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. Once a crack or hole develops, it is important to seal it from water to prevent further deterioration. Flexible sealants are the best solution for cracks that are subjected to continual wall movement because they will allow the stucco wall to shift without affecting the repair.
Proper attention to crack preparation is essential to achieving a successful result. Using a chisel and a hammer, widen the crack to a minimum of one-quarter inch and break away any deteriorating material. The edges of the crack should be vertical or beveled in an inverted V. Then, remove the loose material with a brush. For cracks less than one-half inch wide several repair caulk and sealant products are available from QUIKRETE.
QUIKRETE Stucco Repair is a sanded acrylic caulk, designed to match the texture of the surrounding stucco surface. QUIKRETE Stucco Repair can be used on horizontal or vertical surfaces and dries to a firm, durable material. To apply stucco repair, simply cut the nozzle tip on an angle, with a utility knife, to match the width of the crack and load the tube into a standard caulk gun.
Slowly draw the gun down the crack, forcing a bead of stucco repair caulk deep into the crack. Stucco Repair can be tooled with a trowel, to match the surrounding surface, immediately after placement. Stucco Repair will begin to form a skin in about 20 to 40 minutes and will harden completely in one to two hours depending on temperature, humidity and crack depth.
Stucco Repair should be applied only when temperatures are between 40 and 90 degrees and should be allowed to cure for 24 hours, before painting with a water-based paint. Stucco Repair is a water-based product that can be cleaned up easily with a damp cloth.
For small, non-structural, aesthetic repairs to stucco, QUIKRETE Pre-Mixed Stucco Patch is an easy to use alternative. Stucco Patch is a pre-mixed, ready to use, acrylic latex formula for making repairs to cracks, holes, spalls and breaks up to one-quarter inch wide.
Pre-mixed Stucco Patch dries quickly to a durable, flexible finish that blends with the texture of the surrounding stucco. For patches or cracks over one-quarter inch, pre-mixed stucco patch should be applied in multiple layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
Pre-mixed Stucco Patch will begin to form a skin in about 20 to 40 minutes and will harden completely in one to two hours, depending on temperature, humidity and depth of the patch. Pre-mixed stucco patch should only be applied when temperatures are between 50 and 90 degrees and should be allowed to cure for 72 hours before painting with a water-based paint.
Project Instructions
QUIKRETE Stucco Repair or QUIKRETE Pre-Mixed Stucco Patch can be used.
Step 1
Widen the crack to a minimum of 1/4 inch using a chisel and hammer (the edges of the crack should be vertical or beveled in an inverted “V”).
Step 2
Break away any deteriorating concrete and remove loose material with a brush.
QUIKRETE Stucco Repair
(use for cracks less than ½ inch wide)
- Step 3
Cut the nozzle tip of the QUIKRETE Stucco Repair on an angle with a utility knife to match the width of the crack and load into a standard caulk gun. - Step 4
Slowly draw the gun down the crack forcing a bead of stucco repair caulk deep into the crack.
QUIKRETE Pre-Mixed Stucco Patch
(use for small, non-structural aesthetic repairs)
- Step 3
Stir the pre-mixed stucco using a margin trowel or putty knife. - Step 4
Spread and texture the concrete patch to match the surrounding stucco – wet the trowel to achieve a smooth finish.
NOTE: for patches or cracks over 1/4 inch thick pre-mixed stucco patch should be applied in multiple layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
Shopping List
- QUIKRETE® Stucco Repair
OR
QUIKRETE® Pre-Mixed Stucco Patch
OR
QUIKRETE® Polyurethane Concrete Crack Sealant - Caulk gun
- Screw driver
- Margin trowel OR putty knife
- Wire brush
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Commercial solvent OR citrus-based cleaner (for polyurethane concrete crack sealant)
- Cloth
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
For more project ideas just like this, visit QUIKRETE.com.
Great information about Stucco repair!
Like most building materials, stucco can become damaged over time. Cracks can appear, as well as holes. There can also be chipping, especially around or near corners. Cracking is usually the result of a settlement. Although stucco cracking can be a normal part of a building’s aging process, it can also be a sign of more serious foundation problems. Any stucco damage should be inspected by a foundation repair expert to make sure the cause of the cracking is properly identified and fully corrected.