Cracks on balcony and wall help

[therealace]

Hey all, I'm looking at a property (7 years old) which has no other visible cracks internally. Only some cracks on the roof of the garage; which is a balcony area with screed top. and no cracks inside the garage. A concern that a friend shared is that we don't want it to be cracks from the slab.

The info we got is that there is only one outlet for water and water does tend to stand in the area.

do these cracks look like I need a second opinion?

Thank u very much.

 

[Napalm2880]

In my somewhat novice opinion, I don't believe the structure is compromised. You will first need to address the lack of drainage by adding additional drainage holes. You will then need to re-plaster. I'm not sure on the best approach for fixing / hiding the cracks in the screed. Perhaps stoep paint?

I've seen a lot of modern properties like this - usually at the coast. Makes you wonder what other shortcuts were taken.

 

[Thor]

Water ingress most likely

 

[therealace]

Thanks for both your responses this far @Napalm2880 and @Thor.

 

[Napalm2880]

Thanks for both your responses this far @Napalm2880 and @Thor.

If you like the property, get a quote from a builder to fix and properly waterproof prior to purchase. That will give you some idea of the costs involved. I'm guessing R25k to R50k?

 

[therealace]

If you like the property, get a quote from a builder to fix and properly waterproof prior to purchase. That will give you some idea of the costs involved. I'm guessing R25k to R50k?

Yes, that was around the quote the building contractor gave. He didn't think anything looked "out of the ordinary". I was second guessing myself on the cracks.

 

[jezzad]

With cracks like that I would be slightly concerned about damage to rebar below the surface. It the rebar is rusted and isn’t treated you could cover over the cracks and they would reappear a while later.

Not sure how check if rebar is damaged without actually cutting a section away and having a look.

 

[Katelknaap]

Those cracks look pretty cosmetic and not too serious. Probably no expansion joints in that screed so cracks form due to constant thermal contraction and expansion.

Long term leaks would cause the rebar to rust, but those kinds of cracks normally appear on the "inside"/ underneath.

Make sure u use an experienced knowledgeable builder for advice and repairs.

 

[RonSwanson]

Makes you wonder what other shortcuts were taken.

Water ingress most likely

Usually happens when a builder builds a paddling pool on top of a garage. I would love to see the plans...

 

[Pak Fa Fui]

Check the neighbours, they could have similar cracks, looks like surface cracks, normal after 5 years. Clean it up, fill the cracks and maybe use a sealer then paint it again with weathergaurd.
Create some drainage for the top, even a trimmed PVC pipe can work to help get rid of standing water

 

[Napalm2880]

looks like surface cracks, normal after 5 years

Unfortunately this has become the norm. The architect and builder need to go back and read some books on how to design and build a proper house.

Unfortunately they're all being taught that sustainable development means building a house out of a shipping container, when it actually means building a house that you can hand down to your great grandkids without having to rebuild it every 30 years.