You walk out with coffee in hand, look up at your own house, and BAM! A crack appears, running down the stucco. Maybe it’s a little one, maybe it’s a big one, but either way, it is messing with your home’s curb appeal. More importantly, it has you thinking: Why is the stucco on my house cracking? And, more importantly, is this just a superficial cosmetic thing, or should I actually worry?
Relax. Cracked stucco is common, and in most cases, it’s fixable. Let’s dive into why it happens and what you should do about it.
The Usual Suspects: Common Causes of Stucco Cracks
Stucco is durable, sure. But it’s not invincible. Several things can lead to cracks, and the trick is figuring out which culprit is behind yours.
1. Natural Settling and Shifting
In the course of time, houses settle down, and during that process, there are times when external aspects are affected somewhat. This may be the reason for your stucco cracking in fine hairline cracks. Nothing to freak out over, but it does mean a little maintenance is in order.
2. Poor Installation
Stucco isn’t just slapped onto a wall and called a day. It needs a proper mix, the right application process, and—most importantly—enough time to cure. If it was rushed or done incorrectly, cracks can show up sooner rather than later. This is especially true if you see large, deep cracks.
3. Weather Extremes
Hot summers, freezing winters, pounding rain—your home goes through a lot. If you live in a place with wild temperature swings, stucco expands and contracts constantly. Over time, that stress can lead to cracking. Think of it like bending a paper clip back and forth—it doesn’t take long before it snaps.
4. Water Damage
Stucco’s worst enemy? Moisture. If water sneaks behind the surface due to poor drainage, leaky gutters, or cracks left untreated, it can wreak havoc. You might notice dark stains, bubbling, or large cracks forming. Left unchecked, this can lead to more than just cracked stucco—it can mean mold or rot hiding beneath the surface.
5. Structural Issues
This one’s rare but serious. If your stucco has wide, jagged cracks that seem to be getting worse, you could be looking at foundation movement. This is when you call in a pro to check if something bigger is at play.
Fix It Before It Gets Worse: What to Do About Stucco Cracks
Alright, you’ve got cracks. Now what?
Small, Hairline Cracks: A Quick Fix
If the cracks are thin (less than 1/16 inch), you’re in luck. These are usually just surface-level and can be easily repaired with:
- Acrylic caulk (paintable, of course!)
- Elastomeric stucco patching material
- A fresh coat of paint to blend it in
Bigger Cracks: A Little More Effort
Larger cracks (1/8 inch or more) need more attention:
- Clean the area – Remove loose stucco and dust.
- Apply a stucco patch – Use a pre-mixed stucco repair product.
- Feather the edges – Blend it in for a seamless look.
- Let it dry and paint – Ensure it matches your existing finish.
Recurring or Large Cracks: Call a Pro
If cracks keep coming back, get wider, or appear in a pattern that looks like stair steps, it’s time to bring in a specialist. You could have structural issues, and that’s not a DIY job.
Conclusion
Cracks in stucco are annoying, sure, but they’re not the end of the world. Whether it’s just normal settling or a sign of something bigger, knowing why the stucco on your house is cracking is the first step to fixing it. Stay on top of minor issues, and you’ll keep your home looking great for years to come.
Not sure where to start? If the cracks are making you nervous, getting a professional opinion never hurts. Better safe than sorry! Contact Alberta Pargin today!
