Hairline cracks in stucco develop due to several different reasons, including:
- very hot, cold, dry, wet, or windy conditions, which occur during the curing and drying process of newly applied stucco;
- specific building materials, such as green lumber, which may change shape as they dry;
- expansion and contraction of fresh stucco as it settles after the application;
How to repair settling cracks in stucco?
How to Repair Cracks in Stucco
- Quikrete Stucco Repair, Quikrete Pre-Mixed Stucco Patch or Quikrete Polyurethane Concrete Crack Sealant
- Caulk gun
- Screwdriver
- Margin trowel or putty knife
- Wire brush
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Commercial solvent or citrus-based cleaner (for polyurethane concrete crack sealant)
- Cloth
How do I repair cracks in stucco?
Steps for Repairing Stucco
- Break Off Loose Stucco. Whack it with a hammer, or a hammer and a cold chisel, taking care not to damage the underlying wood lath supports.
- Chip Away At The Edges. Continue until you reach stucco that's firmly adhered to its lath. ...
- Cover The Exposed Lath. ...
- Add Mesh. ...
- Mix The Stucco. ...
- Sling It. ...
- Scratch It. ...
- Apply Second Coat. ...
- Put On The Finish Coat. ...
- Wait To Paint. ...
How to repair a hairline crack?
To fix the hairline cracks, follow the following steps:
- Open up the crack and score the area. ...
- Take some soft clay and apply it around the crack on both sides of the wall.
- Compress the clay by applying pressure from both sides.
- Wrap your pieces with plastic to make sure the old and new clay dry evenly.
How serious is a stucco crack?
While cracks aren’t aesthetically pleasing, not all stucco cracks are serious. Some stucco cracking does occur naturally over time as homes settles. These cracks should be addressed before they lead to any further issues, though as long as they aren’t numerous or large, they are generally not a cause for concern.
How do you fix hairline stucco cracks?
Hairline Cracks Use a brush to remove the dirt/algae. Then use an Elastomeric caulking to fill the stucco crack. An Elastomeric caulking will allow the area to expand/contract easily with temperature changes without further cracks developing. Once the caulk is dry, paint the area to match your home.
Why does stucco have hairline cracks?
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.
Can hairline cracks in stucco cause leaks?
A hairline crack in stucco also does not mean the stucco system will automatically leak. In fact, independent testing on several stucco cement walls has demonstrated that tight “hairline” cracks rarely leak enough to cause a problem to the system.
What do vertical cracks in stucco mean?
Multiple vertical and horizontal hairline cracks that show up as a grid pattern are typically caused by the lath, which isn't nailed on properly. Because the lath is loose behind the stucco, it causes the stucco to crack as time goes by.
Should I worry about hairline cracks in stucco?
This crack pattern is often a sign of foundation settlement. 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.
Will paint cover hairline cracks in stucco?
Hairline cracks are anywhere from 1/16 of an inch to 1/8 of an inch wide (typically) and are easily and effectively repaired using caulking and paint, in most cases because it is the most economical approach for most people.
How can you tell if water is behind stucco?
Damp looking stucco — Wet stucco after the rain is actually normal. However, if the stucco is still wet a week after a rainstorm, that's a sign of a stucco water intrusion. Also, pay close attention to spots on the wall that ALWAYS look damp or discolored and be on the lookout for dark streaks that never disappear.
How much does it cost to fix stucco cracks?
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.
What is the most serious problem with exterior stucco?
Improperly mixed material and installation during temperature extremes can contribute to the material's failure, but if you're considering stucco for your home's exterior finish, keep in mind: the root of most stucco problems is the failure to implement the systems necessary to protect it from absorbing moisture.
Is it normal to have cracks in stucco?
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.
How long does exterior stucco last?
50-80 yearsStucco 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.
Is it normal to have cracks in stucco?
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.
How do you know if stucco is bad?
You may see dark spots, stains, cracks, or even entire missing pieces of stucco. There could also be a telltale smell of wet, rotting wood if you get close enough....Is the stucco cracking or turning black?Heavy staining.Thin cracks.Long cracks.Bulges in the stucco wall finish.Missing stucco.
Can you repair cracked stucco?
If possible, back cut the crack so that its base is slightly wider than its top. Then clear all loose debris from the crack with a wire brush. Now use a standard caulk gun to apply the stucco repair compound along the crack. As you go along, trowel the patch so that it matches the surrounding stucco finish.
Should new stucco crack?
Engineers and builders anticipate stucco cracks in a new house, that a new home with stucco walls will have a little cracking, but not any significant serious cracks.
Why do stucco walls have hairline cracks?
It may be described as a crack that is shallow. Before you learn how to fix hairline cracks in stucco, it is important to discover how they develop. These cracks happen for a variety of reasons. One possible reason is that the plaster used to construct the exterior wall wasn’t mixed correctly. Another possible reason is that the home is settling. ...
What happens if you wait to fix stucco cracks?
If you wait to do stucco crack repair and the sun comes out with a vengeance, your home will get hotter and it will expand. This means that the tiny cracks are going to come together. You’ll find that it’s tough to fill them in. Don’t waste your time trying to fill cracks, unless you do it in the morning.
