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.

Is it normal for brown coat to crack?

A "too rich" mix almost always results in cracking, especially when the coat is applied too thick. Normally, the scratch coat should just cover the wire. The next layer (the brown coat) may be applied the same day, providing the scratch coat has had adequate time to set up.

Is it normal for fresh stucco to crack?

It is very common for new homes to have limited cracking; usually the cracks are small and most do not leak. The most common cracking on new homes is shrinkage cracking and it's just part of the curing process.

How much stucco cracking is normal?

Hairline Cracks – Typical stucco cracks that require normal maintenance are hairline cracks less than 1/8 of an inch. These cracks can be stair-stepping on concrete block homes and that's completely fine.

Should I be worried 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.

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

How do I stop my stucco from cracking?

How do you know if stucco is bad?

Why did my stucco crack?

This type of cracking is basically a sign that the base coat did not cure properly. This is caused by either drying too quickly, too muck water in the mix, or mixed incorrectly or applied when it was too cold or too hot the day the stucco was applied.

What do vertical 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.

How often should stucco be sealed?

If new, stucco can be sealed with a clear concrete/ masonry sealer, which will penetrate into the stucco and stop moisture entrance. These are typically silicone type sealers. While effective, these finishes will usually need to be redone every 4-5 years.

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.

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 much does it cost to repair cracks in stucco?

You can expect to pay between $60 and $120 per square foot to have a professional repair your stucco for you. However, keep in mind that not all stucco repair professionals charge by the square foot. Some charge based on time spent, and will typically charge $40 to $50 per hour.

Can you paint brown coat stucco?

The short answer is yes, you can paint stucco! You can paint any type of finish coat, whether it is a traditional (cement based) finish or when using an acrylic type of finish. I have even seen some people paint the brown coat (the base coat) of their stucco and skip applying the finish coat altogether!

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.

Does smooth stucco crack?

Fine sand finish or smooth finish textures accentuate cracks in stucco, while heavier textures tend to hide stucco cracks. Although not all cracks are objectionable, cracks in stucco that are acceptable to one person might be unacceptable to another person. Cracking can also occur in stucco regardless of texture.

How do you fill cracks in stucco before painting?

Clean the edges of the crack with a wire brush to remove any debris. Then, using a sand-textured acrylic caulk, fill in the crack from top to bottom using a trowel to smooth it out as you go. Allow the material to cure for at least 24 hours before painting with a water-based paint.

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.

How often do you need to paint a stucco house?

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.

Does water get behind stucco?

Despite what many people think about stucco walls, stucco walls are not water-resistant. As a matter of fact water actually absorbs into the stucco. In most cases, the problem with water leaking through stucco is that the building envelope has been breached.

Are hairline cracks normal?

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.

How much does it cost to recoat stucco?

Recoat: A basic recoat costs between $3 and $6 per square foot, depending on the condition, type and texture of your walls. For a large repair, you may need a pro to recoat the stucco on a large portion of the house to make the patch color match everything else, as well as seal out moisture.