Cracks in stucco running diagonally from wall penetrations are indicative of vibrationinduced shear, just as they are in interior drywall. It sounds counterintuitive, but youll probably need to make the crack wider. If a home is not built properly, stucco may even crack because of the amount of pressure the wind generates. Concrete is a nonmalleable substance that will develop hairline cracks over time from environmental changes in temperature and settling of the structure. Stucco cracks are not normally a cause for concern, particularly when they are very fine. But it cant do its job properly unless it is installed properly.
Most water damage to stucco is first observed as staining. We can expertly assess and repair any cracks and remediate any underlying issues. This could be due to the plaster drying too quickly. If the crack is vertical and starts near the apex where the wall. I have found this throughout the exterior of the home and its only 1 year old. Stucco cracking over concrete block the home experts, inc. On a recent investigation, a homeowner hired the best engineers money could buy to investigate the cause of a few hairline cracks in his stucco. It takes a lot of pressure for the exterior walls of your home to crack, which is typically only caused when your foundation settles. So when your house goes through these minor changes, the exterior stucco can begin to show cracks. If cracks exceed 332 it is unacceptable and should be repaired. Yes, most of my calls during the rainy season are for water damage to homes from water entering through normal stucco cracks. Large exterior wall surfaces are eyecatchers, so when the surface becomes laced with cracks, it will definitely get a homeowners attention. So, be extra careful not to miss this kind of stucco crack.
Top stucco crack repair caulk and sealants call stucco. Though cracks in stucco can occur due to different factors, including wrong mix proportions, insufficient mixing, poor workmanship, seismic movement and seasonal changes, two leading causes of cracks in stucco are the house settling process and shrinkageinduced stresses, which typically occur during the drying period. When is it time to repair stucco cracks in the walls. Plywood installation is probably the leading cause of cracks in stucco. What causes a vertical crack in an exterior concrete block. As you might have guessed from the name, this type of stucco crack resembles a spider web on your siding. Tuesday, june 26, 2018 a stairstep crack is a diagonal crack but, since mortar is usually not as strong as concrete block or brick, the crack migrates to the mortar joints as it zigzags along a path of least resistance. Correctly repairing stucco cracks key to long term waterproofing success. When you apply stucco, it is crucial that the material sets properly, or your stucco will be prone to cracks. Stucco is one of the most durable wall surfaces available, but because of its rigid nature, stucco can develop cracks and holes over time due to settling and impact damage. How to determine if the cracks in walls are serious hunker. When it rains, the water brings contaminants from the roof and windows onto the walls, which can then leave stains on the stucco.
The exterior walls of an occupied building should, among other things, prevent excessive air and water from entering to the interior. In florida, stucco is a common choice for exterior wall. Other stucco cracks, however, can have serious implications for the exterior of your homeor worse. Anyone with stucco walls will tell you that cracks seem to be a way of life for them. For many floridians, their home is their largest investment. Heres a quick guide on how to repair stucco cracks and what not to do that will help you fix the cracks without causing even bigger problems. A hairline crack here and there isnt cause for concern. Cracks regularly occur in all types of masonry walls, including reinforced concrete slab walls, concrete block walls, brick walls and stucco walls. Water damage usually stems from improper sealing in parts where the stucco meets windows, flashing and other joints. While minor cracks are par for the course, large cracks are frequently an indication of a shoddy job.
As time goes on, these homes may be prone to large multiple cracks andor chunks of stucco falling off, and the only real option is to have the faulty siding removed and replaced by a reputable. In some situations, it may even take a structural engineer to evaluate how or why a building is moving. How to repair stucco cracks on florida home dons painting. Soil movement can cause older homes to shift, resulting in cracks, and newer homes may crack because of shrinking lumber. These cracks are anywhere from 116 of an inch to 18 of an inch wide typically and are easily and effectively repaired using caulking and paint. Structural distress does cause cracks, but the vast majority of cracks are not structural in nature. Cracking is frequently found in masonry walls due to the settling wall foundations, the movement of framing materials, temperature changes and the application of. Below are some common reasons stucco may crack and who may be at. Once a crack or hole develops it is important to seal. Yes i have heard stucco cracks but the amount of cracks is my concern. Cracks on the exterior of your home are typically signs of a bigger underlying problem with your homes foundation.
Cracks appear in brittle materials such as concrete, sheetrock, tile, wood, stone, brick, and stucco. High winds following an application may leach moisture from the stucco, shrinking the stucco and leaving it vulnerable to cracks. Staining is also a typical problem for stucco siding. What causes stairstep cracks in a block or brick wall. Small cracks located above interior windows or doors are usually harmless. Californias lack of rain is definitely a cause for concern, but there is one advantage to it. Other issues that cause cracking issues in plaster can be brought on by improper installation of lath, improper mixing procedures and a couple of other variables. I used blue tape to show the cracks and again this is only one side. There are two fundamental types of stresses that cause stucco cracksinternal and external. The stucco expert will then be able to filter out the root cause before performing a treatment.
