When should stucco cracks be repaired, if at all? If you own a property, you could see that your stucco walls are starting to crack. At what points do repairs need to be made?
Cracks in stucco happen frequently. For others, cracks seem to be a way of life. people with stucco walls, as anyone, will tell you. You must understand how stucco cracks form and when they need to be repaired if you have any.
This article provides information on the causes, solutions, and timing of stucco crack repairs.
Different Stucco Cracks
Stucco walls are susceptible to a variety of crack types. You can fix stucco cracks in several ways, depending on their causes.
To determine the kinds of cracks in your stucco that you have, look for the following signs.
Hairline Cracks: The average width of these fissures less than one sixteenth of an inch. The majority of cracks you’ll encounter will be of this sort. Several factors lead to them. As plaster settles and shifts during construction, they are most frequent in newly built houses. Hairline fractures may sometimes be caused by aging wood, moving foundations, or building activities.
Foam Trim Cracks: Cracks can occasionally appear in the foam trim used on stucco. When installing the foam trim, fiberglass mesh tape should have been used to prevent cracking, which can be seen here. Once the material has expanded and shrunk, cracking will eventually result.
Spider Cracking: Your stucco has cracks that resemble spider webs, thus their nickname. If you notice this in your stucco, the base coat needs more time to cure. It might have dried too quickly, had too much water in the mixture, or the temperature on the application day could have been better.
Pattern Cracking: Walls in your home might develop pattern-following cracking. It often manifests itself on your stucco as a grid of horizontal and vertical lines. Because of issues with the lath’s installation, cracking has occurred. Most likely, it wasn’t properly fastened on, which will eventually cause further cracks.
Diagonal Cracking: The diagonal form of these fissures, as their name suggests, makes them often visible near doors and windows. These occur as a result of earthquakes that cause shifting in the foundation. You should focus on them initially if they are more comprehensive than other cracks in your stucco.
When Should Stucco Cracks Be Fixed
When should you fix your stucco if you notice cracks?
The short answer is, as soon as you can.
You should fix any cracks straight soon, no matter how minor they may be. Even while it’s still little, it might eventually grow and lead to worse problems. You can halt that crack in its tracks if you fill it in.
You must also be sure to protect your house in addition to this. The stucco can develop cracks that allow water to enter, leading to mold and moisture issues. The earlier that crack is repaired, the better, as these are challenging to fix if you don’t find them in time.
Crack Repair Techniques
Depending on how the fracture appeared, there are many methods for repairing stucco.
Depending on how the crack developed, you can choose a different method for fixing it in your stucco.
- To stop the crack from spreading, you can safely fill it in if it is only a hairline crack.
- You will have to work harder. or enlist the aid of professionals to fix the issue if it is a diagonal or patterned crack.
It’s pretty easy to repair a hairline crack. A wide variety of items that will aid in filling it in are available at your neighborhood hardware shop. If you need help deciding which one to purchase, ask the people there for advice.
DIY
You can fill in the gaps using the most popular product, acrylic caulk.
- Before using a wire brush to remove dirt, you must expand the crack to approximately a quarter of an inch in width.
- Use a caulk gun and the mixture to fill in the gap afterward.
- Please wait 24 hours for the caulk to dry before painting it with water-based paint.
When to Consult a Specialist
The lath beneath the stucco must be fixed or replaced when it develops pattern cracks. Therefore, to gain access, the stucco will need to be removed. A fresh coat of stucco must be applied over the lath once properly secured.
A problem with your home’s foundation is probably present if there are large or diagonal cracks. To avoid further worsening cracks over time, you must first have the foundation repaired by experts in these situations. Invite a professional to examine your foundation and Identify the necessary repairs.
How to Stop Stucco from Cracking in the Future
If your stucco has any cracks, you should ensure you can stop any further cracks from forming.
How can you guarantee you won’t need to perform additional stucco repair work in the future?
Applying fresh stucco will provide the greatest effects since everything depends on how it is done.
Ensure that the stucco is covered with a solid water-resistant barrier to prevent water damage and the ensuing cracks.
Crack prevention also depends on a properly fitted lath.
Cracks can also be minimized during installation using certain techniques. Confirm the existence of corner beads, casing beads, and control joints with your construction crew. Each one of these works to lessen the pressure on the stucco, lowering the chance of cracking overall.
Conclusion
You may avoid any significant issues by being cautious and closely checking your stucco. Small cracks should be repaired as soon as they are noticed so that they don’t grow and give you further issues. As soon as you see any stucco cracks, it is advisable to fix them.
Invite a professional to look at them if they are more extensive or intricate than you first believed.
You can maintain the condition of your stucco in this way for many years.
For more information call CMB Edison Stucco & EIFS Repair
