Controlling Cracks in Stucco Exteriors

Relieve stresses with control joints, weep screeds, and corner and casing beads.
Close up of stucco

TS-89686933_stucco_s4x3

Cracking is usually inevitable with stucco, but it can be directed in an aesthetically acceptable way with control joints.

Photo by: NA

NA

Cracking is usually inevitable with stucco, but it can be directed in an aesthetically acceptable way with control joints.

Stucco can be an extremely strong and durable material, lasting for the life of a home. It's composed of Portland cement — the same material that lends strength to concrete driveways and slab foundations. Just like a driveway, though, a stucco wall is prone to cracking, because large areas of stucco can't accommodate expansion and contraction. If you can relieve large spans of stress, you'll prevent large cracks.

Cracking is promoted by insufficient curing, poorly mixed stucco, improper lath type and installation, inconsistent thickness of stucco application, and poor workmanship. But even if stucco is applied properly and all the conditions are right, it will still probably crack.

Cracks provide a pathway for water to reach the drainage plane, and you'll end up with an unattractive exterior and unsatisfied homeowners. But you can anticipate cracks on large slabs, around windows and doors and at any point of transition, such as a corner. To control cracks, you need to create areas that relieve stresses. Here are the tools you can use to do that:

Control joint. A control joint is a gap that's intentionally placed between two stucco areas to direct inevitable cracking in a predictable and aesthetically acceptable way. According to the Portland Cement Association, joint spacing should meet the following criteria:

  • No area should be greater than 18 feet in either direction
  • No area should exceed 144 square feet for vertical applications
  • No area should exceed 100 square feet for horizontal, curved or angular sections
  • No length-to-width ratio should exceed 2½-to-1 in any given panel.

Casing bead. A casing bead relieves stress, separating stucco from all other materials at vinyl or wood doors and windows, as well as where stucco meets dissimilar material, such as at light fixtures and any penetrations through the wall. Casing bead is also required at soffits.

Corner bead. A corner bead is a metal or flexible plastic strip attached along an inside or outside corner of two stucco walls. A corner bead helps to relieve stress so that stucco won't crack.

Weep screed. A weep screed is a component that allows you to terminate the stucco above grade at the base of a wall. It also provides a way to maintain a consistent thickness of stucco to control cracking. A wall with varying thicknesses of stucco will have different stresses, which promote cracking.

Next Up

Top 6 Roofing Materials

From wood shake to asphalt shingles, roofing material is an important consideration that contributes to the overall look and style of your home.

Top Six Exterior Siding Options

Pull the look of your home together by choosing the right siding material.

How to Make Exterior Wood Window Shutters

Refresh your home's curb appeal with these easy-to-build board-and-batten-style cedar window shutters.

How to Re-Cover Metal Columns in Wood

If the columns in your home are all function and no style, then dress them up. Learn how to install a simple wood wrap to turn boring columns into cool architectural features.

How to Replace a Window

When it's time to replace an outdated, inefficient window, it can be hard to know where to start, so we’ve got everything you need to know to get the job done.

Porch Flooring and Foundation

Get tips on foundation construction and finding the right flooring.

Exterior Siding Buyer's Guide

Getting ready to re-side your house? Compare costs, weigh pros and cons, and learn how the most popular siding materials rank in earth-friendliness.

Exterior Trim, Molding and Columns

Create curb appeal with these handy touches that add character to your home.

Why Soffits and Fascias Are Important

Whether you're hiring a pro or doing it yourself, it's important to know the parts of your roof.

How to Choose a Back Door

Find a secure, stylish door that gives you access to your backyard or patio.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.