What paint to use for stucco cracks?
You do have the option of repairing these types of slim cracks in stucco with three coats of Plascon Micatex paint. This paint is water-based and textured. It’s quite a bit thicker than typical paint and this means that it offers superb cover for cracks.
Why is my stucco still wet?
A third possible reason is that the stucco got a coat or two of paint while stucco was still wet. It’s important to understand that cracks of hairline thickness won’t negatively impact the structural integrity of your exterior walls and your home in general!
When to fill hairline cracks?
One tip that is well worth using is to do your hairline crack repairs in the a.m. It’s easier to fill cracks in the morning, when a house is cooler . When the house is cooler, the cracks will be more visible than they are when the home is warmer.
Can stucco cracks be repaired?
Now, let’s discuss how to fix hairline cracks in stucco and the smartest way to handle repairs of these very small cracks. You’ll be pleased to know that it’s possible to fix them without scraping them or making some other type of big effort!
Do you put a coat of brown on stucco?
If you are interested in installing or repairing sheetrock in your house, we recommend doing this job before you do the brown coat on your stucco (or ask your contractor to do it for you), as sheetrock is one home construction or reno project that often triggers cracks in stucco. Get the sheetrock installed before you put on the 2nd stucco coat. Always install sheetrock before you add a coat of color. It’s the best way to avoid hairline cracks.
Why does stucco crack?
Hydration cannot occur to an optimum level, developing good stucco strength, without sufficient moisture. Without moist-curing, the strength of the stucco suffers . The thickness of the stucco also causes cracks.
What causes cracks in cement stucco?
If cracks exceed 3/32” it is unacceptable and should be repaired”. Portland cement stucco cracks develop for many reasons. Plywood installation is probably the leading cause of cracks in stucco. Cracks caused by plywood are distinguished by the directions they take. They appear much like a large spider crack.
What happens when water enters a stucco?
When water wets the substrate it swells up and since the Stucco system is ridgit, it causes cracking in Stucco – Stucco giving into the push from inside by swolen susbstrate.
When did stucco cracks become unacceptable?
In 1982 the California Contractors Licenses Board published a set of workmanship guidelines that addressed cracks in stucco finishes. The publication stated: “hairline cracks if not excessively numerous are acceptable. If cracks exceed 3/32” it is unacceptable and should be repaired”.
Why do wood frames crack?
Expansion and contraction due to changes of temperature can also lead to cracks, because wood frame walls expand and contract at a different rate than stucco. An easily identifiable crack is a seismic-induced crack, a result of a major earthquake, as opposed to ordinary low reading disturbances.
What size studs were used in the old homes?
When the older homes were constructed, the studs used were 2X4-inches (not the reduced size now used), and they were kiln-dried. The lumber used came from much larger trees than those that are harvested today.
Can a stucco repairman tell what is the cause of cracks?
Thanks for letting me know that only an experienced stucco repairman can tell me what exactly is the cause of the cracks since they have the experience and knowledge to tell at a glance. My sister just bought a house but failed to get an inspection beforehand and only now noticed that there were a lot of cracks around the building. I’ll make sure to tell her to call a stucco repair service to get her house checked out as they can give her a proper diagnosis and solution to her house’s problems.
How wide is a hairline crack?
Hairline cracks are anywhere from 1/16 of an inch to 1/8 of an inch wide (typically) and are easily and effectively repaired using caulking and paint, in most cases because it is the most economical approach for most people.
How to get rid of a crack in a caulk?
Water will help with any standing dust in and around the crack and also help to move the caulk around, make it squeeze into the crack and will allow you to wipe off the excess a lot easier.
What does it look like after you apply caulk?
After The Caulk Is Applied... After you apply the caulking, it will look something like this (above photo). This is where cutting the tip of the caulking tube carefully comes in handy, the smaller the crack, the smaller the opening on the tip of the caulking tube should be.
What does the watery white residue around a crack mean?
Most of the caulking is sitting inside the crack which is where we want it and the watery white residue around the crack is water that has just a very small amount of caulking in it. This will have to be removed if you are not planning on painting, otherwise you will see a slight difference in color after you are done.
What is the best caulk for stucco?
Experiment first, like I mentioned earlier to see what method works the best for your texture. A sanded caulk would work better for rougher stucco textures and be easier to achieve a more seamless repair.
Can stucco cracks be repaired?
Many homes that have stucco as an exterior coating have cracking issues, but most of them can be repaired quite easily. There are different kinds of cracks that appear and knowing how to go about fixing them is half the battle. There are different kinds of cracks, distinguished mainly by their size and pattern on the wall itself.
Can you spread caulk over a wall?
Try to avoid spreading the caulk all over the wall, if you can do so, it will make the next step much easier.
Why does stucco crack?
Stucco cracks are usually caused by wrong mixing proportions, insufficient or excessive mixing, drying shrinkage due to the rapid evaporation of water from the stucco, seasonal changes, and seismic movement. But there are two more less-common causes of cracks in stucco: the normal settling of the home and differential settlement.
