17 Jul How Do You Stop Stucco From Cracking?
Stucco is a durable material, but it’s also porous and inflexible, which means it’s prone to cracking. When cement expands and contracts, it can cause cracks: some are only cosmetic issues, like hairline cracks (less than 1/8 inch/3 mm deep) but others may cause structural issues (over 1 inch/25 mm deep). Preventative care is always the best way to solve problems before they crop up, and of course, this same principle applies to the exterior of your house. Be proactive by taking these steps to prevent your stucco from cracking, and preserve the quality of your home:
Install control joints. These joints are deliberate gaps that are put in areas where the stucco is expected to crack. They function similarly to the gaps you see in sidewalks – as cement expands and contracts, strategically-placed openings help prevent major splitting in the stucco. Control joints relieve the stress that happens over time to stucco by giving it room to shift.
Purchase a weep screed. A common cause of stucco cracks is a moisture problem. Weep screeds are vents that will help maintain the thickness of your stucco, which will prevent the formation of cracks and other blemishes. It’s a component that controls cracks by letting water seep out, which manages the stress that stucco endures. A weep screed is placed along the base of the concrete, allowing moisture to escape, which will alleviate any cracking as a result of trapped water.
Apply a weather-resistant barrier. Applying this coating beneath your stucco will help it endure extreme weather conditions. It helps the cement tolerate excessive moisture that’s caused by severe weather. This coating can be one or two layers thick, depending on the climate in your area. Cracks are commonly caused by changes in the moisture and temperature of the building material – a strong protective coating will create a barrier between the exterior of your home and the outside elements, which will help it hold its own against extreme conditions.
Use corner beads. Large slabs of concrete are prone to shifting, they are rigid and inflexible. You can anticipate that cracks will form where the stucco meets corners in your exterior, so use corner beads to relieve this stress. They separate stucco from other materials using a flexible plastic strip that’s attached to the corners – this will help prevent cracks.
Hire a professional. Enlist the services of an experienced repairperson or painter to fix the stucco exterior of your home. This process involves repairing the cracks in the exterior – a professional will ensure that your stucco will stay strong for years to come. Pinnacle Painting offers high-quality, Winnipeg stucco painting. First, we repair any damage to your stucco, including cracks and blemishes. Then, once we have prepared the exterior, we repaint the stucco according to your desired colour.
Recap:
Stucco cracks are commonly caused by poorly mixed cement, an excess of moisture, expansions and contractions, or inconsistencies in the thickness of the stucco. In large slabs of cement, like around corners and doors, you should expect minor cracking over time; but major ones are unsightly, and worse, can cause structural issues. To relieve the stress on your stucco, try the above tips to help prevent cracks from forming.