Why is new Stucco cracking so badly?
flyingflower
15 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (9)
snoonyb
15 years agoRelated Discussions
Do you want to compost so badly that you buy materials?
Comments (19)Barter could be a great thing for the common citizen. I injoyed the few local exchanges I've attended over the years. Were my plate not full already,I would love attempting to establishing a first Sat morn exchange at the nearby farmer's market. If you all are referring to Keurig,we have used one since Christmas. We toss them into empty 2 LB coffee containers that I saved in the past. Occasionaly I empty several by ripping away the foil cover and plunging needle nose pliers to the bottom and pulling out both, filter and coffee. I normally have enough material but here is how I handle the waste veggies from the supermarket when I need them. I carry a step ladder,an open top 55 gal barrel,rubber gloves and a trash pick-up tool in the truck when going shopping. As I leave the market I pull by the dumpster. 90% of the produce waste is in wood shipping crates and if not covered very deep can be pulled to where I can grip with my hand and remove from dumpster. Everone understands that part but what about being questioned about the act? I say that I'm aware they don't give the stuff away and I plan leaving the place as clean as I found it. Were anyone to start non-sense about liability of me becomeing sick from eating it,I will show them the groceries and recept to set them at ease. I only had to deal with that issue a few times in 30 years. The employee never pushed the thing except one time. I didn't remove any more nor put any back when she threatened calling the cops. I apoligized for upsetting her then left. Were the police ever involved and gave me a ticket,I plan asking for a jury trial. I fully expect the city would drop it but if a jury found me guilty,I've had worse happen. I know some would be crushed over a scolding for dumpeter diving but I have fairly thick skin plus a real dislike for how liability is over the top and become a monkey on our back at every turn. Does anyone believe a street person can get a judgement against a store because he ate spoiled food from their dumpster? That's why the manager can't invite you to take the stuff but isn't likly to prosicute you for taking it without permission. Just don't create a mess,that's mostly why dumpster diving is frowned on....See MoreCherry Tomato Cracking Badly
Comments (4)While some varieties are more prone to cracking than others, cracking is generally caused by inconsistent soil moisture levels - one extreme to the other. It often follows heavy rains or periods of over-watering following a dry period. Not sure why you would ever store them in the frig as that is never recommended for tomatoes, but the changes in temp extremes could also contribute to some cracking. You'll find many discussions here about 'cracking', its various forms and causes, and tips on how to prevent it. The forum search at the bottom of the page will pull them up for you. One of the most frequent recommendations is earlier picking. Picking at color break and letting them finish ripening inside on the counter is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent splitting. It is especially important to do before heavy rains are forecast. Dave...See Morewhat to do about cracks in exterior stucco finish
Comments (6)Thelex, I am assuming that you live in a "track home", only because you mentioned the "Developer" in your post. Unfortunately, these are done very quickly and (like sierraeast stated) the scratch coat was not allowed a curing time (3-5 days) or the brown coat, which is about 28 days. They scratch and brown will have hairline cracks like the ones in the picture you posted, but it is natural. The idea is to let the scratch and brown coats crack and cure, so no cracking occurs on the finish coat (top coat). This would more than likely (based on your info) have to be settled in court and will be difficult to do... Who's to blame, the developer or the stucco contractor? To fix the issue, let the house crack more, until it eventually stops (hopefully it does) and then you can either: * Apply an elastomeric paint to the outside * Have a reputable stucco contractor apply another finish coat (preferrably an acrylic) to stop any more cracking from occuring. Either way, it is going to be costly and I am sorry for the "bad news" Try to paint over the cracks, to see if they disappear, before patching all of them. If you have to caulk them, use a wet rag to wipe off excess caulk, only filling the crack and nothing else. Then dab the caulk with a paintbrush to give it a little texture, so it doesn't stand out like a sore thumb. Hope this helps......See MoreStucco Brown Coat Cracks Help !
Comments (6)The solution to stucco hairline cracks is to use elastomeric paint. The paint needs to be rolled to force it into the cracks properly. You can spray it on and backroll. That's the best way. Make sure you do 2 full coats. A good quality, 100% acrylic elastomeric paint will fill cracks up to 1/16" wide, and the coating lasts for over 5 years without showing crack. Elastomeric is self-priming on new stucco, meaning you don't need to use a separate primer. It may be a good idea to add a little water to the first coat in order to help it absorb into the pores better. For larger cracks wider than 1/16", use an elastomeric caulk. You may be able to find one with some texture added (like mentioned above) that will belnd in perfectly. I have a house near the coast, in Pacifica, CA. The current paint was done by myself in 2006. 2 walls of my house were new stucco, done rather poorly by unlicensed guys off the street, and the other 2 walls were 50 year old stucco from the original construction. All the walls had severe cracks over the entire surface. Way worse than your photo. I carefully cleaned and prepped the larger cracks with elastomeric caulk, and applied 2 coats of KM-1128 Kel seal Elastomeric paint. 7 years later, it still looks fine. None of the cracks have opened through the surface. You can't even see where they used to be....See Moresierraeast
15 years agoflyingflower
15 years agosnoonyb
15 years agoannzgw
15 years agosnoonyb
15 years agosierraeast
15 years agosierraeast
15 years ago
Related Stories
CONCRETEWhy Concrete Wants to Crack
We look at the reasons concrete has a tendency to crack — and what you can do to help control it
Full StoryPETSSo You Want to Get a Cat
If you're a cat lover, the joys outweigh any other issue. If you haven't lived with one yet, here are a few things to know
Full StoryMOST POPULARSo You Say: 30 Design Mistakes You Should Never Make
Drop the paint can, step away from the brick and read this remodeling advice from people who’ve been there
Full StoryTILESo Many Reasons to Love Cement Tiles
You’ll notice their beautiful patterns right away, but cement tiles have less obvious advantages too
Full StoryDECORATING STYLESSo Your Style Is: Tuscan
Bring the vitality and warmth of the Italian countryside to your home with Tuscan textures, colors and materials
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDES7 Bad Things Your Home May Be Hiding
What you don't know about your home could cost you during a remodel. Here's what to plan for
Full StoryECLECTIC HOMESHouzz Tour: Colorful and Eclectic, With a Coveted View
Nobody wanted to buy this stucco box in Los Angeles, despite the water view. But after 7 years of renovating, the owners are glad they did
Full StoryARCHITECTURERoots of Style: Spanish Eclectic Homes Find a Place in the Sun
Flexible stucco, intricate tiles and more have kept this multicultural style going strong for a century
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDES9 Top Siding Materials
Everyone knows brick and stucco, but what about fiber cement and metal? Learn about the options in exterior siding before you choose
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESFinishing Touches: Pro Tricks for Installing Fixtures in Your Tile
Cracked tile, broken drill bits and sloppy-looking fixture installations? Not when you follow these pro tips
Full StoryCustom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County
sierraeast