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When to Worry About Cracks in Your Stucco
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Stucco cracks from improper installation, foundation settling, or moisture intrusion, with hairline cracks under 1/16 inch being normal while wider diagonal cracks signal foundation problems.
Repairing your stucco cracks promptly prevents moisture from reaching your exterior walls, which can lead to mold growth, peeling stucco, and pest infiltration behind the siding.
Patch hairline cracks yourself to stop them from widening, but call a professional when you notice diagonal or spiderweb patterns that indicate foundation settling or installation issues.
Hiring a local stucco professional provides expert evaluation of foundation settling and proper repair techniques that prevent moisture damage and extend your stucco's lifespan.
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Stucco’s classic aesthetics and long lifespan make it a popular siding choice for homes across the U.S. This mix of Portland cement, sand, and water is known for its durability, but it can also be prone to cracking, which may be a sign of structural issues with your home. We explore how and why stucco cracks, when you should worry about your stucco cracking, and how to prevent stucco cracks.
Types of Stucco Cracks
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Stucco tends to crack in predictable ways, with three main types of cracks being most common: hairline, spiderweb, and diagonal. Cracks can have different causes and repair methods, and aren’t always a cause for concern.
Hairline Cracks
Hairline cracks are less than 1/16-inch wide and do not usually indicate a serious problem with your home’s structural integrity. These cracks can be easily patched and, if they don’t reappear after repair, aren’t a cause for concern.
Spider Cracks
These cracks get their name from their spider web-like appearance and are wider than hairline cracks. Although they generally don’t signal a problem with your foundation, they do need to be repaired promptly to prevent water intrusion and widening cracks.
Diagonal Cracks
Diagonal cracks may appear around doors and windows or near the foundation and should be assessed by a professional, as they may indicate significant foundation shifting. These cracks are typically larger than 1/8 of an inch and will grow in length and width over time.
Cross-Pattern Cracks
These cracks appear in the shape of a grid, with perpendicular cracks appearing in regular intervals. Cross-pattern cracks result from improper installation of the metal lath structure under the stucco.
Causes of Stucco Cracks
The most common causes of stucco cracks are improper application and foundation shifting. A number of installation problems can cause cracking, including incorrectly installed metal lath, too much or too little water in the stucco mix, and stucco layers that are too thick or thin. Slight foundation settling can cause hairline cracks, but wider cracks result from significant foundation shifts.
Pro Tip
Homeowners need to manage moisture to protect the longevity of their siding, which is where weather-resistant barriers come into play. Professional installation, especially with stucco, is essential for preventing cracks as well as keeping the foundation protected.
When to Worry About Stucco Cracks
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Stucco can increase your home’s value, but only if it’s in good condition and doesn’t show signs of serious structural settling or shifting. Any crack wider than 1/16 of an inch should be evaluated by an experienced professional who repairs stucco, as it may indicate significant foundation settling or problems with the stucco installation. While hairline cracks aren’t a cause for concern, you’ll still need to repair them to prevent further damage.
Problems Stucco Cracks Can Cause
Cracked stucco can allow moisture to enter behind the stucco, affecting its adhesion to your home’s exterior. It can lead to mold growth, damage to exterior walls, peeling or lifting stucco, and pest infiltration. In some cases, you may need to remove your stucco and reapply it or replace it with another type of siding.
How long stucco lasts can be seriously affected by cracks and how you respond to them. Ignoring even hairline cracks can shorten the stucco’s lifespan and affect its ability to protect your home from the elements.
How to Prevent Stucco Cracks
Preventing cracked stucco begins with quality installation. A local stucco pro can apply your stucco siding properly, preventing many kinds of damage in the future. The cost to install stucco is higher than other types of siding, but when properly installed, it can last 50 years or more. Find a qualified contractor who does stucco so you know it’s been installed correctly.
All homes experience some level of foundation shifting, so you may not be able to easily prevent the cracks that result. Keeping an eye out for other signs of foundation settling, like cracked drywall, warped doors, sloping floors, and drainage problems. Addressing foundation problems early can help you avoid serious repairs later on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stucco services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
3.7★ avg. • 3 total reviews
- Austin Y.
I would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLC - Alexander W.
Supreme Brick & Chimney did a great job with a cleaning and inspection of the fireplace! He was efficient, on time, and very pleasant. The space was kept very clean, and the fireplace was spotless when he was done. He also performed a thorough inspection, and did a great job talking us...
Supreme brick & chimney - Ernesto A.
Our exterior looks brand new thanks to Custom Paint Jobs LLC. Theyre the best in town!
Custom Paint Jobs, LLC - Michael G.
Beginning with the estimate, Larry and Peyton were super helpful in getting my new condo's interior re-painted. Not only was the job well done, but also done in a super timely manner as promised.
Five Star Painting of Plain City and Powell - Scott A.
Our stucco work is just finishing up today. We ended up going with Specialized Masonry Contractors LLC. The main guy we had was Jaime Quigley. He was really awesome, kept in touch a few times a day, etc. Originally we thought there was more damage than there was. They took off the old stucco...
Specialized Masonry Contractors, LLC - Dana M.
I purchased the "Big Deal": $199.00 for exterior pressure-washing of one- or two-story home up to 2,000 square feet. They cleaned the siding only. I wasn't aware when I bought the Big Deal that they would not do any other surfaces other than the siding (i.e. sides of the gutters or stucco). I...
Complete Home Services - Fordham.
Outstanding service. Dick Neff was prompt in estimating and added the chimney work overnight, even though it required use of a lift and color matching stucco. The plaster and stucco workers were courteous, careful, extremely competent in their craft, and cleaned up.
George F Neff & Co. Plaster & Stucco
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