Stucco is one of the most commonly found materials on the exterior of buildings, especially houses. Its cheap and long-lasting qualities make it highly sought after. Eventually, it can begin to wear down, once you know what to use to repair stucco cracks, the labor itself is quite simple.
What is Stucco?
Stucco is a cement-based siding mixture used to texture or finish exterior surfaces. It is commonly used for home exteriors because it is cheap and relatively durable. With time, stucco can begin to crack. Some cracks can be ignored, but there are certain situations where stucco cracks can be incredibly damaging to your home.
There are a few different types of stucco cracks. Some can be repaired easily by the homeowner, and others may require professional assistance. Either way, it is wise to know when stucco needs to be repaired and how to identify signs of cracking.
If you live in or are thinking of moving to an area with a rainy climate, this may be especially important. Sinkhole Maps Florida is a great resource for which areas are more susceptible to climate issues that affect housing exteriors.
If stucco is applied to a home with a concrete block surface, it is directly applied as a wet liquid mixture and dries in place right on the siding.
For wood-framed homes, an underlayment is attached to the wood frame. Above this layer is a metal netting onto which the stucco is applied, which allows it to stick to the wood frame. Understanding these differences can help identify how to repair damage to your stucco, and what to use to repair stucco cracks.
Identifying the Issue
If there are stucco cracks on concrete block homes, water can enter underneath. Water is absorbed by the concrete, just as rain soaks into your driveway or sidewalk. This can potentially lead to water damage in your home.
For wood-frame houses, water can enter through the cracks in stucco and rust the metal netting. This could result in stucco popping off entirely because the adhesive will wear down. If stucco peels away, you will likely need it completely removed and replaced.
