Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - cracks in stucco

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ricrac77
05-20-08, 06:16 PM
is it normal for an 8 year old home to develope large cracks that radiate from the corners of all doorways and window openings. The city plaaning manager claims that this condition is called "checking", and that it is quite normal. please advise

marksr
05-21-08, 04:06 AM
Welcome to the forums!

I've never repainted a stucco house that didn't have some cracks in the stucco. As long as they are minor, it's no big deal, I usually just fill them with caulk and then paint :D If the cracks are wide, it might indicate a settling problem.

Is your house wood framed? or block construction?
Tscarborough
05-21-08, 07:29 AM
It is normal for an incorrectly lathed project, yes. If all windows and doors are cased, and expansion joints are used, there will little to no cracking. Your best bet is to patch the cracks are coat the building with an elastomeric.

ricrac77
06-04-08, 05:26 PM
thank you Marksr and Tscarborough for your input. The truth is that each and every doorway and window corner has a crack radiating from it.:confused:
Tscarborough
06-04-08, 05:44 PM
Control joints should extend from the upper sides of all windows and doors. Simple as that.

There are ways to work it into the design or lessen the need, but those areas create a plane of weakness and will always crack, if it is going to crack at all.