Cracks in stucco are a common problem. Large stucco cracks are usually caused by mistakes during installation, which builds up stress until the stucco cracks. It is very important to repair larger cracks quickly to effectively manage this damage. Larger stucco cracks can cause immersion and other damage. The stucco pattern of an exterior wall usually cracks during installation if the stucco lath below is not nailed properly or is loosened due to subsidence of the foundation or ground movement.
After all, stucco isn’t very hard it’s made of cement. So, when a house is deposited over time or changed by high winds or earthquakes, the stucco will crack. The right way to fix these problems depends on their size. The level of maintenance is expected for homes with stucco walls and these cracks will not compromise the integrity of the exterior finish.
10 Steps for Fixing Large Stucco Cracks
Stucco can last 100 years or more, but that doesn’t mean it’s waterproof. Cracks and holes develop in the surface allowing water to rapidly cause further damage to the stucco and underlying surfaces. Stucco can also detach from the wood or metal to which they are glued, resulting in loose areas that can develop over time. In this way, small holes often turn into larger holes, exposed to more moisture and damage. After the stucco inspection areas that are completely flaking need to be repaired with a full restoration process that includes removing loose material, installing metal lath and fixing batch, and applying coats of the repair mix.
1. Clear Any Loose or Crumbling Material
Remove loose or brittle material from cracks by hand or with a wire brush. Be careful not to damage the wooden support underneath by hitting it with a hammer. At the same time, remove any chalk, dirt, or grease that could prevent the repair compound from adhering properly.
2. Chip Away the Edges
Continue until the broken stucco edge reaches firmly attached to the surface. Cut the wire mesh with scissors. Remove the tin foil cover and cut the wrapper near the damaged surface. If there is a metal rod, cut it with a metal cutter/scissors. Remove any nails or screws securing the rail and remove it from the wall.
3. Install New House Wrap to the Exposed Lath
Using a utility knife, cut the grade D construction paper so that it fits snugly at the boundary where the old stucco meets the exposed wood lath. Secure to studs or sheathing with a construction stapler. Make sure it overlaps the wrapper in the margins you left. Glue the paper to the lath with roofing nails, then place the second layer of paper on top of the first sealant.
4. Install Metal Mesh
Cut the stucco pieces from the galvanized metal mesh using metal scissors. As with building paper wrap, the lath must fit into the repair area with no gaps between the lath and the edge of the original adhesive stucco. Place a metal mesh strip of galvanized metal on paper and press firmly against the edges of the Stucco Repair wall. Scissors with an offset handle make this easier. Drive more roofing nails through the mesh into the wood plank. The nails should be long enough to penetrate an inch into the wooden frame, or if the wall is plywood, the nails should penetrate completely through the board.
5. Mix First Batch of Stucco – Make Stucco Recipe
Mix the first batch of stucco according to the manufacturer’s instructions using a drill and mixing whisk or, for larger volumes, a mortar mixer. The acrylic binder added to this mixture improves the adhesion of the new stucco mix to the old stucco repair patch. The quick setting stucco usually has a working time of 45 minutes or less, so mix only as much as you can apply in that time.
6. Apply First Coat
The premixed stucco repair Atlanta GA mortar can be used directly with a trowel according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wet the edges of the old stucco so that it can absorb the first patch and does not weaken the adhesion between the old and the new. Scoop a fist-sized piece of wet plaster onto a brick trowel and toss it over a mesh until completely covered. Level the mixture with a finishing trowel, then press down with a brick trowel to the edges of the existing plaster. Continue adding material until this layer is about 1/2 inch below the existing surface.
7. Scratch It
Stucco repair contractors can scarify the scratch coat with a trowel. This will help the next layer stick to the first one. Dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Apply Second Brown Coat
Mix a bunch of plaster for a second or brown coat. Apply stucco to the patch surface with a smooth, even layer recessed 1/8 inch from the surrounding original stucco. Dry the brown stucco finish as directed.
9. Apply the Final Coat
Mix the last stucco batch for a final coat. These coats can be standard or custom colors to get the look you want. However, it is very difficult to match the color of the stain enough to blend with the surrounding stucco. To completely cover the stain, it must be painted, or the entire wall covered with a compatible paint or tinted finish. Apply the final coating with a trowel, flush with the surrounding surface. If desired, texture the finish to match the original finish. Dry the plaster according to the instructions.
10. Paint It
Allow the patch to dry for a week before painting the patch and the rest of the wall. No patches should be visible under the dense layer.