The Dangers of Cracked Stucco

Stucco is a low-maintenance siding option that features a mixture of sand, cement, lime and water. It is frequently used in construction and remodeling of homes because it is a long-lasting siding solution that requires little in the way of ongoing care. However, just because it is low-maintenance does not mean it is completely problem-free.

Like many other kinds of construction materials that include cement, stucco is prone to cracking over time, especially in areas that see big swings in temperature with the passing of the seasons. Other common reasons for cracks in stucco include wrong mixing proportions, insufficient mixing, poor workmanship, house setting processes and shrinkage-induced stresses (which tend to happen before the drying period).

But how serious can one of these cracks be? Read on for some information from our stucco company in Bluffton, SC.

Potential problems associated with cracked stucco

The problems you could experience from stucco cracks vary based on the kinds and size of the cracks themselves. A hairline crack, for example, isn’t going to be anywhere near as serious as a deep, significant crack in the stucco. But still, any size crack will give at least some sort of pathway for moisture to enter, which could result in some further damage.

Water that gets behind the stucco material will soften the material from underneath, which could result in the stucco breaking away over time, or even falling off in large chunks. Additional problems associated with moisture include rot, mold, musty smells, paint failure, swelling of drywall and other types of damage that can be difficult (and expensive) to correct and repair.

You typically don’t have to worry too much if the crack is smaller than 1/16 of an inch wide, but if you notice them, you should still repair them as quickly as possible to prevent them from becoming worse over time. Repairing minor cracks in the stucco is a simple process—use a high-quality caulk and stipple the caulk over the cracked area while that caulk is wet. This will create a more blended texture with the caulk, rather than it being extremely obvious that you had to brush on some repairs in the area.

You should generally inspect your stucco a couple times a year and make sure there aren’t any cracks in it. If there are, you can fix them as you notice them. This is especially beneficial to do before the coldest time of year, as moisture that seeps underneath could freeze and expand during the winter months, causing further cracking to develop.

Large cracks are especially problematic, and could be symptoms of a larger structural problem with your home. They tend to form at vertical wall intersections, at joints between wood framing and masonry and at the upper corners of door and window frames. Wide and deep cracks may require professional assistance to repair, and to identify the underlying problem.

For more information about repairing cracks in your stucco, contact Spring Construction or visit our stucco company in Bluffton, SC today.

Categorised in: Stucco