As homes settle and shift over time, minor cracking in stucco are normal and common. Because the waterproofing layer is behind the stucco, minor cracks are typically cosmetic and nothing to worry about.

Often, small cracks can be repaired simply with a bead of caulking and repainting the area. We have many videos explaining this simple project and folks have done so with great success. We recommend you repair small cracks yourself, or hire a general handyman for this small and simple project.

If your cracks are over 1/8th inch wide or you have a large number of cracks there may be something going on behind the scenes that is worth investigating.

Often, horizontal cracks also indicate larger problems.

Typically, diagonal cracking from doors and windows is nothing to worry about.

Many times when a plumber or electrician needs to cut into your walls they will also include the cost of plaster or stucco repair into their bids. While you CAN have them do this for you, keep in mind their area of expertise isn’t cement work.

If you truly want as seamless a patch as possible, and a guarantee that every box is checked for ensuring a water-tight application, we suggest you also get a bid from a stucco applicator for the stucco patchwork needed. Why, you may ask? Well, would you go to a steakhouse and order the pasta? You’re better off hiring professionals for what they are professionals in. Hiring a licensed stucco contractor may cost a little more than having the plumber or electrician do it, but you will get the best quality work and outcome.

We have the #1 channel on YouTube teaching folks how to plaster. Our YouTube videos are watched internationally by contractors and homeowners to learn the techniques of the trade. That said, even a master craftsman can’t tie in every patch seamlessly. If anyone says “they have never found a texture they can’t match” – RUN! A plasterer’s got to know their limitations.  A lot depends on the existing conditions and texture we’re trying to match.

Sometimes the stucco patch is undetectable, sometimes you will notice a slight difference between the old and the new. We should be able to let you know ahead of time what to expect with our stucco repair. We are honest about our capabilities – be wary of anyone promising you the moon and the stars.

Sometimes due to a variety of circumstances – including the numbers of previous patchwork textures, if the area is colored stucco or painted, and how many layers of paint your home has – we may recommend retexturing the entire wall or home. This means we will break out what is needed, repair your stucco, and then spread a skim coat of new cement over the whole wall.

Think of it like giving the whole wall a facelift. Since the entire wall gets a new layer of cement applied, the stucco patches will perfectly blend into the old. Not only that, but you can choose a new texture for your home if you want. We can recommend a style that will fit your home’s aesthetic, beautifying your home while also raising your property value.

Holes and cracks in your stucco can feel a lot scarier than they really are. Because the waterproofing layer is below the cement, often the waterproofing isn’t affected by small imperfections or cracks.

When we give you a bid we will examine the problem and see if the waterproofing layer has been penetrated. If so, we are expert waterproofers and will repair the damaged area above and beyond industry standards. Then, we will apply the cement coat to repair your stucco like it never happened. Rest assured, we are experts at diagnostics and will ensure when we finish your project you won’t have any concerns of water intrusion.

If a stucco patch is performed by an untrained or unlicensed contractor, it’s possible they may not prep the area properly. If they do not break out any compromised stucco, or clean and prep the surrounding surface, it’s possible when they apply the stucco repair that it won’t adhere properly and will fail over time from sun or rain exposure.

Proper preparation is critical to make sure the new patch will stand the test of time, and not create future problems. When you hire a licensed stucco contractor, you can be confident it the repair will be correct the first time and you wont need to call them back again and again.

That said, sometimes a wall or ceiling has so many issues that we need to break out a significant portion of what’s there. We don’t want to do that unless it’s necessary, and sometimes it is. When we bid your project, we will let you know if you’re looking at a simple stucco patch repair or if removal and replacement is necessary.

For large interior projects it is often overkill to hire a stucco and plastering contractor as it is more cost effective to hang sheetrock or drywall. However, plasterers excel at making spaces spectacular. If you want something more unique than flat walls and are looking for that wow factor: textured plaster may be it. 

Send us photos of the area and we can almost always tell you from pictures alone what type of fix you need.