What does it mean when stucco cracks are wide?
While most stucco cracks are thin and small, so they usually represent just a cosmetic issue, one or more large cracks could develop occasionally. Wider than 1/16 of an inch, any deep or wide cracks in stucco indicate possible problems with the foundations. These cracks are divided into two main categories:
How wide is a hairline crack?
Hairline cracks are typically about 1/16 of an inch wide . While these cracks aren’t as serious as wider cracks, they could still provide a pathway for water and moisture to enter your walls. Hairline cracks in stucco develop due to several different reasons, including:
What causes settling in a house?
normal settling, which is caused by your home’s weight that compresses the soil beneath the foundation gradually and uniformly;
What are the conditions that occur during the curing and drying process of stucco?
very hot, cold, dry, wet, or windy conditions, which occur during the curing and drying process of newly applied stucco;
When is stucco applied?
the stucco is applied in extremely hot or cold weather.
Can stucco cracks be caused by settlement?
While the cracks that occur naturally over time as the home settles are generally not a cause for concern—though these cracks should also be addressed before they cause any further issues—the cracks that develop as a result of differential settlement can have serious implications for any home. Because specific stucco cracks can lead to structural damage, a homeowner should be able to identify, diagnose, and evaluate the types of cracks that could develop in stucco over time.
Why does stucco crack?
Cracking is inevitable when it comes to stucco, just like any type of cement based product. Expansion, wind and stress all play vital roles in why cracking occurs. Other issues that cause cracking issues in plaster can be brought on by improper installation of lath, improper mixing procedures and a couple of other variables.
How big is a hairline crack?
Hairline cracks are typically around a 1/16 of an inch wide or smaller, if the crack is bigger than that, than chances are that some other element is the culprit. Below are some examples of some hairline cracks that have occurred.
Why is my wall cracking?
When there are defining vertical and/or horizontal cracking occurring throughout the wall, then more than likely it is caused by the lath. Either the lath (the wire specifically) was not nailed or stapled off properly which is a more serious kind of cracking.
Why does foam trim crack?
The cause is usually because fiberglass mesh tape was not used on the seam where the two pieces met.
Why does plaster crack?
It is normal for plaster to crack from movement and stress, especially in a new home. The wood dries, the vibrations from the construction equipment and other factors play a significant role in this for a brand new home.
What does diagonal cracking mean?
Diagonal Type Cracking: Sometimes you will see a diagonal type pattern that will signify some other type of issue. Theses are usually in the general categories of seismic movements, house settling or shifting, etc.
Why does stucco crack?
The main cause for this stucco crack is from the base coat not curing properly. When the base coat doesn’t cure properly, it means the plaster did not dry and settle into place correctly. This could be due to the plaster drying too quickly, too much water being present in the mix, or the plaster was applied when it was too hot or too cold outside. If you notice spider cracks in your home’s stucco, consult with your stucco contractor to have the cracks repaired and see if there are any other underlying problems that need to be addressed.
What are the cracks in stucco?
Hairline cracks are arguably the most common type of stucco crack. They are very thin cracks that seem harmless. But if you ignore them, hairline cracks can become much worse. Hairline cracks tend to result from heavy vibrations due to construction or harsh weather, especially in new homes.
What is a crack in stucco siding?
Diagonal Cracks. This stucco crack will run diagonally across the side of your home. Diagonal cracks in your stucco siding are most likely due to your house shifting and settling into place. This type of crack is most commonly found near doors and windows.
What is a spider crack in stucco?
Spider Cracks. As you might have guessed from the name, this type of stucco crack resembles a spider web on your siding. It is very subtle, which can make it difficult to spot with the naked eye. So, be extra careful not to miss this kind of stucco crack.
What happens if a hairline crack is too deep?
If the crack gets any wider than that, it can become a deep crack. When this happens, it increases the risk the risk of structural damage to the home. To avoid any serious damage, be sure to fill hairline cracks as soon as you spot them.
Can stucco cracks be repaired?
Remember, it is not uncommon for plaster to crack over time. However, if not dealt with, down the road it can turn into a big problem that costs you money and stress. The natural expansion of the plaster and harsh weather can allow water to penetrate your walls and cause serious structural damage. This is why it is extremely important for you to fix all stucco cracks as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse it will get.
What Hairline Cracks Look Like
A hairline crack is an ultra-small and often, a shallow surface crack within a wall crafted from stucco. It is as thick as a single strand of hair. Often described as a crack because it is shallow. In order to learn how to fit this, it is essential to know how they are formed as these cracks happen for many reasons.
Hairline Cracks In Stucco Repair Tips
Now, let’s discuss how to fix hairline cracks in stucco and the simplest process to handle repairs of these very shallow cracks.
Clean The Wall Before Repairing
Before repairing the wall crack, remove the dirt and dust from the stucco. When the wall is clean beforehand, it will have a clean and smooth texture that paint adheres to easily. After washing, you may fill in the cracks with a little dab of caulking or spackling.
