Why does smooth stucco crack

Identifying Common Cracks. Hairline Cracks Hairline cracks are arguably the most common type of stucco crack. Spider Cracks As you might have guessed from the name, this type of stucco crack resembles a spider web on your siding.

Diagonal Cracks This stucco crack will run diagonally across the side of your home. Professional Stucco Crack Repair Remember, it is not uncommon for plaster to crack over time. Leave a Comment. Contact Information. Recent Posts. Contact Us. Unlike hairline cracks, a large stucco crack may indicate a structural problem.

If the edge of a crack has moved in relation to the other edge, it may indicate unusual structural changes in your home. As an example, when the foundation settles more on one side of a house than on the other, it may create enough stress for stucco to crack.

Besides being able to identify a wide variety of stucco problems, our experts can handle various stucco repairs and repaint the exact same color for a seamless appearance, or indicate the best solution that will keep your home safe from the elements for many years to come.

Topics: Miscellaneous. Careers at Performance Painting. Human Resources. Jacksonville Craig Industrial Blvd. The thickness of stucco, along with sufficient curing time between coats, also makes a stronger surface, and older homes that are of similar stucco-over-metal-lath are more likely to have been done correctly.

And one last note. Just because you have a concrete block house does not mean you are exempt from the problems of stucco-over-wood-frame construction. Many CBS homes have entry porticos that are built at the upper part with wood framing.

Two examples are shown below. Also see our blog posts How do I pick the right contractor to fix my stucco? To learn more about exterior walls and structures, see these other blog posts:.

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Park Model Homes. Shingle Roofs. Wind Mitigation Form. Roof and Attic. Pool and Spa. Concrete and Concrete Block. Below are some examples of some hairline cracks that have occurred.

I see a lot of cracks on the foam trim that is used on stucco houses quite often and most of the time it is where two pieces of trim meet. The cause is usually because fiberglass mesh tape was not used on the seam where the two pieces met. If installed like this, it will likely crack over time due to shrinkage, expansion and contractions that are brought on by the elements. This type of cracking is basically a sign that the base coat did not cure properly.

This is caused by either drying too quickly, too muck water in the mix, or mixed incorrectly or applied when it was too cold or too hot the day the stucco was applied.

Either the lath the wire specifically was not nailed or stapled off properly which is a more serious kind of cracking. Because the wire is essentially loose in some spots, then it will actually have a higher potential for forming even more cracks as time goes on.

To correct the problem, the stucco has to be broken out and the lath has to be nailed off or replaced.