Are Stucco Cracks Normal?
As mentioned above, cracks in stucco are common and often, they are not a sign of deeper structural damage. There are different types of cracks that can form in your stucco, ranging from a very thin crack to a deeper rift in the siding. While these cracks are normal, they can become an eyesore for your home, and if the crack is large enough it can be a sign that there may be a deeper issue within the siding or foundation of your home.
Causes of Stucco Cracks
There can be various causes that contribute to cracks in your stucco siding. Generally, small cracks in your stucco can be caused by a variety of different factors, including seismic events that have occurred in your area, new home settlement from drying timber or framing, and foundation settlement.
Some cracks in your stucco can occur from improper installation of the various steps in the stucco process: foam trim cracks can occur when the fiberglass mesh tape was not installed correctly, leading to cracks that expand and contract with the seasons and cause two pieces of stucco which do not properly fit together. If the lath was not properly installed, it can lead to stress fractures on the surface of the stucco. Cracks can also occur if the mud mixture used to make stucco is mixed improperly: either too much or too little water can cause cracks later on.
Types of Stucco Cracks
There are a few types of cracks that are important to recognize, in order to know if they may be an indication of deeper structural issues within your home:
Stucco Hairline Cracks
Hairline cracks in your stucco will be narrow, thin fractures that are typically no larger than 1/16th of an inch across. Most hairline cracks are caused by factors that are not an indicator of structural damage, and hairline cracks are very easy to repatch. Repatching these cracks is important to ensure that they do not expand further, or allow moisture to seep into the stucco and become trapped under the surface, which can cause further damage. The larger a hairline fracture becomes, the more it may cause issues for the future of your stucco.
Stucco Spider Cracks
Spider cracks will resemble a spider web pattern on the surface of your stucco, and they generally are thin and shallow, similar to hairline cracks. These cracks can occur if the mud mixture dried too quickly on your home during the formation of the stucco, or if there was not enough water added to the stucco mix. Spider cracks are not a symptom of a deeper problem and, similar to hairline fractures, they can be easily patched so as to avoid further cracking and prevent any additional damage.
Stucco Diagonal Cracks
Diagonal cracks in the stucco typically originate in the areas around windows, doors or AC units and they will be a deep, diagonal crack coming from the corner area of the window or door. These cracks are usually a cause for concern, as they are an indicator of severe foundation settlement or foundation heave. Cracks caused by foundation settlement can be an issue, because they indicate that the foundation may have settled into soil that is incompetent or non-load bearing. This can exert stress on the foundation of your home and, of course, your stucco.
Stucco Pattern Cracks
Pattern cracks typically look like a grid pattern on the stucco, and these are an indicator that the lath was likely not installed properly. The lath is the framework of the stucco, so proper installation is key in order to prevent compromising the structural integrity of the stucco and preventing cracks. Repairing pattern cracks in your stucco will require full removal and reinstallation of the lath, and can be a big undertaking.
How To Prevent Stucco Cracks
Proper and professional installation is one of the best methods for preventing cracks in the surface of your stucco siding. By ensuring that all steps of the stucco installation process have been completed properly, you can give yourself the peace of mind that your stucco will remain intact and likely see less cracking and wear and tear over time.
If your stucco has already been installed, the best thing you can do is take proper care of your stucco. This includes inspecting the stucco for any hairline cracks and repairing them as they appear, clearing vegetation away from the surface of your stucco, and regularly painting your stucco. Proper maintenance will help protect your home from cracking and excessive wear and tear.
Do Cracks in Stucco Need To Be Repaired?
It is important that all cracks in the surface of your stucco are repaired in a timely manner. Small, hairline cracks can easily be patched by the homeowner, and doing so will prevent further cracking and help ensure that no moisture is trapped beneath the surface of your stucco. Repairing these small cracks will also prevent any pests or other outside materials from entering into your stucco siding and potentially into the home. For larger cracks in your stucco, it is extremely important to seek professional guidance and assistance for repairing these cracks. Since the larger cracks can be indicators of structural damage, speaking with a Phoenix stucco repair professional to decide the best steps for your home will be valuable to maintaining the structural integrity of your stucco and your home’s foundation.
Contact Titan Stucco today if you are dealing with cracking in your stucco, and our team of stucco professionals will provide you with the expert guidance you need to maintain the integrity and look of your stucco siding.
