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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.
When should I be concerned about stucco cracks?
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 do you stop a stucco from cracking?
4 Preventative Actions to Control Stucco Cracks 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;.
What does cracking stucco mean?
Stucco cracks may be caused by damaged or improper framing, soil movement like slope creep, expansive soils, earthquakes or settling. Strong winds from tornadoes. cyclones and hurricanes also can damage a structure and cause cracking. Basically, issues with the structure itself causes the stucco to crack.
How much stucco cracking is normal?
Hairline Cracks – Typical stucco cracks that require normal maintenance are hairline cracks less than 1/8 of an inch. These cracks can be stair-stepping on concrete block homes and that’s completely fine.
How common are stucco cracks?
Stucco cracks are fairly common. Anyone with stucco walls will tell you that cracks seem to be a way of life for them. If you have stucco, you need to understand how the cracks come about, and when you’ll need to repair them.
How often should you wet new stucco?
On average, you should wet new stucco twice a day to keep it moist for the required minimum of 48 hours after installation. However, depending on weather conditions and where you live, it may be necessary to wet stucco more than twice a day.
Can you caulk stucco?
There are two main types of caulking that are best for stucco applications and these are for repairing cracks and for using when lathing to seal up certain areas. The two main types that are recommended by most people are an acrylic based caulking and a polyurethane based caulking.
Is cracked stucco a problem?
Although cracks smaller than 1/16 inches usually don’t undermine the integrity of exterior stucco, repairing them immediately will prevent them from escalating into something worse. Unlike hairline cracks, a large stucco crack may indicate a structural problem.
Can you paint over 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 do you know if stucco is bad?
Look at your home’s stucco siding and try to identify these common signs of damage: Heavy staining. Thin cracks. Long cracks. Bulges in the stucco wall finish. Missing stucco.
How long does stucco last?
Most newer homes with exterior stucco have an acrylic-polymer finish, which will expand and contract with the weather. This keeps cracks to a minimum and means the stucco can easily last up to 50 years before needing to be repaired.
How long should you wait between coats of stucco?
Cure Time: The scratch coat should be allowed to moist cure for a period of 3-5 days. This allows the cement to become hard enough to gain most of it’s strength before the brown coat is applied.
How long it takes for stucco to dry?
After applying Stucco, the minimum moist-curing time is 48 hours. Experts do not recommend the moist-curing phase when the humidity is near 75 %. The specified time is required to have adequate strength and have a firm condition. Raining during this period can make the bond between the substances weak and fragile.
How do you rehydrate stucco?
Stage 4 (Hydration/Curing) Stucco must be kept moist for a minimum of 48 hours after application. Stucco walls should be watered (fogged) in the morning and evening when the walls are cool. Moist curing (watering) allows the hydration process to continue and the stucco to get hard.
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. The stucco will not bond to the paint and will crack and fall away.
Does stucco need to be sealed?
Sealing your stucco is a great way to prevent water absorption. New stucco should be sealed with a clear concrete masonry sealer, typically made of a silicone material. We make sure to properly clean the surface prior to repainting stucco. Otherwise, it might not adhere properly and can cause bubbling or peeling.
Is it better to spray or roll paint on stucco?
Stucco can be painted using a roller or with an airless sprayer – a brush is not recommended. Spraying will get the paint onto the surface. Use a deep nap roller (3/4 to 1”) to work the paint into the surface and to achieve a nice uniform surface.
What does bad stucco look like?
While stucco is designed to naturally retain some moisture, lasting water spots on the exterior of your stucco home can indicate serious problems. Stucco water spots, commonly referred to as staining, can be seen as either white hazy streaks or as dark blotches in the color.
