Cosmetic Repairs, Stucco Crack Repair & Reinforcement
Crack repair and reinforcement
Random cracking, for example, cracks that start at the corners of windows is considered normal.
http://www.stuccomfgassoc.com/industry/papers/PlasterCouncil_tech4_crack.pdf
Several things can be done to reduce the likelihood of cracking such as hydrating the stucco by applying water in the summer if its drying too quickly, or providing tenting and heating in the winter, and letting the base coat completely cure before applying the stucco finish.
Stucco manufactures spent millions of dollars having engineers design their stucco systems. These stucco system were then subjected to accelerated weather testing both by the manufacture and the International Code Council (ICC). Once these stucco system passed the testing they were sold to the public. It was understood by the manufacturers, engineers and the ICC that cement based stucco systems were not flexible and would crack from structural or thermal movement. Cracks in a stucco system shouldn’t be blamed for a leak. Contractors that sell repairs by fixing the cracks don’t understand how stucco systems were designed work. The building papers, the window, roof, and other flashings behind the stucco system are what ultimately keep water from getting to the framing members and from coming into the home.
Isolated cracking and staining are an indication that there’s a problem, the simple act of covering the cracks with new stucco finish or paint will not fix the problem, its only a temporary cosmetic solution that covers up the problem and the extra coating of stucco keeps the wall from drying out and accelerates the dry rotting of the 2x wood framing and plywood sheathing. Random cracking is a cosmetic problem, which can be fixed only by using the proper techniques to control the movement, painting or re-finishing the stucco without reinforcing the cracks will allow the cracks to telegraph through the paint or new stucco finish. PLEASE REFER TO THE PHOTOS IN THE GALLERY AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE
• Elastomeric or acrylic paints and stucco finish, applied over cracks in a stucco wall in an attempt to eliminate the crack will not work through a season in Utah’s freeze thaw climate. Without reinforcing the cracks they will telegraph through the new elastomeric or acrylic paint or stucco finish. Any guarantee given should be carefully inspected to see that it actually guarantee’s that cracks won’t telegraph through the new finish. “Lifetime guarantees” almost never apply to spanning cracks, or will exclude cracks if the warrantor can show that it was cause by structural movement, which is what causes cracks in the first place. Most “lifetime warranties” only cover the cost of new materials; the cost to apply the material usually isn’t included.
• Contractors that suggest fixing cracks in order “seal up the wall” to keep water from getting into your home are just trying to make a sale. It’s the secondary water management system behind stucco that ultimately keeps water from getting into your home.
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