How do I stop my stucco from cracking?

Why does my stucco keep cracking?

Though cracks in stucco can occur due to different factors, including wrong mix proportions, insufficient mixing, poor workmanship, seismic movement and seasonal changes, two leading causes of cracks in stucco are the house settling process and shrinkage-induced stresses, which typically occur during the drying period.

What is the best product to seal stucco cracks?

A Polyurethane Based Caulking: Polyurethane based caulking is good for sealing up areas on the lath portion of the stucco process. Areas like windows, doors, where lath meets wood, etc. are better suited with a polyurethane based caulk. Polyurethane provides a better seal and is more watertight.

Does stucco crack easily?

Stucco is a cement-based siding that can easily crack that soaks in water and cause water intrusion. Repairing hairline stucco cracks is important for regular home maintenance. However, other types of stucco cracks may require professional repairs.

How long should stucco last before cracking?

#8 Medium to large cracks appearing on new homes within 6 to 12 months. It is very common for new homes to have stucco cracks.

Prevent cracking in a stucco base coat, how to stop hairline cracking in new stucco

How long should stucco last?

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.

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.

Does stucco need to be sealed?

Stucco can and should be sealed properly to prevent moisture intrusion. If new, stucco can be sealed with a clear concrete/ masonry sealer, which will penetrate into the stucco and stop moisture entrance.

Should you paint your stucco?

Stucco is a durable and great-looking exterior finish, but it isn't invincible. Ideally, stucco should be painted every five to ten years. It's important to paint and perform other stucco maintenance on the right schedule to keep your home looking great and to prevent hairline cracks from growing larger.

How do you fix cracks on the outside of your house?

Concrete epoxy is a popular product used for filling in cracks on exterior walls that are made from concrete. Depending on the size of the crack, the concrete epoxy will either need to be injected into the crack or worked in with a brush.

Can you use concrete sealer on stucco?

Fortunately, you can use a concrete sealer on stucco, which will function just as effectively as on traditional concrete; however, it is important to choose the right variety of sealer.

Is it normal for the brown coat of stucco to crack?

Application of the brown coat before the scratch coat has properly cured, and failure to make the additional trowel‐float pass, are common causes of cracking in the finished stucco. The finish coat may be either Portland cement plaster or acrylic, typically 1/8‐in.

What do you use to seal stucco?

New stucco should be sealed with a clear concrete masonry sealer, typically made of a silicone material. For older stucco that's already showing signs of cracking, waterproof elastomeric paints are an excellent choice to preserve and protect your stucco.

How do you maintain stucco?

Stucco walls can be washed and should be washed two to three times a year in order to maintain the finish coat's ability to shine and function the way it should. You can do this one of two different ways: using a garden hose or a pressure washer.

What paint is best for stucco?

Acrylic Paint. The best exterior paint for stucco is 100% acrylic paint in most cases. Indeed, acrylic latex paint is both durable and flexible, maximizing stucco surface breathability.

How often should stucco be painted?

Stucco is a popular exterior choice due to its durability. However, a stucco home will still need exterior maintenance. It is often recommended that stucco be painted every 5-10 years depending on its current condition.

Can stucco cracks cause water damage?

Cracks and holes in the stucco exterior can allow moisture to penetrate the material, leaving it at risk for water damage like mold growth and dry rot. Just like interior water damage, exterior water damage should be addressed immediately to prevent long term problems.

Can you use a pressure washer on stucco?

Yes, you can use a power washer or pressure washer to clean stucco. Just make sure to maintain a good distance between the nozzle and the surface, use the 1,500 PSI, and a 25- or 40-degree nozzle. Although, given the intensity of a power washer, seeking the help of a professional is always best.

Is it better to roll or spray paint stucco?

Stucco can be painted using a roller or with an airless sprayer – a brush is not recommended. A roller works well for small jobs, but can be overwhelming on larger projects. When it comes to big jobs consider using an airless sprayer. It makes putting paint on a breeze – especially on larger jobs.

How do you redo exterior stucco?

How do you know if stucco is bad?

Do you seal stucco before painting?

When Was The Stucco Applied: If the stucco is new, then you will want to wait at least 60 days before painting it, to allow it to fully cure and harden up before you seal the stucco with any kind of paint.

Is elastomeric paint good for stucco?

Elastomeric paint is a high build coating that is designed to protect masonry surfaces. These coatings help protect your stucco from wind driven rain, and can create a waterproof system if applied correctly.