I'm a general contractor in Sacramenton Ca. I have been involved in residential construction for over 30 years now. I have used dozens of different stucco subs over the years and always get the same answers and similar results. They tell me "Stucco is going to crack, it can't be helped". Sure enough, it always cracks, no matter how I cure it, and no matter what time of year. I beleive the typical mix they use is 3or4:1 stucco sand to Portland cement in a three coat process: Scratch/Brown/Texture coat; over plywood/OSB sheething / 2 layers of building paper/ deformed stucco wire/ nailed 6"-8" at every stud. Cracks every time.
They also say that the smoother the finish/texture the more likely it is to crack (more/bigger). I have taken it for granted that I am going to get cracks, and I tell this to my clients. but I have seen new stucco jobs with a smooth troweled finish, and NO cracks or minimal cracking.
I have called all the stucco suppliers in the area and get no answers there.
Anybody established a good system to reduce or minimize stucco cracks?
They also say that the smoother the finish/texture the more likely it is to crack (more/bigger). I have taken it for granted that I am going to get cracks, and I tell this to my clients. but I have seen new stucco jobs with a smooth troweled finish, and NO cracks or minimal cracking.
I have called all the stucco suppliers in the area and get no answers there.
Anybody established a good system to reduce or minimize stucco cracks?
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