Though stucco is favored for its outstanding durability, life span and ease of application and maintenance this material is not free from problems. For instance, in hot and wet climates, water can be absorbed and cause serious stucco problems. That’s why it’s necessary to inspect the condition of stucco regularly in order not to face the problem when it’s too late. The information provided in this article will help you to identify the stucco problems and solve them in time.

One of the major stucco problems that many house owners with stucco homes face is efflorescence. This is the white dust or deposits that mysteriously form on the surface of the stucco and is simply a byproduct of evaporating water. The stucco soaks up moisture from the soil which contains dissolved salts. Soon the water evaporates and leaves the salts at the surface. Due to that fact, in some climates, it is advantageous to protect stucco. For example, in hot, dry climates, stucco always experience excessive efflorescence caused by rain water or sprinkler water which saturates unprotected stucco. On the contrary, in wet climates, stucco can absorb water that causes serious interior damage. Taking into account the reasons for efflorescence, rinsing with water is no good as it just drives the salt temporarily back into the stucco. You can solve this condition by preventing water from entering the stucco. For example, try sealing the stucco beneath grade level. Consequently, the entire foundation may have to be sealed to prevent the efflorescence.

In general, cement stucco cracks, may be caused by several different things. In new houses stucco cracks could be the result of lumber shrinkage. Older houses that develop stucco cracks can be the victims of soil movement. On the whole, fixing cracks is tough. To make permanent repairs you must be sure that the house isn’t going to move again at that location.  

First of all, remove all of the loose stucco. You will need to locate sand that is close to the texture of what your stucco looks like. Buy a bag of cement. Mix dry the sand and cement. Remove the dust from the crack and slightly moisten the old stucco. Fill the crack as soon as water mixed with the sand and cement obtained a mortar-like consistency. Let it set for a few minutes. Mimic the texture that the original master created using a sponge, brush or trowel.