Stucco is attractive, durable and weather resistant. It is visually appealing and provides longevity to the building frame as stucco is placed over a wooden, masonry or brick surface and provides insulation. Composed of an aggregate, which is a binder that is traditionally lime and sand, along with water and decorative elements added to the finishing layer such as stones or pebbles. Modernly, stucco is best described as a cement plaster exterior wall covering. In order to increase durability and elasticity, there are some proprietary blends that include additives. Its ongoing popularity is ensured because of stucco’s durability, aesthetic quality, and it’s low maintenance needs. Today, we at Stucco Siding Inspection Solutions would like to take the opportunity to discuss repairing cracks in the stucco.
Is it Normal to Have Cracks in Stucco?
You will notice cracks appearing eventually if you’ve lived with stucco construction for long enough. Over time it will start to show wearing though it is a very durable material, one of the strongest common building materials used. This is a usual time of stucco’s lifespan and is usually simple to fix. Cracking is especially common around doors, windows, and other edges and can occur for many reasons. A faulty mixture or improper installation are likely to blame if the cracks appear quickly or are exceptionally bad. Though the underlying causes of the cracks are usually the same, weak or mishandled stucco will have a much shorter lifespan. Below are a few common causes of the stucco cracks.
1) Extreme Weather: In addition to any wood it is supporting or being supported by, stucco to both expand and contract with excessive heat or extreme cold. Stucco will eventually weaken and crack with the expanding movements and shrinkage. Also leading to further shrinkage includes high winds may push on the wall, and/or reduce the moisture in the wall.
2) House Settling: It is likely that the ground underneath the foundations has begun to shift and change if a home was built on loose soil or is getting there in a few years. As the balance of the structure adjusts, this shifting will put heavier strains on different portions of the house. It succumbs to the extra weight when these strains can cause cracking in the stucco. Being in a more dramatic timeframe, seismic activity like earthquakes or tremors will have much of the same effect.
How Do You Fill Cracks in Stucco to Repair?
Being very resilient, stucco is relatively simple repair, especially for those that have training and experience. The necessary steps will remain the same, no matter if you decide to go with trained professionals or wish to conduct the repairs yourself. The basic repair steps include the following:
– Clean the Area Thoroughly. Remove all dirt, dust, and debris. The best way to clean the area is with Powerwashing. To remove any remaining loose debris, you may need a scraper.
– Repair the Damage By Filling in the Cracks. The stucco pattern will have to be replicated as it is filled in for large areas of damage. An elastomeric caulking filler to seal the majority of cracks is ideal. A rubber float is needed for a stucco patching material that can be used to fill in larger areas. Remove any remaining dust or debris after it dries.
– Painting: The original color of the wall will be needed to paint the repaired area. It can be challenging to match the color, but a pro can help if you decide to do the job yourself.
– Spot Check and Cleanup. Inspecting the finished result and cleaning up is an important step.
Stucco Repair & Replacement Contractors in South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Marietta, Stonecrest, Smyrna, Dunwoody, Peachtree Corners, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Canton, Cumming & Greater Atlanta, GA
Though this repair is fairly simple to those that perform services such as these on a daily basis, as a home improvement project that you attempt yourself can prove to take longer and not have the same results. To ensure your stucco cracks are properly repaired, call Stucco Siding Inspection Solutions and let us assist you.
