How to Fix Stucco Cracks

One of the more annoying aspects of owning a property that has a home with stucco walls is that cracks can form in that stucco over time. This happens because the ground underneath the home will shift over time and this causes the home to shift with it. The stucco doesn't shift and eventually the stretching of expansion and compression causes cracks to form to release the pressure that is on the wall.

Here's the good news. Stucco isn't anything that's very fancy. It's basically just a coating of cement that is placed on top of a wire grid to firm up a wall. It can be interior or exterior and when it is painted, is extremely weather resistant. This is why repairing a crack is so important. It stops the deterioration of the stucco.

There are a few basic methods to repair a crack in stucco.

1. Caulk

Caulking is the most common form of repair. Using a caulking gun, the material is placed into the cracked stucco and then allowed to dry so that it binds to the wall. If you are using this method, it is important to make sure you smear that caulk into the crack instead of trying to obtain a good bead like you would for a bathtub. The smearing helps to bind the caulk to the stucco and creates a more natural look.

2. Cement Patches

Because your stucco is essentially just cement, a basic patch that you would use on any other cement product is going to work with your stucco. Prepare the wall so that it is clean enough to accept that patch and then apply it as indicated. Make sure you get the materials into at least the upper portion of the crack so that the repair is strong and seamless. Then allow it to dry. You may need to apply more than one patch depending on your crack.

3. Foundation Stabilization

The reason why the stucco wall is cracking in the first place is because the foundation of the home isn't stable. This is usually because of the ground underneath the home shifting and settling irregularly. By stabilizing the foundation, it becomes possible to permanently solve the cracking problem and then caulks or cement patches can be used afterward to fix and cosmetic damage that may have occurred.

4. Epoxy Glue

Some stucco walls may need to have an epoxy glue applied to the crack in order to stabilize the wall. Glue usually isn't the best option, however, because it binds to the stucco and if more pressure is applied to the wall in the future, larger chunks of the wall are going to come out. Only use glue if you know for certain that there won't be the same level of shifting going on underneath your home in the future.

Once you've applied the repair, you're ready to paint over it so that you'll be able to have a wall that looks as good as it did when it was brand new. Fixing a crack in stucco might be a day long job, but it is rather simple to do and the results will be outstanding.
Posted on Oct 11, 2014




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