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November 27, 2024

Why the Stucco on Your House is Cracking

You are proud of your beautiful Main Line home, but recently, you may have noticed cracks in your stucco exterior. What is going on? This blog will help you understand the potential issues of common stucco cracking causes. So look no further; call us to receive your free estimate and no longer have to worry about your home.

Disregarding the exterior of your home can ultimately cause severe structural issues. What looks like a small crack can be a big deal because water gets behind the stucco and soaks into the wood materials. When that happens, the wood that supports your home rots away.
 

Common Causes of Stucco Cracks in the Main Line Area

Stucco is a popular exterior finish in the Main Line area, known for durability and aesthetic appeal. However, homeowners often encounter issues with cracking, which can detract from the beauty of their property and lead to more significant structural damage if left unchecked. Understanding the common stucco cracking causes is essential for effective maintenance and prevention.

  • Climate and Weather Patterns: Cold winters and humid summers cause thermal expansion and contraction, which stress stucco. In freeze-thaw cycles, moisture can enter the stucco, freeze, expand, and lead to cracking.
  • Improper Installation: Many older homes in the area were built with stucco that was not applied with the proper backing or drainage systems, leading to moisture retention and cracking.
  • Shifting Soil and Foundation Settling: Due to the historic nature of some Main Line homes and varying soil conditions, gradual settling can put pressure on stucco, causing cracks to form.
  • Water Intrusion and Poor Drainage: Improper drainage or clogged gutters allow water to seep behind stucco, leading to mold, mildew, and cracking.

The Risks of Ignoring Cracked Stucco

  • Escalating Damage: Cracks in stucco are more than just cosmetic issues; these cracks can widen over time, allowing water to penetrate and cause deeper problems.
  • Mold and Rot: When water gets trapped in wood, the wood swells. The first thing that happens is bulging out of the home’s stucco, leading to cracking due to the expansion.
  • Energy Efficiency Loss: Cracked stucco can impact insulation, causing drafts and increasing heating and cooling costs, which is especially significant for large, energy-hungry homes in the region.
  • Decreased Home Value: Buyers in the Main Line area typically look for well-maintained, high-quality homes, and visible stucco issues can reduce a home’s appeal and market value.

When to Consider Replacing Stucco with Siding

Larger cracks or noticeable bulging in stucco may indicate an underlying problem. If you begin to see cracks or bulging, contact a certified stucco inspector to evaluate your home thoroughly.

Additionally, persistent moisture issues that continue despite repairs should be addressed.

Consider the stucco age as well; homes over 20-30 years old may require a more modern, durable solution.

Stucco Replacement West Chester PA | stucco cracking causes | Kenny Construction

Advantages of Siding for Main Line Homes

  • Durability and Low Maintenance: Modern siding materials, like fiber cement or high-end vinyl, offer superior resistance to weather and moisture.
  • Better Insulation and Energy Efficiency: Siding options have added insulation that can improve energy efficiency.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Siding can provide a fresh, updated look while maintaining the elegant character of a Main Line home.

Why Kenny Construction Group is the Right Partner

Kenny Construction specializes in high-end restorations, and with that, your new stucco can have an antique rustic or modern look. Many homeowners in the mainline have been looking to create a modern home look recently and are looking to install fiber cement siding or high-end vinyl siding to prevent more stucco issues. 

When you have stucco issues, we at Kenny Construction Group recommend having a qualified stucco inspector perform a thorough inspection to ensure every issue is addressed.

Kenny Construction Group’s employees are stucco remediation specialists and take great pride in the process. Whether we are installing siding or stucco, every job gets our full attention until completion. 

From the start, we establish a plan with the homeowners on what areas need to be remediated and keep open communication so our customers know what is happening throughout the process. 

We at Kenny Construction Group have done countless projects in the Mainline, making the new stucco look aged to maintain the home’s old-school look.

Take Action to Protect Your Home

Our employees at Kenny Construction Group are stucco remediation specialists who pride themselves on providing top-quality work to ensure every client is happy! When you work with us on a project, we will assess the stucco issues and create a plan to resolve them so you no longer have to live with cracking stucco that leads to many other issues.

Stucco cracking causes may seem like a small issue, but acting swiftly to protect your home and preserve your property value is crucial. Contact Kenny Construction Group for quality work, expertise, and peace of mind.