How to Repair Cracks in Stucco

It’s important to seal cracks in stucco immediately to prevent further damage.

Homeowners often choose wood, brick or vinyl siding for its appearance and durability.

Stucco — which is made from a mixture of sand, cement, water and lime — is another option. It has numerous benefits; many homeowners find it aesthetically pleasing, and if maintained well, stucco can last up to 50 years.

However, like any type of siding, stucco is vulnerable to impact damage and settling.

Though some damage is inevitable, fortunately, you can repair and seal cracks and holes in stucco.

Here’s how to do that.

First, grab all these materials — you’ll need them:
•Quikrete Stucco Repair, Quikrete Pre-Mixed Stucco Patch or Quikrete Polyurethane Concrete Crack Sealant
•Caulk gun
•Screwdriver
•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

Now, let’s fix that stucco!

Step 1

Widen the crack in your stucco to at least 1/4 inch using a chisel and hammer. The crack’s edges should be vertical or beveled in an inverted “V.”

Step 2

Break away any deteriorating concrete and remove loose material with a brush.

*See step 3A if the crack is less than ½ inch wide
*See step 3B for small, non-structural aesthetic repairs

Does your stucco have a crack that’s less than 1/2 inch wide? Then load up the caulk gun.

Step 3A

Cut the nozzle tip of the Quikrete Stucco Repair at an angle with a utility knife. The cut should match the width of the crack; then load into a standard caulk gun.

Step 4A

Slowly draw the gun down the crack, forcing a bead of stucco repair caulk deep into the crack.

Trowel on some stucco patch for small, non-structural aesthetic repairs.

Step 3B

Stir Quikrete Pre-Mixed Stucco Patch using a margin trowel or putty knife.

Step 4B

Spread and texture the concrete patch to match the surrounding stucco. Then wet the trowel to achieve a smooth finish.

For patches or cracks over 1/4 inch thick, you’ll need to apply pre-mixed stucco patch in multiple layers. Allow each layer to dry before applying the next one.

Watch this video to learn how to repair cracks in stucco

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