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Stucco may be tough, fireproof, durable, and others, but over time, it may show some cracks. That is probably because of its exposure to harsh weather elements. There are also times when the ground or building moves, which can contribute to the problem. Once you notice fractures appearing in your stucco, you should give it attention. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you out.

Step 1: Inspection

Inspect the cracks and try to see if they are shallow. Most stucco cracks are narrow and do not affect the structural integrity of the wall. Check if they are just that, but if you suspect something else, you may call an expert for help. 

Step 2: Purchasing the Right Materials

For stucco repairs, there are a wide variety of materials in the market. You may choose between caulking, spackling, or patching compounds, but for easier application, textured caulking is recommended.

Step 3: Preparation

You have to clean the wall first before applying anything. The best method is pressure washing as it will effectively and fastly get rid of dust, dirt, or grime building up in your wall. You may also use warm water with detergent to scrub down the surface.

Step 4: Repair

To start the repair, first you have to cut the tip of the caulking at an angle, so you can easily fill tight cracks. Squeeze the sealant while following the track of the fracture. Make sure to use an ample amount for the cracks, then, use your finger to somehow spread the caulking to the edges. Use a sponge and water to thoroughly clean up the excess. It is essential if you do not want to end up with weird stains or shadows when you paint over the repair. Let it cure for the time stated in the instructions. 

After it cures, you may notice that the caulking will shrink a bit, this is good as you will need to do another layer to imitate the texture of the wall. Experiment on a piece of cardboard on what technique will work best and help the repair blend in. You may use dabbing motions with a brush, sponge, or other materials. When you think you are ready, you may start the application. Let the second layer fully cure.

You may color the repair to make it blend with the surface. Choose the same paint that you used in your wall to get a great result. However, your wall may still have very tiny cracks that you might have missed. Repainting will take care of them, and many homeowners choose to recolor the whole wall after a repair. If you choose a good quality paint, it will fill the cracks entirely. Repainting the whole wall will also make sure that repairs will blend in or be completely hidden.

Even if your stucco requires low maintenance, you should take care of it once you see some problems. You can’t let these cracks be penetrated by rainfall or you will have a bigger problem.