Shrinkage cracks are cracks that develop as the stucco dries. As water evaporates the stucco shrinks. They look similar to stretch marks and are caused by too much water in the mix or the stucco coat being too thick.

Stress cracks are caused by stress (pressure). That pressure can come from movement in the wall (settling) or expansion and contraction of the stucco. Believe it or not the stucco actually expands with heat.

Buckling cracks are when the stucco expands so much it has no where to go but rise up at the crack.

When stucco cracks excessively,this is a situation where a company may tell you it needs to be re-stuccoed. While this may be true their great idea could be your worst nightmare. There are products that work great at first and then fail 2+years later. A simple synthetic coat or elastomeric product will not work!

Take a look at the Synthetic and blistering page to better understand potential problems.

While crack repairs will usually be visible to some extent. Only someone with stucco experience, unlike most painters can avoid this.

Call T.G.A. for a consultation before you hire someone. We do not re-stucco and do not recommend anyone so we have no motive but to give you the best advice. Our owner was a stucco contractor for 30 years.

Call / Text: (623) 764-1190   Email: info@tgapainting.com

Stucco Cracking

Cracks, cracks, cracks……….stucco does crack. While some minor cracking is normal, excessive cracking is not.

Causes vary greatly. Large walls experiencing expansion and contraction. Defective lath,  too fine of sand in the mix, sub straight movement, it can be hard to diagnose.

There are differnt types of stucco cracks.

Parapet cracks will let water in, rust the wire lath that is holding the stucco on. Then the stucco will start coming apart.

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