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Fix Stucco Cracks for Good
Not every crack in stucco is a problem, but the ones that are rarely fix themselves. We read the crack first, check whether water is getting through it, then repair it so it does not open again in the same place.
- Hairline & map cracks
- Stair-step & diagonal
- Window-corner cracks
- Moisture checked first
Request a consultation & estimate
Residential or commercial. We’ll get back to you to set up an evaluation.
We never share your information. Prefer to talk? Call (888) 592-1304.
What a crack is telling you
Cement stucco shrinks as it cures, so a few fine cracks are part of its nature. The shape, width and location of a crack say far more than its length. A web of shallow lines across a wall points to the original mix or curing. A diagonal from the corner of a window points to stress at the opening where reinforcement was thin. A straight horizontal crack at the floor line usually tracks framing shrinkage between stories.
The other half of the diagnosis is water. Wider cracks, cracks with staining and cracks over joints in the sheathing can carry rain straight to the weather barrier. Before choosing a repair, we take moisture readings on both sides of the crack so we know whether we are fixing a surface or a leak.
Repairs range from filling and recoating fine cracks with an elastomeric product to routing out wider ones, embedding reinforcing mesh and rebuilding the finish. Where a wall simply has no room to move, adding a control or expansion joint solves the cause. For damage beyond cracks, see stucco repair.
Six cracks we see most often
Each one has a usual cause, and the cause decides the repair.
Hairline
Thinner than a credit card and often from normal shrinkage; usually cosmetic unless stained or growing.
Spider-web or map
A network of short cracks across a panel, typically from a rich mix, fast drying or a thin coat.
Stair-step
Zigzag cracks on stucco over block or brick follow the mortar joints and can signal settlement.
Window and door corners
Diagonal cracks from opening corners where stress concentrates and diagonal reinforcement was missing.
Floor-line horizontal
Long level cracks between stories where framing shrinks or the wall lacked a joint at the band.
Stained or wet cracks
Any crack with dark streaks, efflorescence or soft stucco nearby means water is moving through it.
Often paired with this work
Most wall problems involve more than one part of the envelope.
Stucco Repair
A crack or a stain is usually the visible end of a water problem.
Learn more
Repair Stucco
A stucco wall is a stack of layers, and a repair only lasts when every layer is put back.
Learn more
Fixing Stucco
Some stucco damage is small enough to handle with a tube and a putty knife.
Learn more
Fill Stucco Holes
Every fixture that comes off a stucco wall leaves fastener holes, a hole for wiring and often a shadow of the old outline.
Learn more
Stucco Patch
The hard part of patching stucco is not filling the damage.
Learn more
Stucco Impact Repair
Storefronts, drive-throughs, loading areas and parking-side walls take hits from vehicles, carts, hail and equipment.
Learn moreCrack repair methods compared
Smearing a filler over a crack only hides it until the wall moves again. A lasting crack repair gives the new material something to grip, reinforces across the line of movement and finishes with a coating or texture that can flex a little.
On commercial buildings we often map every crack on an elevation and price the methods separately, so owners and managers can see which cracks are cosmetic and which need work now. Homeowners get the same breakdown on a smaller scale.
| Crack | Usual method | Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Fine hairline, dry | Fill and elastomeric coat | Recoat to blend |
| Map cracking | Skim coat with mesh | New finish coat |
| Wider single crack | Route, mesh, rebuild | Texture matched |
| Recurring at one line | Add control joint | Sealant joint |
| Crack with moisture | Open wall, repair substrate | Full section rebuild |
How we fix a stucco crack
Most crack repairs are done in a few visits, with cure time between the base work and the finish.
Measure & probe
We note the width, pattern and location of each crack and take moisture readings beside it to decide if the wall is dry.
- Width and pattern recorded
- Readings both sides
- Cause identified
Route & reinforce
Wider cracks are opened into a clean groove, filled with compatible base material and bridged with embedded fiberglass mesh.
- Loose edges removed
- Mesh across the crack
- Joint added where needed
Refinish & blend
The finish is rebuilt in the existing texture, and an elastomeric coating can be added where small cracks are likely to reopen.
- Texture matched
- Color blended
- Flexible coat if specified
Cracks multiplying on one wall?
A pattern usually means one cause. We will find it.
What our customers say
Homeowners and long-time commercial clients on working with ASR.
“We had numerous issues with the stucco on our newly constructed home… The stucco has a unique texture and is pigmented so we were really concerned about getting a good aesthetic match on the repairs… The stucco finish looks incredible and perfectly matches the house in color and texture.”
“We had the inside and outside (Hardie Siding) of our home painted by Advanced Stucco. Additionally, they made some necessary repairs and improvements outside. Very thorough job!! We’re extremely happy with their work, professionalism and punctuality.”
“Willy came today at precisely 8 o’clock and did an outstanding job on everything! I am more than satisfied and will look forward to calling in your company’s service again.”
Stucco crack questions
What homeowners, managers and builders ask about cracked stucco.
Are hairline cracks in stucco normal?
When does a stucco crack mean water damage?
Will a repaired crack come back?
Can elastomeric paint fix stucco cracks?
Do you repair cracks on commercial buildings?
Have a crack looked at
Send a photo or describe where it is. We will check it for moisture and tell you which repair it really needs.
Request a consultation & estimate
Homeowners and commercial clients alike: tell us about the property and what you are seeing.
- Call(888) 592-1304
- E-mailinfo@advstucco.com
- Headquarters138 Mountain Brook Dr, Canton, GA 30115
- HoursMon–Fri 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Send us your project details
Residential or commercial. We’ll get back to you to set up an evaluation.
We never share your information. Prefer to talk? Call (888) 592-1304.