Challenges caused by cracking of walls

This article presents a summary of my understanding on cracking of buildings as a challenge in my professional practice as a builder. The appearance of cracks is a symptom of distress within the building. However a crack maybe the first sign of a serious defect which may affect the serviceability or the stability of the building. The appearance of cracks can also affect the value of the building, its insurability, the sale ability. In some instances the remedial work may exacerbate the problem resulting in yet further and more extensive cracking. I carried out this study in fulfillment of the theme for the third semester in my Bachelor’s program which is to explore the relation between my professional technical vocational practices as a builder and my understanding about the challenges in the society which need to be addressed such as ‘cracking of walls. The research is also carried out to establish a common ground and possible ways on how its information can influence other craftsmen in the field of bricklaying and concrete practice and may in other crafts to also identify and understand common challenges in the professional practices. The main research method I used in this study into understanding cracks as a challenge in my practices as a builder is “observation”. In this study, I see what is happening in its natural form; make my observations and reflections. Meanwhile, the research tools I used included camera, notebook and pens and daily data log.