Hard coat stucco cracking

Hard coat stucco is a material which can be applied to flat, curved, interior, or exterior walls. Plaster is a cost effective finish, relatively easily installed, that improves the appearance and creates a water resistant wall surface. This article will focus on the investigation of cracks and some suggested repairs. This type of cracking is basically a sign that the base coat did not cure properly. Jul 18, 2018 quality stucco siding systems are three or more coats of portland cement applied over a lath system that helps attach the plaster to the house. The reason is eifs is less expensive to test for moisture when compared hard coat stucco. Jul, 2018 previously, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of traditional hard coat stucco. However, conventional stucco is a hard and durable system, and in most cases will outlast the structure itself. Many homes that have stucco as an exterior coating have cracking issues, but most of them can be repaired quite easily. Its also known as classic hard coat or cement stucco finish. Exterior insulation finish system, brick or stone, home with stucco accents we have the experience and expertise to diagnose and solve your stucco repair problems. The hard facts about hard coat stucco sidercrete, inc.

This is a common question that often arises when people are rehabbing or updating older construction. Eifs has higher plasticity, which means it has more. Damp cure cement plaster in hot, dry weather, do not soak walls. Consisting of portland cement, sand, lime and water, stucco is a longlasting, lowmaintenance siding option. Twocoat stucco is used on concrete, brick, and block.

It can be applied directly to a solid base like masonry or concrete walls, or to a metal a lath attached to the frame of the construction. Im not all that fond of elastomeric coatings but its probably the cheapest way to fill the cracks. This system consists of the installation of two layers of building paper to provide a moisture barrier, a stucco netting, a layer of basecoat material, and a cement or finish coat product. The brown coat adds strength and acts as a base for the finish coat, which can be handtroweled to create a custom surface texture. A quick look at traditional hard coat stucco and what to watch out for when doing a home inspection.

Repairing stucco cracks, why new stucco walls can crack. It is not uncommon to see hard coat cracking like you. Dryvit offers five different improvements on the traditional stucco system our commercial cement plaster systems 1 through 5. The multicoat hard coat stucco system is an exterior stucco system and is comprised of a weatherresistant barrier, lath, base coat, and a finish coat. Stucco is one of the most durable wall surfaces available, but because of its rigid nature, stucco can develop cracks and holes over time due to settling and impact damage. Colored stucco or exterior stucco is a cementlime mix that is highly durable and cost efficient product for adding texture and color over onecoat or conventional stucco systems. Crack fixing on smooth hard trowel finish stucco youtube. The hard facts about hard coat stucco what is hard coat stucco. Though cracks in stucco can occur due to different factors, two leading. Merlex basex is specifically designed for application over brown coat where smoothtroweled finishes are used such as santa barbara finish. These cladding options are most often placed over framed walls with sheathing but can also be applied over concrete and masonry. Hard coat stucco vs synthetic stucco temmel siding.

It doesnt sound like it is caused from any structural problems with the building if that eases your mind any. But just like any other construction material that includes portland cement, stucco is prone to cracking. Complete eifs removal and replacement with european hard coat stucco system. Some recommend coating the wall with elastomeric coating to seal the cracks. The first stucco coat is called a scratch coat and as its name implies, it has a rough. In a woodframed structure, drywall must be hung before the lath and scratch coat are applied. Oct 19, 2018 most of us have heard the adage no news is good news. But, as the old adage goes, there are three things in life you can count on and the most reliable of these continue reading taxes, death, and cracks in stucco walls. Consult the stucco finish manufacturer or contractor for recommended repair methods. Stucco cracking in portland cement plaster base coats. When mesh is embedded in basex, cracking is reduced significantly, which allows for higherquality smoothtroweled finishes. Stucco, like all cementitious products is susceptible to cracking. Depending on size, cracks can run the gauntlet from invisible to unsightly to the cause of major water intrusion, if they. Hairline cracks that develop in traditional stucco or hard coat stucco do not necessary have to be fixed if the width of the cracks are less that 116 of an inch.

However, with hard coat stucco problems, you may want to follow the opposite advice. Dryvit offers a new dimension to an old solution by providing a variety of stucco assemblies suited to the architects need for both performance and aesthetics. Read about how cracks occur in 3coat stucco systems and some of the best. This is caused by either drying too quickly, too muck water in the mix, or mixed incorrectly or applied when it was too cold or too hot the day the stucco was applied. Traditional stucco or hard coat stucco is made up of several different components, one of those being the hard coat itself. Localized cracking is normally due to water damage below the surface, while general cracking throughout the home may be a result of shotty workmanship when the stucco was installed. Stucco cost estimate prices to stucco a house remodeling. Repairing hairline cracks in exterior stucco a helpful. Applied by hand over metal wire or lath, stucco cures to a hard and. Dec 15, 2018 stucco is a combination of powdered limestone or cement, blended with sand and water until it reaches a mortarlike consistency. There are different kinds of cracks, distinguished mainly by their size and pattern on the wall itself. While cracking generally will not directly result in.

