If you’ve noticed cracks beginning to appear on the surface of your home’s surface, the culprit is usually one of two things. Either water has seeped beneath the stucco causing it to warp and crack, or the stucco is shrinking, leading to gaps and cracks. In both instances, improper stucco installation is to blame.
How To Identify Stucco Cracks — Types of Cracks
Cracking in stucco can range from a small problem to a very large problem, but in most cases, it’s impossible to see the extent of the damage just by looking at the surface of the crack. Oftentimes we see what looks to be a small, fixable crack in the stucco, but it’s simply a symptom of a larger moisture problem.
Your best bet upon noticing any cracks, stains or warping in your stucco exterior, is to have a remediation expert take a look. The team at Ai, has been remediating homes for more than 20 years, which means we have the technology and skills to determine the extent of the damage.
When describing the cracking to an expert, here is a breakdown of the types of cracks you might be seeing:
- Hairline Cracks – Hairline cracks are very common with stucco homes; it’s normal for plaster to crack slightly due to heavy vibrations like construction or harsh weather. Hairline cracks are about 1/16 of an inch wide. Larger cracks may start to cause major problems. Hairline cracks should be repaired as soon as you notice them, so they don’t grow and cause more problems.
- Spider Cracks – This kind of cracking is more subtle, but it looks like spider webs alongside your home. Spider cracking tends to be a sign that the base coat didn’t cure properly. This may occur because stucco was applied when the outside temperature was too hot or too cold.
- Diagonal Cracks – Diagonal cracking is usually caused by house shifting. It usually develops near doors or windows due to vibrations. Sometimes this can be a serious problem, especially if the cracks are over 1/8 of an inch wide.
Consulting With a Stucco Remediation Expert
We understand that the prospect of underlying stucco damage can be overwhelming for homeowners. That’s why our approach to stucco remediation is focused on making the customer comfortable. We assign each project a dedicated Ai Representative who is there to walk you through everything from the first evaluation to choosing new materials and colors. Our detailed project estimates seek to educate homeowners so they understand exactly what caused their problem and how it will be prevented in the future. Contact us to Stay Dry with Ai!