Stucco is by nature hard and strong, but it is relatively thin and brittle and will crack when subjected to stresses that exceed its tensile strength. Expansion, wind and stress all play vital roles in why cracking occurs. One of the most common reasons new stucco can crack is because of a lack of moist curing. Reason for stucco crack repair there are a few different factors involved in developing stucco damage. If you need to hire local professional stucco repair contractor who knows exactly how to fix hairline cracks in stucco please call our office at 407 2582826. Small hairline cracks, usually seen at the corners of door and window frames. A stucco expert can generally determine the cause of some cracks, but at the same time, some cracks can be puzzling. The durability of the stucco will come from a wellbalanced mixture of portland cement, sand, and water. There are an almost unlimited number of conditions that cause stucco cracking. When stucco cracks, buckles, or becomes otherwise compromised, their homes are at risk for further damage from the elements. Cracks are most commonly caused by expansion and contraction of building materials due to changes in moisture content and temperature. Therefore the amount of visible cracks can vary widely from wall to wall or home to home. Repair cracks in bricks or stucco central florida l.
Long, horizontal cracks that extend along the joints where interior partition walls and upstairs ceilings connect generally signify roof truss issues, which cause ceilings to detach from walls. How to determine if the cracks in walls are serious home. Since stucco turns darker when wet staining can remain after stucco dries. These cracks are serious and require professional attention. Extreme weather following application can cause stucco to crack. Other issues that cause cracking issues in plaster can be brought on by improper installation of lath. Cracks caused by plywood are distinguished by the directions they take.
Its the nature of the medium and some minor cracking is to be expected. Call the stucco experts to crack the case of your stucco cracks. Stucco cracking is an issue that homeowners ask me about all the time. Although not all cracks are objectionable, cracks in stucco acceptable to one person might be unacceptable to another person. Hello everyone, in this video short video i am explaining expansion of plywood or osb sheathing, if it placed next to each other which i see 8 out of 10 times on new or existing homes, this will contribute to hairline cracking especially in the summer in areas which get the majority of the heat. Cracks that appear within the first 30 days after installation and are larger than 116 the thick. Water damage to stucco can be seen in the following forms.
These cracks should be addressed before they lead to any further issues, though as long as they arent numerous or large, they are generally not a cause for concern. Like any kind of siding, stucco is meant to protect your home from the elements. After reading a similar thread with a home that was older and seeing his pictures i wanted to post this picture of one side of the home. It is very subtle, which can make it difficult to spot with the naked eye. Fixing stucco cracks is not that difficult but whats the point of repairing. Vacation homes and those that sit empty for a few months are prone to developing cracks in both walls and ceilings.
If you have stucco, you need to understand how the cracks come about, and when youll need to repair them. To determine how serious a wall crack might be, its best to examine the shape of the crack and the direction it runs on the wall. Depending on how wide the crack is, a repair prior to repainting can make these imperfections virtually disappear. What causes stucco to crack varies from home to home, as well as who may be held responsible. Portland cement stucco cracks develop for many reasons. Cracking is inevitable when it comes to stucco, just like any type of cement based product.
Internal stresses are due to the natural curing and drying process of stucco. Identifying the type and cause can be very helpful in putting together a prevention plan. The easiest way to ensure this is by hiring a stucco professional to help ensure that the material is applied correctly. Water damaged stucco types and causes thom on plaster. I can see several cracks in the exterior stucco on my home.
Stucco water damage causes improper stucco composition. If you have cracked stucco, that moisture can seep in and cause several types of damage. This chapter of the foundation crack bible discusses in detail the process of evaluating stairstepped or diagonal cracking and related signs. When the base coat doesnt cure properly, it means the plaster did not dry and settle into place correctly. If you have concerns about cracks on your stucco home in the northeast, call ai restoration today. Over time, due to settling of a structure that is covered by stucco, florida climate changes in general, stucco can and will crack, chip or bubble. Cracks can occur in this type of wall for all the same reasons, but tend to happen at the vertical seams where the cement boards under the stucco are abutted. A perfectly vertical crack in the middle of a stucco wall can also occur in a structure behind is wood frame, not block, as in the photo at the top of the page. The main cause for this stucco crack is from the base coat not curing properly. Efflorescence is the salt from evaporated water that can appear on the stucco exterior of a home. Correctly repairing stucco cracks key to long term. One can determine the cause of the crack by looking at the walls design, the size of the crack and the pattern. Not only is this visually unappealing, but, in some cases, it can actually cause. Stucco crack repair explained by professional stucco.