Are you planning to build or buy a property in Bali? It’s crucial to be aware of the common causes of cracks in buildings and how to safeguard your investment. While some cracking is normal, understanding the underlying issues can help you prevent major problems. Let’s explore the key factors that contribute to cracks in structures and how you can address them.
Why Do Cracks Appear?
It’s a fact of life that new buildings will often experience some cracking. This is often due to the initial settling of the land after construction, as well as the drying out of building materials. When a building is constructed, the weight of the structure can cause the land to settle. Properly built structures will experience only minor cracking, which typically stops within a year unless there are other environmental or structural issues.
However, more severe cracks may indicate significant underlying problems. Here are the main causes to be aware of in Bali:
- Unstable Land: Building on unstable land, such as areas with expansive clay or land prone to erosion or subsidence, can cause significant cracking. In Bali, many buildings are erected on former paddy fields, which often have a thick layer of mud that expands and contracts with wet and dry seasons. This can place a great deal of stress on a building’s structure.
- Land Movement: If cracks are still active, that is, they continue to appear or widen beyond hairline cracks, it means there is more than settling happening. This may be an indication of more serious land movement.
- Landslips: On the hillsides of Bali, landslips are very common, especially after heavy rain or when watercourses are diverted. Also, digging out soil from adjacent land may cause landslips and impact your buildings.
- Loss of Trees: Trees are crucial for stabilizing the ground. The reduction of tree cover in many parts of Indonesia, including Bali, can result in a significant increase of landslides.
- Earthquakes: Bali experiences earthquakes from time to time. Although preparation is key, it’s very important that structures are designed by an experienced professional who understands how to build for earthquake risks.
How to Identify a Problem
If you notice cracks in your building, assess them using the following questions:
- Are there cracks in the structural parts of your house? Check for cracks in reinforced columns, beams, and suspended concrete floors. Cracks in these critical areas can compromise the overall structural integrity.
- Are the cracks still moving? If the cracks continue to appear or get wider, this means that there is still movement occurring and requires further investigation.
If the answer to both questions is “no”, the cracks can likely be filled and painted over. However, if there are structural cracks or if they are still moving, you must seek expert advice.
Safeguarding Your Property
Here’s what you can do to minimize the risk of cracking in your Bali property:
- Choose a Stable Building Site: Selecting a stable building site is paramount for the longevity of any building. Avoid building on steep slopes in paddy fields and other unstable areas.
- Design Thoughtfully: Engage a qualified architect with a proven record and make sure your building is well-designed for the conditions in Bali.
- Lightweight Structures: Keep the building structure as light as possible. If possible, opt for single-story construction.
- Reinforced Concrete: If you choose to build a multi-story structure, ensure it has reinforced concrete beams and columns. The foundations must also be properly reinforced.
- Strong Foundations: Ensure that the foundation is strong enough for your chosen design.
- Be Prepared: Stay informed and be aware of local risks such as earthquakes.
Act Now
While some minor cracking in new buildings is expected, it’s crucial to be vigilant about signs of serious issues. Understanding the local environmental factors and choosing a professional and qualified builder will enable you to ensure the longevity and stability of your investment. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your property from significant structural damage and have peace of mind in your Bali home.
