It’s possible that you, as a homeowner, have noticed that the stucco on your walls is starting to crack, but, when is the right time to repair stucco cracks? When will the need for stucco maintenance become apparent?
Cracks in stucco are pretty prevalent. Anyone with stucco walls can tell you that cracks are a part of their daily lives. If you have stucco, you should know how cracks form and when they need to be repaired.
The following guide will explain what causes stucco cracks, how to fix them, and when it is necessary to repair them.
Different Types of Cracks in Stucco
Walls made of stucco are susceptible to developing a variety of cracks. Cracks in stucco may be fixed in a few different ways, and the one you choose will depend on the cause of the cracks.
Here’s what to check for to determine the cracks you have in your stucco.
Hairline Cracking
Hairline cracks are extremely tiny cracks that are around 1/16 of an inch in diameter or less. These are the most frequent cracks you’ll encounter. They may occur for a variety of reasons. Because the plaster settles and shifts during building, they’re most frequent in new houses. Hairline fractures may occur due to drying wood, shifting foundations, or building activities.
Cracks from Foam Trim
Cracks in Foam Trim: The foam trim put on the stucco may also crack. If there is a break here, it means the foam trim was not installed using fiberglass mesh tape. Cracking will occur as a result of expansion and shrinkage.
Spider Cracking
The term comes from the fact that these cracks in your stucco resemble spiderwebs. It’s a clue that the base coat wasn’t allowed to dry correctly if you see this in your stucco. This may be related to the presence of too much water in the mixture, the fact that it dried too quickly, or the improper temperature on the day it was applied.
Pattern Cracking
You could see a pattern in the fractures on your walls. It looks like a grid of horizontal and vertical lines on your stucco. This cracking is caused by problems with the way the lath was installed. It’s most likely not properly fastened on, which will lead to further cracks over time.
As the name suggests, these cracks run diagonally and are often seen near doors and windows. These occur as a result of foundation shifts caused by seismic activity. If the cracks in your stucco are larger than others, you should address them first.
- When Should Stucco Cracks Be Repaired?
- So, when should you repair your stucco if you see cracks?
- The simple response is as soon as possible.
Even if a minor fracture has appeared, it should be addressed as soon as possible. It may be minor at the moment, but it has the potential to grow and create bigger problems in the future. You can halt the crack in its tracks if you fill it in right now.
In addition, you must guarantee that your house is secure. If there are fractures in the stucco, water may seep in and cause mildew and humidity issues. If you don’t detect them early enough, they might be tough to repair. Therefore, the sooner you mend that crack, the better.
Repairing Cracks
The origin of the crack is an important consideration in determining the approach that should be used when attempting to repair cracks in stucco. If the crack is just a hairline, you may securely fill it in to prevent it from expanding.
If the crack is diagonal or patterned, you’ll need to undertake extra work or hire professionals to help you remedy the issue. When dealing with a hairline crack, it’s rather simple to repair. You may fill it with a variety of goods from your local hardware shop. If you’re unsure which one to purchase, speak with the personnel there.
DIY Repairs
Acrylic caulk is the most commonly used substance for filling up gaps. You’ll need to expand the crack to approximately a quarter-inch in diameter, then use a wire brush to remove any dirt. After that, use a regular caulk gun to fill up the crack with the mixture. Allow 24 hours for the caulk to dry before applying a water-based paint.
When Should You Hire the Professionals?
The lath underneath the stucco should be repaired or replaced when pattern fractures appear. This will require the removal of the stucco in order to have access to it. New stucco will need to be put over the lath once it has been securely fastened.
It is quite probable that there is a problem with the foundation of your house if there are cracks that are either huge or diagonal in nature. In situations like this, you will need to get in touch with foundation repair specialists as soon as possible.
Otherwise, the cracks in your foundation will continue to spread and get more severe over time. Make sure you get an expert to assess your foundation and provide ways to strengthen it.
How Can I Stop My Stucco from Cracking?
Now that any cracks in your stucco have been repaired, you’ll want to make sure that no further cracks form.
How to Avoid Additional Stucco Repairs in the Future?
It all comes down to how the stucco is done. Therefore, you’ll need to install fresh stucco if you want the greatest effects. To minimize water damage and the accompanying fractures, make sure the stucco has a strong water-resistant barrier. To prevent cracks, a properly fitted lath is also required.
There are several ways to approach the installation procedure to minimize fractures. Discuss control joints, casing beads, and corner beads with your building crew. The combined impact of all these aspects is to reduce the tension placed on the stucco, lowering the risk of cracking.
Conclusion
You may avoid significant issues by being cautious and closely checking your stucco. Minor cracks should be addressed as soon as they are discovered, so they do not spread and create greater difficulties. It’s usually better to deal with stucco cracks as quickly as possible.
If they’re bigger or more complicated than you anticipated, get the help of a professional. You’ll be able to keep your stucco in excellent shape for many years if you do it in this manner.
