Almost every building develops cracks. New properties settle, plaster shrinks as it dries and Dubai's heat makes materials expand and contract daily. Most cracks are cosmetic — but some point to a problem that will get worse if ignored.
Hairline cracks are usually cosmetic
Very fine cracks in plaster or paint, especially in a new property, are normally the result of drying and settling. They can be filled and painted over.
Look at the direction
Thin vertical cracks are generally less concerning. Horizontal cracks, or diagonal cracks that step along the joints of the blockwork, deserve a closer look.
Measure the width
As a rough guide, a crack you can fit a coin into, or one that is wider at one end than the other, should be inspected by a professional.
Check around doors and windows
Cracks spreading from the corners of frames, or doors and windows that have started to stick, can be a sign of movement.
Watch for damp
A crack with staining, bubbling paint or a musty smell near it usually means water is getting in — and the leak needs fixing before the wall does.
Monitor it
Mark the ends of the crack with a pencil and note the date. If it has grown after a few weeks, it is active and needs attention.
Repair it properly
Filling over the surface rarely lasts. A lasting repair means opening the crack, filling and reinforcing it, then re-plastering.
