What Causes Stucco to Fall Off?
Stucco is a mixture of Portland cement, water, sand and lime, and has the benefit of being durable and low-maintenance when used as exterior siding. However, the fact that it’s based on the use of Portland cement does mean it’s more prone to cracking than other types of building materials, so when these cracks occur, you must be prepared as a homeowner to take immediate action.
It can help to understand the underlying problems that result in stucco cracking. Read on for some information from our stucco company in Bluffton, SC.
Why stucco cracks and crumbles
When you start to notice cracks forming in your stucco, it’s important to perform a thorough investigation of the stucco to see what the underlying issue might be. While small, very thin cracks aren’t necessarily as serious as larger and deeper cracks, any crack at all can provide an opportunity for moisture to seep through and cause further damage from behind the wall.
When moisture does accumulate behind the stucco, it will soften any material it touches, which will cause the stucco to start breaking and falling off, sometimes in small quantities and other times in larger sheets. The longer the moisture stays trapped, the more problems it can cause, such as rotting wood, mold growth, paint peeling, swelling drywall inside the home and potentially irreparable damage to the structure of the home.
Cracks can start forming in the house due to the natural settling of the home and from shrinkage that occurs during drying. Therefore, you should keep an eye on your stucco and look for cracks every now and then. If you notice them, take immediate action by using a high-quality caulk. Take a brush and stipple the caulk after you’ve applied it and while it’s still wet, which will allow you to blend the caulk into the texture of the stucco a bit more. After letting the caulk cure and dry, you can then repaint over the area for even better blending.
Larger cracks are more likely to be indicative of structural problems, and can’t be fixed simply by caulking. In this situation, it’s important to contact a professional to come out and investigate the situation to determine the cause of those larger cracks. They will be able to take a closer look and determine the best solution for the problem, as well as the best way to prevent the problem from occurring again in the future. Again, it is important to get the experts out to look at the crack as soon as possible, because your stucco acts as your home’s primary line of defense against the elements and moisture.
If you’re interested in learning more about having stucco applied to your home, or if you’re in need of a professional to come out, investigate your stucco and recommend some potential repairs, we encourage you to contact Spring Construction today. Our stucco company in Bluffton, SC would be happy to answer any questions you have—we look forward to meeting with you soon!
Categorised in: Stucco