How to Fix Hairline Cracks in Stucco

When stucco is left on the exterior of a building, it develops hairline cracks that can show signs of wear and tear. This will leave the exterior of your home, or wherever stucco contractors have installed the substance, looking rather unsightly if left untreated. When you notice this deterioration and are looking for a way to repair it, you’ll want to know all about how to fix hairline cracks in stucco material so the damage doesn’t exacerbate further.

Find out what methods you can adopt today that will let you fix the visible cracks on your stucco exterior as soon as you begin to notice them before the exterior becomes more damaged.

Getting started

The most effective way to repair hairline cracks in a stucco exterior is to do a series of patchwork repairs. In essence, patchwork repairs can be used to cover up and fill the cracks, allowing for a less noticeable flawed appearance where the hairline crack once was. Once the patches have been applied, you will want to use caulk to seal them into place and make them adhesive. An alternative method is to use some of the more modern fillers that are available that will help and mend the hairline cracks you find in your stucco exterior.

Hairline cracks

If you find hairline cracks in your stucco, don’t assume that it’s something that simply cannot be fixed in any reasonable measure. The fact is that hairline cracks in stucco applications can be repaired to the point where they can become completely unnoticeable. The idea behind these repairs is that they have to be implemented promptly before the cracks begin to expand and repairs become more costly. The best way to avoid expanding damage is keeping a watchful eye for these cracks as soon as they set into the stucco, which means you must check your walls carefully and regularly.

Repair tips

If you decide that you need to repair cracks in stucco on your exterior walls, there are a few simple guidelines that will make the process much easier. The first thing to do is ensure you have the proper tools and equipment. You’ll need not only the correct tools but also the correct materials. To properly fix hairline cracks in stucco, you’ll want to make sure that you have a good primer, caulk, patches and a sealant of some kind. Once you have the materials and tools, you’ll want to inspect your wall for any other signs of damages and also clean off lingering debris off the walls. If there are very large cracks, you may want to cut away pieces of old stucco that are beginning to weaken. Once this is done, start using a primer on the area where the hairline cracks in the stucco are located.

In most cases, it’s best to cover the area that needs to be repaired with a layer of primer. This will help seal the stucco before applying any patches. After applying the primer, tape off any areas you don’t want to be painted. Once you have done this, apply the caulk where the patches are going to be placed and allow them to dry for at least two hours. With the caulk in place, you’ll then want to start applying patches once a row.

Cleaning the wall

As forementioned, cleaning the area where the stucco is being repaired is very important. This can be done with an exterior cleaning product or by using a wet mop. You’ll want to begin by removing any loose dirt and dust from the wall, followed by plaster or stucco that may have been applied to cover it. You’ll also want to remove any loose old stucco that you find that may be starting to weaken and fall off of its own accord. Once the aging and deteriorating stucco has been removed, you’ll want to begin patching up the cracks in your stucco.

Using caulk

Caulk is an excellent method for repairing hairline cracks in stucco. It’s a great way to fill hairline cracks and mend them within the stucco exterior because it’s very effective at fixing these types of problems without it appearing overt what area was just repaired. Caulk is a bit subtle in appearance and will blend in nicely with the rest of your stucco exterior. Caulk is also waterproof and also very easy to work with. It’s great for sealing cracks in stucco where there may have been damage to the wall’s structure. It’s usually best to use caulk in hairline cracks in the stucco instead of simply applying patches because it holds together much better, making it easier for the repair to last longer and its less prone to damages maximizing in any way.