Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Repairing Exterior Cracks in Stucco

Fixing cracks in your home's stucco isn't difficult, and is a good idea before the cooler weather rolls around.
Yes, it will get cool again!  You will need stucco patch, water, a 5-gallon bucket, a scraper and a rubber float.

First scrape away any loose debris and widen any crack that is less than ¼” wide with the scraper.  This will help the stucco patch bond more firmly with the wall.  Mix up the stucco patch in the bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  Since the patching material dries quickly, only mix enough for a 15-20 minute application.

Apply the stucco patch to the cracked area using the rubber float in ¼” thick layers. Allow each layer to set before spreading the next layer.  For small cracks, you can use paintable caulk in the crack, and finish it off with stucco patch.

After applying the last coat of stucco patch, “sweep” off excess material using the rubber float in a circular motion, blending the patched area into the existing stucco.  Allow your patched area to dry thoroughly before painting.

If you think large cracks in your exterior stucco may indicate a structural problem, be sure to call a professional.