My Stucco Is Cracked

Shrinking

• Cracks in stucco often occur as a result of shrinkage. Although all cement is subject to shrinking during the curing process, several factors exacerbate this problem with the application of stucco. Poor quality sand, inadequate curing time, improper mixing or an excessively thick application of stucco are all likely causes of cracking. While thin, map-like cracks are normal, a significant amount of cracking may require immediate repair before the problem becomes worse.

Stressors

• Structural load, temperature changes, wind gusts and seismic conditions also contribute to the development of cracks in stucco. Unlike shrinkage cracks, stressor cracks are much more serious and often appear as long cracks that stretch across architectural breaks. Sometimes these cracks also appear in a vertical pattern around door and window casings. Although cement is capable of self-healing in many instances, chances are that cracks wider than a business card will not heal.

When to Worry

• A seasoned home inspector is the best person to differentiate between the two types of cracks. In most cases, cracks that have a width of 3/8 inches or less require nothing more than sealing with high-quality latex caulk available in hardware stores. This type of repair is straightforward and can be completed by the homeowner. On the other hand, if a home inspector determines that the cracks in the stucco are significant, it may be prudent to call in a professional to make the necessary repairs.

Fixing It Yourself

• If an experienced inspector deems the cracks in your stucco to be minor and no cause for worry, consider saving yourself some money by doing the caulking yourself. Simply clean dirt and debris from the cracks with an old toothbrush and squeeze the caulk into cracks and crevices using a caulking gun. For a more textured look, the caulk can be mixed in a cup with some play sand, then pressed into the cracks with a putty knife. Painting over the repairs once the caulk dries will render the cracks unnoticeable.