When to Worry About Cracks in Your Stucco

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

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.

When to Worry About Stucco Cracks

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.