Why Does Stucco Crack and Crumble?
- Settling. Buildings settle over the years. The same forces that can cause cracks in a foundation or in sheetrock can...
- Insect Damage. Insects can damage stucco just like they can damage lots of other building materials. If insects are...
- Water Damage. The next main reason that we see cracking is stucco is because of a water problem.
Why is my stucco cracking?
Of course, if you begin noticing numerous or large cracks, you should have a stucco professional come to inspect your property quickly. One of the most common reasons new stucco can crack is because of a lack of moist curing. When you apply stucco, it is crucial that the material sets properly, or your stucco will be prone to cracks.
What causes cement to crumble?
Water is the primary cause for most crumbling concrete. This substance is known as the universal solvent since it is capable of breaking down almost any compound. Whether from flooding or from repeated rains, water eventually wears down the structure of a cinder block from the outside, causing it to flake off and crumble.
Why do cinder blocks crumble?
Cinder blocks can crumble for several reasons. Cinder blocks, made from pouring concrete into a cast, are used as walls in buildings or as support units for other structures. While these blocks can handle both weight and weathering, the cinder block does have weaknesses.
Should I repair or replace my cracked stucco?
If you do notice your stucco cracking, it’s important you get it repaired by a professional as quickly as possible. Failing to fix a crack quickly can result in spreading, which can ultimately cause further foundation issues.
How do you know if stucco needs to be replaced?
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.
How do you know if stucco has water damage?
Signs of Stucco Damage from WaterWater stains anywhere on the stucco.Holes or missing pieces of stucco.Stucco cracks around windows and elsewhere in the stucco.Water stains on the interior of your windows or doors.An increase in the humidity of your home.An increase in moisture in the home.More items...•
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.
How long can 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.
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.
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.
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.
How do I stop my stucco from cracking?
Solution: To lower the risk of drying shrinkage cracking, the following measures should be implemented:thoroughly wet highly absorbent/rough-textured masonry before applying stucco;follow the recommended mix ratios, avoiding cement rich mixes;damp-cure newly applied stucco in hot and dry weather conditions;More items...•
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 often should stucco be redone?
every 5-10 yearsIt 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.
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.
Can you apply new stucco over old stucco?
Loose or chipping paint can reduce the bonding power of a new coat of stucco, so it should be removed by sandblasting. If the painted surface is in very good condition, you can apply stucco directly over it, as long as you use a bonder.
What Causes Stucco to Crack?
Stucco is an attractive covering for homes and is found all over the Tampa Bay area. Made from cement, sand, lime, and water, it’s a durable, energy-efficient exterior that helps keep homes looking beautiful.
Improperly Mixed
In order for stucco to be durable, it must be mixed properly. In addition to the right ratio of components, the mixture must be appropriately combined. If the stucco is not combined well, it will create weak areas in the dried stucco. These weak areas may not be visibly noticeable, but the cracks they accumulate certainly are.
Poor Application
Because stucco is a popular exterior choice, many contractors are busy. They may work too quickly and rush application, failing to secure laths properly or skipping steps. While tiny cracks are common and are often hidden beneath paint, large cracks and peeling paint point to a problem.
House Settles
Settling homes are known to creak at night—and they also have a tendency to crack as well. If a home experiences settling soon after it has been built and the stucco becomes cracked, it may be possible to hold the builder liable, especially if they rushed the job and should’ve known that the home needed to be stabilized.
Extreme Weather
Extreme weather following application can cause stucco to crack. High winds following an application may leach moisture from the stucco, shrinking the stucco and leaving it vulnerable to cracks. In addition, strong storms shortly after application can have a negative effect on stucco.
Why Does New Stucco Crack?
Like virtually all materials used to finish the exterior of homes, stucco can experience cracks throughout its life cycle. Contrary to popular belief, this is completely normal. However, the degrees to which stucco cracks do vary and should be dealt with according to how serious the cracks are.
When Do Cracks Become a Problem?
If you do notice your stucco cracking, it’s important you get it repaired by a professional as quickly as possible. Failing to fix a crack quickly can result in spreading, which can ultimately cause further foundation issues.
prada
I have come across urban loft's new development with stucco and metal located on the east side off jenson. I noticed that the paint is peeling off the stucco and part of the stucco is literally coming off the exterior. This is a brand new development and it is already appears compromised.
Pumapayam
I have come across urban loft's new development with stucco and metal located on the east side off jenson. I noticed that the paint is peeling off the stucco and part of the stucco is literally coming off the exterior.
BryanS
It is going to have to be redone, correctly. I would wait until it gets bad, then redo it.
musicman
This is especially apparent on the corners and the bottom of the stucco right above the slab. Can anyone advise on stucco. I realize that this is a new style and departure to Urban loft's total metal homes.
TexasVines
buying stucco of any type in Houston (or anywhere east of I-35) is just asking to buy a home you will need to burn up in a few years just to get out of it and don't forget the hazmat permit when you light it up because of all the mold
sheeats
I would put masonite on in Houston over stucco because at least with masonite you know you bought cheap crap and it will practically disintegrate when you tear it off in 3 years VS stucco that will actually take some effort to rip off
cgallagher
I disagree with all of you. Stucco does not mold, rot, or crumble by itself. The only way it would crumble, is if there was some sort of impact - usually by a grading tractor or trencher. It just needs to be repaired. Also stucco should not be installed unless the home has been "weighted down".
Bad Manufacturing
Of course, a cinder block will crumble faster if it is poorly made. The materials used in the construction of cinder block concrete vary from conglomerate stone and lime to the ash that gives the cinder block its name. These materials are ground to a fine powder and mixed with water to create a strong bond.
Water
Water is the primary cause for most crumbling concrete. This substance is known as the universal solvent since it is capable of breaking down almost any compound. Whether from flooding or from repeated rains, water eventually wears down the structure of a cinder block from the outside, causing it to flake off and crumble.
Impact
While cinder blocks are strong, they are not completely impervious to the threat of impact. Kicking and punching may do no good, but damage from a high-speed automobile impact or from a falling tree can be enough to reduce a cinder block to a crumbling mess.
Pressure
Cinder blocks are designed to handle a finite amount of pressure, but can buckle under a strain greater than the weight limit they were designed for. Builders can remedy this problem by spacing out the cinder blocks and distributing smaller amounts of weight among them.