Are cracks in stucco a problem?

In short, hairline stucco cracks are common and can be easily repatched. Most are not a serious indicator of foundation damage or structural disrepair. However, hairline cracks caused by foundation settlement will likely reappear after the repair and worsen.

When should I worry about cracks in stucco?

Larger cracks, we're talking 1/16 of an inch, are cause for concern. If you can slide your credit card into the crack in your stucco, it's time to seek some professional help. Larger cracks like these can indicate a structural issue that needs to be addressed prior to repairing the stucco.

Should you fix cracks in stucco?

Although cracks smaller than 1/16 inches usually don't undermine the integrity of exterior stucco, repairing them immediately will prevent them from escalating into something worse.

How common are stucco cracks?

It is very common for new homes to have stucco cracks. Most new homes will generally settle a little in the first year or two. They will settle ¼ of an inch or even ¾ of an inch in the first couple of years.

How long should stucco last before cracking?

Please note that a few hairline shrinkage cracks are normal and should always be expected; they tend to show up about one to two weeks after the brown coat is applied. Excessive shrinkage cracking is not acceptable and hiding it with a finish coat only delays the inevitable.

Learning to caulk stucco structural cracks, How to repairing cracks in exterior stucco walls

How much does it cost to fix cracks in stucco?

Stucco repairs cost $8 to 50 per square foot, or $40 to $60 per hour plus materials. On average, homeowners spend $477 to $1,510 on stucco repairs, while DIY stucco repair kits to fix cracks costs $40. Prices depend on the home's size, the square footage of stucco, and accessibility.

How do you know if stucco is bad?

Can cracks in stucco cause leaks?

Now stucco cracks don't always mean that there is damage, but it is usually a common sign of stucco moisture problems. Cracks and bubbles along the bottom edge of the wall — You may notice water leaking through the stucco walls and showing up along the bottom edge due to poor drainage systems.

How often should stucco be redone?

It is often recommended that stucco be painted every 5-10 years depending on its current condition. Each stucco home may have a different timeline on when it will need repairs and maintenance. Some factors include climate, the previous painting service, and how well you take care of your home.

How do I stop my stucco from cracking?

What do vertical cracks in stucco mean?

The vertical one above and below windows and doors are often expected because the windows and doors open and close, which causes vibrations, the leading cause of hairline cracks in stucco walls.

Are cracks in new stucco normal?

So the answer to 'are cracks in stucco normal? ' is yes! Small stucco cracks are a natural occurrences, so if you see one, there's typically no need to panic. Over time stucco will probably show some minor damage like this, but with the right repair technicians by your side the problem is easily fixed.

Can you caulk cracks in stucco?

There are two main types of caulking that are best for stucco applications and these are for repairing cracks and for using when lathing to seal up certain areas. The two main types that are recommended by most people are an acrylic based caulking and a polyurethane based caulking.

What do horizontal cracks in stucco mean?

Stucco shrinks as it hardens and gains strength. This shrinkage, results in micro cracking and hairline cracks. These cracks are usually less than 1/16 of an inch wide, with many being so thin that the naked eye may not be able to see them.

Can wind cause stucco to crack?

Hurricane winds can cause cracks in stucco especially where the stucco bridges a joint that flexes (Figure 8). Fresh stucco cracks are sharp and unweathered. Merging cracks occasionally contain loose pieces of the stucco material. Localized damage can occur where flying debris strikes the stucco clad wall.

What is the main problem with stucco?

There are several stucco problems that you can encounter. The most common ones are staining and discoloration, stucco cracking, and moisture intrusion. Other problems include stucco extending below grade and caulking. Some of these issues will need either repair or remediation.

Why you should not paint stucco?

Stucco needs to breath – One of the main reasons you shouldn't coat your stucco with paint is because stucco is porous. This allows moisture that hits the surface to easily evaporate away. A coat of paint can harm that breathability.

What is the lifespan of stucco?

Stucco is a very durable finish material with a typical life span of 50-80 years or more. Although it is one of the most durable surfaces available, it also features the lowest annual maintenance cost when compared to other siding materials. Stucco is a natural material consisting of an aggregate, a binder, and water.

Should I worry about hairline cracks?

Generally, smaller hairline cracks are not cause for concern. These are usually the result of seasonal expansion and contraction of clay soils beneath your house over time, and can be easily patched and re-painted.

What happens when water gets behind stucco?

Water leakage is a common issue with stucco in areas where seasonal rain is the norm. If water gets behind stucco it will soften the areas it comes in contact with, eventually causing the stucco to break away and fall off in sheets.

What does a bad stucco job look like?

Water damage isn't as straightforward or dramatic as a crack of the wall to your home, so here are a few signs to look out for when trying to identify water damage and its effects on the stucco: brown streaks/stains under the corners of your windows. brown streaks/stains at the intersection of roofs and walls.

What does water damage look like on stucco?

Cracks and bubbles along the bottom edge of the wall — Resulting from a poor drainage system, water leaking through stucco walls shows up along the bottom edge. If you see dense cracks or odd bubbles, you're looking at the signs of stucco damage.

Why does stucco need to be inspected?

If the house has a stucco, veneer, or panel siding exterior, an inspection is recommended to check for moisture buildup inside the walls. This can cause severe damage to the structure as well as mold and mildew growth. Home inspections are also recommended regardless of if you are the buyer or the seller of the house.

How much does it cost to redo stucco exterior?

Stucco siding costs between $5 to $9.58 per square foot on average to install. If you were to apply stucco siding to the average size 1,500 square foot home, you could expect to pay around $10,935 in total installation costs at an average of about $7 per square foot.