Stucco cracks can occur due to a variety of reasons, including foundation settling, thermal expansion and contraction, and improper installation. The severity of the cracks can vary, and some may be purely cosmetic while others can indicate structural issues.
It is important to have a professional inspect the cracks to determine the cause and recommend the appropriate course of action. If the cracks are due to structural issues, they may need to be repaired by a contractor with experience in stucco repairs. If the cracks are cosmetic, they can be filled with a stucco patching compound and painted over.
How to Fix It?
To fix stucco cracks, the cause of the cracks must first be determined. Once the cause is identified, the appropriate course of action can be taken. Here are some general steps for fixing stucco cracks:
- Inspect the cracks: A professional should inspect the cracks to determine the cause and recommend the appropriate course of action.
- Clean the area: The area around the cracks should be cleaned of dirt and debris before making repairs.
- Fill the cracks: Depending on the cause of the cracks, the cracks may be filled with a stucco patching compound or a sealant. The compound or sealant should be applied with a trowel and smoothed out to be flush with the surrounding stucco.
- Allow the repairs to cure: The repairs should be allowed to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions before painting or otherwise finishing the stucco.
- Waterproofing: If the cause of the cracks is excess moisture, it is important to make sure that the building is properly waterproofed to prevent future cracking.
- Ventilation: If the cause of the cracks is high humidity, it is important to make sure that the building is properly ventilated to prevent future cracking.
- Painting: After the repairs are made and the stucco is cured, it can be painted to match the surrounding stucco.
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Main Cause
Construction Fault
Faulty construction can be a cause of stucco cracks. If stucco is not installed correctly or if the building is not constructed properly, it can lead to cracking in the stucco. Some specific examples of faulty construction that can cause stucco cracks include:
Incorrectly applied to flash: If the flashing is not applied correctly around windows and doors, it can allow water to penetrate the stucco, causing cracking.
Improperly reinforced lath: Stucco is applied to a wire mesh, or lath, which is attached to the building’s framing. If the lath is not properly reinforced, it can cause cracking in the stucco.
Insufficient curing time: Stucco needs time to cure properly before it is painted or otherwise finished. If this curing time is not allowed, the stucco may crack.
Improper mixing: Stucco is mixed on-site, and if the ingredients are not mixed properly, it can lead to a weak, brittle stucco that is more prone to cracking.
Incorrectly applied in cold weather: Stucco should not be applied when the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If stucco is applied in cold weather, it can lead to cracking.