Should I Repair or Replace My Stucco?

Stucco is made from a highly durable blend of materials, including Portland cement, sand, and water. But it’s not invincible: Due to its porous nature, stucco can be prone to cracking. When cracks appear on your home, you might debate whether to repair versus replace the stucco. Here’s how to determine when it's appropriate to patch up stucco and when it's time for a complete overhaul.

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Is It Worth It to Repair Stucco?

Stucco is prone to cracking, and it’s a good idea to repair these cracks while they’re small and minor. Regularly inspecting your stucco and patching hairline cracks when you notice them can help prevent bigger problems such as moisture damage. On the flip side, if the cracking is extensive, you notice mold, or the stucco is in overall bad condition or close to the end of its life, it may be time to replace it.

How Long Does Stucco Last?

Stucco is a very durable material and can last 50–70 years with proper stucco maintenance. To ensure your stucco lasts as long as possible, be sure to:

• Clean stucco two to three times per year

• Regularly inspect stucco for signs of damage

• Repair superficial cracks as soon as they appear to prevent more serious damage

• Reseal your stucco every 5–10 years

Cost to Repair Stucco vs. Cost to Replace Stucco

Basic stucco repairs, such as patching a small crack, will cost between $8 and $20 per square foot; a local stucco repair professional might charge a flat rate to fix an entire wall’s worth of cracks. On average, homeowners spend between $400 and $1,500 to repair stucco cracks on a 1,500-square-foot home, including materials and labor.

For replacement, the cost to stucco your home will range between $9,000 and $13,000, or $3 to $9 per square foot, depending on the size of your home and the area needing replacement.

Note that once the old, damaged stucco is removed, it’s possible that you will uncover larger issues, such as water damage or a settling foundation. Fixing these issues will raise costs significantly. 

When to Repair Stucco

There are only a handful of times when stucco repair is the better option over replacement.

Small Hairline Cracks

If your stucco has very superficial hairline cracks that are less than 1/16-inch wide, you should consider a quick patch over these cracks to give your stucco a fresh look and prevent further damage.

Spider Cracks

Spider cracks are hairline cracks that take the shape of a spider web. They are often caused by improper curing, and don’t usually pose a structural threat. That said, because the cracks can allow moisture to penetrate the stucco, they should be repaired as soon as they appear.

The Stucco is Brand New

It’s common for stucco to develop very small cracks within the first 30 days of installation. If your stucco is brand new and this is the case, you can repair the crack. If the crack is patched and reappears soon after, there could be a structural issue; call a stucco pro to investigate. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Repair Stucco

You can learn to patch stucco very easily; it’s a relatively straightforward DIY project. That said, it could be beneficial in the long run to hire a stucco repair professional. If the stucco damage is extensive, the cracks are deep, or the damage is in a hard-to-reach location (such as near your roof), you should consider hiring an expert. Improperly repaired stucco can lead to bigger problems in the future, such as structural damage or mold growth.

When to Replace Stucco

While stucco replacement is a big undertaking, it might be the necessary step to properly protect your home.

Signs of Moisture Damage

If there are signs of moisture damage—such as a wet patch or mold growth—you will need to remove your stucco to address these underlying issues, then have it replaced. The underlying issues could include broken pipes or other plumbing or structural damage. 

Extensive Damage

If the cracks on your stucco are deep or there are many of them in many different places, you should consider replacing your stucco to improve your home’s appearance and energy efficiency. Cracks can lead to higher heat transfer, which can make your home hotter in summer and colder in winter. 

Your Stucco is Old

Stucco lasts a very long time, but not forever. If your stucco is nearing the end of its life—50 years or more—it might be best to replace it so you don’t end up paying for an increasing number of repairs as the stucco continues to deteriorate from age.

You Want to Boost Your Home’s ROI

If you are preparing to sell your home, replacing your old stucco could boost its curb appeal and overall value. New stucco has an ROI of about 70%.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Replace Stucco

Replacing stucco ranges between $9,000 and $13,000, depending on your home’s size and other factors. Because you’ll want to confirm there are no underlying issues—or have ones you know about addressed—replacing stucco is best left to a professional who has the proper experience and tools to get the job done right the first time.