If this happens before the stucco gets applied, it may create irregularities in the surface that the plasterer will feel obliged to flatten out to make his work look good. How to prevent stucco from cracking professional builder. Cracking is a common performance issue with stucco systems, particularly hard coat stuccos. What about colored stucco or exterior stucco how is it applied. Cracks can also develop at floor lines if proper expansion joints are not installed. Mar 03, 2016 now that you know why stucco cracks, lets find out how serious a stucco crack can be. In the second part of this series, we will discuss the structure, installation, advantages, and disadvantages of eifs. Stucco houses crack, thats a fact because of the rigid nature. The resulting plaster siding system should be 34 of an inch or more in thickness. Once moisture or water gets inside a wall, it will inevitably cause further damage. Sep 05, 2008 stucco presents a unique set of problems.

Stucco presents a unique set of problems the globe and mail. Blue star stucco hardcoat and eifs repairinstallation. Large exterior wall surfaces are eyecatchers, so when the surface becomes laced with cracks, it will definitely get a homeowners attention. Repairing stucco cracks, why new stucco walls can crack youtube. All stucco cracks are the result of stucco releasing stresses placed on it by shrinkage, expansion or other movement. Hard coat stucco installation involves the following layers. Stucco, cracking, plaster basecoat, portland plaster. As a result, a perception has developed that eifs is more prone to moisture intrusion issues versus hard coat stucco. How to paint old exterior stucco home guides sf gate. Stucco is appealing for a number of reasons, chief among them its fire resistance. Cracking can develop as a result of the shrinking process.

Also caused by trapped moisture or high pressure, cracks and crumbling need to addressed before they become pathways to the complete destruction of your home. Mar 20, 2007 the january 2007 article on stucco cracks dealt with myths, planning, caveats and suggested contract language when working with such systems. When a base coat is soft there is a cause for concern. From architecturally masterpieces of residential applications to monumentally crafted government and commercial edifices, european stucco co. Usually 3 coats are put on and finished with a special acrylic polymer finish that protects the wall from cracking. An acrylicpolymer coat of stucco is applied onto a base of mesh and foam board insulation. Filling in cracks on a smooth hard trowel finish stucco. Cracking is one of the largest complaints from homeowners with stucco homes. Premiere choice of experienced applicators for exterior cladding choices. Hard coat stucco hcs is a system that can be applied over a variety of surfaces, including existing siding or brick. Improper installation is the main cause of most stucco problems.

Jun 29, 2018 stucco and eifs are commonly installed on single family homes, townhomes and lowmidrise commercialresidential buildings. While stucco may appear to have no issues or only minor issues on the outside, it can often cause major problems for your home on the inside. Stucco is a hard, stiff, concrete material and it is usually applied over wood. The question becomes, do the cracks need to be fixed. Hard coat stucco systems are the most common and widely used. Most homeowners fear the cracks indicate a serious structural. Identifying various cracks in stucco the stucco guy. However, they can provide a pathway for moisture and water to enter into a wall system. We repair, replace or install exterior stucco to restore beauty and performance to your home exterior. Synthetic stucco is composed of acrylic resins, polymers, crushed quartz and sand. The hard facts about hard coat stucco what is hardcoat stucco. As an exterior cladding material, portland cement plaster, or stucco, is a versatile material and used in traditional, modern, and contemporary designs. Delivering a quality threecoat stucco job need not be a mystery. Sep 24, 2015 cracking there are two types of cracking problems in stucco homes localized issues and more comprehensive ones.

Also caused by trapped moisture or high pressure, cracks and crumbling need to addressed before they become. Control joints are installed to help reduce the cracking. All types of stucco repair, hard coat or eifssynthetic. From the oldest known civilization sumerian, 4,000 years b. The finish coat is applied last, creating a decorative texture on the wall surface. Hardcoat stucco cracks, leaks, damage stucco cracks, leaks at control joints, standards. Hard float the brown coat to densify plaster membrane. The result is thin spots in the stucco that are prone to cracking. History as far back as civilizations existed, traces of plastering appear. Stucco scratch coat mix, a simple recipe three coat stucco the stucco scratch coat mix is a simple recipe that really consists. Stucco cracking is an issue that homeowners ask me about all the time. Applied directly to concrete masonry, hardcoat stucco provides a tough finish that. There are different kind of cracks that appear and knowing how to go about fixing them is half the battle. Most often it is used on homes more than on commercial buildings.

Usually, wooden walls are covered with tarpaper and chicken wire or galvanized metal screening. Other common factors are poor maintenance and extreme weather. Outside stress relief cracks tend to be longer, often from one natural break to another. Hard coat stucco can have the same types of moisture intrusion issues that eifs can have. Mar 14, 2016 filling in cracks on a smooth hard trowel finish stucco. The set up so, you have installed a cement or hard coat stucco system. Stucco is designed to carry and bind the aggregate, bond in place, and get hard.

This article is intended to discuss the primary components of onecoat and threecoat stucco systems, often referred to as hardcoat systems, as both systems use portland cement as the base coat. At john temmel siding guy, we only use stone accent and hardie products, such as hardie siding, rather than hard coat stucco or synthetic stucco. Achieving a uniform thickness can be particularly difficult with. Can stucco portland cement plaster be applied directly over painted brick. Exterior insulation and finishing system eifs pronounced eefis or eefs, both are. The cement is combined with water and inert materials such as sand and lime. The hard coat stucco system is a cement mixture used for siding residential and commercial buildings.