Symptoms |
Common Causes |
Possible Results if No Action Taken |
Evaluation/Preparation |
Repair Method |
Cracks at wall penetrations. |
Building Movement caused by thermal contraction cycles of wind |
water intrusion, leaks into interior, deterioration of finish and stucco, deterioration of sheathing and framing |
Consult qualified structural engineer for recommendations |
Likely re-stucco |
Random 'spider' stucco cracks
|
Thermal expansion and contraction cycles. Improper stucco mix. Improper stucco curing. |
Lead to larger cracks, increasing the potential for water intrusion and same sequence as above. |
Evaluate the integrity of the stucco to ensure that it is sound. Clean surface prior to application of bonding agent. |
Bonding agent and new finish coat or stucco repair and paint. |
Dimensional linear cracking |
wood sheathing not gapped. Improper lath and trim accessory installation. |
Water intrusion, leak into interior, deterioration of finish and stucco, deterioration of sheathing and framing. |
consult qualified structural engineer for recommendations. Invasive sheathing/substrate will likely be needed for evaluation.
|
Likely re-stucco |
In severe cases, localized water |
defective weather resistant barrier. |
Structural damage, wood rot delamination |
Determine and correct source of water penetration |
Re-stucco as required. |
Linear cracks and stucco loosened from building |
Misapplication of lath; wood rot, separation of the scratch and brown coats. |
Water intrusion, leaks into interior, deterioration of sheathing and framing. |
Remove and replace damaged stucco, sheathing and framing. |
Re-stucco as required. |
Stucco blistering, peeling, flaking, severe chalking |
Moisture penetration. |
Water intrusion; deterioration of finish and stucco. |
Determine and correct source of water penetration, replace any weakened stucco areas and clean wall surface for bonding. |
bonding agent and new finish coat or stucco repair and paint. |
Random stucco cracks appear soon after construction |
Inadequately cured stucco and/or new construction setting. |
lead to larger cracks, then water intrusion and same sequence as above. |
Evaluate the integrity of the stucco to ensure that it is sound. |
bonding agent and new finish coat or stucco repair and paint. |
Stucco peeling, flaking of paint or colored stucco over brown coat. |
Loss over time of bond to stucco brown coat. |
Water intrusion, deterioration of finish and stucco/ |
power wash to remove loose paint or stucco. |
Bonding agent and new finish coat. |