When should I worry about cracks in stucco?
Larger cracks, we’re talking 1/16 of an inch, are cause for concern. If you can slide your credit card into the crack in your stucco, it’s time to seek some professional help. Larger cracks like these can indicate a structural issue that needs to be addressed prior to repairing the stucco.
What do cracks in stucco mean?
Though cracks in stucco can occur due to different factors, including wrong mix proportions, insufficient mixing, poor workmanship, seismic movement and seasonal changes, two leading causes of cracks in stucco are the house settling process and shrinkage-induced stresses, which typically occur during the drying period.
Are hairline cracks in stucco normal?
In short, hairline stucco cracks are common and can be easily repatched. Most are not a serious indicator of foundation damage or structural disrepair. However, hairline cracks caused by foundation settlement will likely reappear after the repair and worsen.
Should there be cracks in new stucco?
So the answer to ‘are cracks in stucco normal? ‘ is yes! Small stucco cracks are a natural occurrences, so if you see one, there’s typically no need to panic. Over time stucco will probably show some minor damage like this, but with the right repair technicians by your side the problem is easily fixed.
How do I stop my stucco from cracking?
Solution: To lower the risk of drying shrinkage cracking, the following measures should be implemented:
- thoroughly wet highly absorbent/rough-textured masonry before applying stucco;
- follow the recommended mix ratios, avoiding cement rich mixes;
- damp-cure newly applied stucco in hot and dry weather conditions;
How much cracking is normal in stucco?
Hairline Cracks – Typical stucco cracks that require normal maintenance are hairline cracks less than 1/8 of an inch. These cracks can be stair-stepping on concrete block homes and that’s completely fine.
Can hairline cracks in stucco cause leaks?
#5 Depth of crack
Note that in a Traditional hard coat stucco, most hairline cracks only penetrate the finish coat, and not through the scratch coat or brown coat, thus they do not usually leak.
Is it normal for smooth stucco to crack?
Fine sand finish or smooth finish textures accentuate cracks in stucco, while heavier textures tend to hide stucco cracks. Although not all cracks are objectionable, cracks in stucco that are acceptable to one person might be unacceptable to another person. Cracking can also occur in stucco regardless of texture.
Can cracks in stucco cause leaks?
Now stucco cracks don’t always mean that there is damage, but it is usually a common sign of stucco moisture problems. Cracks and bubbles along the bottom edge of the wall — You may notice water leaking through the stucco walls and showing up along the bottom edge due to poor drainage systems.
How can you tell if water is behind stucco?
How do you know you have leaks in your stucco siding? You’ll likely see staining around the corners of windows or doors, possibly dark spots where at the roofline, and even hairline cracks. All of these are indicators of possible water damage and are signs of where water runs on or behind the stucco.
How do you know if your stucco is bad?
6 Signs Your Stucco is Damaged
- Stucco Cracks. While a single hairline crack may not be a bad omen, numerous cracks could be more than an aesthetic issue. …
- Stucco Stains. …
- Stucco Moss. …
- Stucco Crumbles. …
- Stucco Indentations or Soft Spots. …
- Impact Damage.
What is EIFS stucco?
What is EIFS? Unlike traditional stucco that utilizes natural ingredients and mesh, External Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS) stucco uses layers that add in synthetic materials. The first layer is comprised of a polystyrene foam board. Then, that is followed by a fiberglass mesh and a finishing coat.
How can you tell the difference between stucco and EIFS?
Go outside and knock on an outer “stucco” wall of your home. If it sounds hollow, there is a good chance you have EIFS. If it feels like you are knocking on a brick wall, it is more likely that you are knocking on traditional “hard-coat” stucco.
What is the difference between Dryvit and EIFS?
Having a house with EIFS, also known as Dryvit, isn’t the end of the world. EIFS isn’t a disease; it’s synthetic stucco. And even though your house may have been built using it, with knowledge and proper maintenance everything can be just fine. EIFS is an Exterior Insulation and Finish System.
Whats the difference between stucco and EIFS?
EIFS is an acrylic based system applied over an insulation panel, giving an “R” value to the wall; while stucco is a cementitious based system that does not give an “R” value to the wall, since it lacks insulation.
What is the fake stucco called?
Exterior Insulating and Finish System
Synthetic stucco is commonly referred to as Exterior Insulating and Finish System (EIFS).
How long does EIFS stucco last?
A. Dryvit EIFS are designed to last for the typical design life of a building. The actual longevity on any specific building will depend mainly on the building maintenance program. Some EIFS facades date back 50-60 years.
