
Most crack repairs can be completed within one to three days, depending on the extent of damage and weather conditions. Our team works efficiently to minimise disruption while ensuring high-quality results.
Yes. Properly executed crack repairs seal vulnerable areas against moisture ingress, protecting your home from rot, mould, and structural damage.
We use flexible, premium-grade materials designed to move with your building. Our repair methods include proper surface preparation, reinforcement where needed, and texture and colour matching to create durable, invisible repairs.
We Service all of Auckland
HomeSmart Maintenance proudly provides professional plaster cladding crack repairs across the greater Auckland region. Whether you’re in a coastal suburb exposed to salt and sun, or inland with high humidity and changing temperatures, our team is equipped to deliver high-performance solutions tailored to your local conditions.
Book a Free Quote
Simply fill in the form and we will contact you to schedule a visit
You can also call us on 0800 300 444