Originally Posted By: mpettitt This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Came across this concrete block stucco home (1984). Several hairline stairstep cracks at outside corners, nothing serious. My question is what would you say about the visible outlines of the concrete blocks? Bad stucco job? Not thick enough? Only one or two coats? Thanks, Mike
Originally Posted By: bsumpter This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
By not following the “three pass rule” it opens the exterior wall finish to a variety of possible issues, and here are two I can think of right off the top:
1) If the finish is that thin, then you can rest assured that the wire mesh is very close to the surface and that if exposed, it will oxidize and rust.
2) There is the very real issue of the finish loosening from the surface of the CMU (blocks) and just cracking away, and allowing moisture penetration behind the finish.
-- "In the fields of observation, chance favors only the mind that is prepared"
Originally Posted By: mkober This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
If the structure’s corners are settling enough, the thickness of the stucco will not matter–stair-step cracks will manifest themselves. Look to the real cause of the problem (foundation settlement) instead of the symptoms.
Originally Posted By: carl brown This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
mpettitt wrote:
Came across this concrete block stucco home (1984). Several hairline stairstep cracks at outside corners, nothing serious. My question is what would you say about the visible outlines of the concrete blocks? Bad stucco job? Not thick enough? Only one or two coats? Thanks, Mike
The reason you are seeing the blocks is they do not use moisture barrier and lath over the blocks in florida!
Carl
Originally Posted By: jrooney This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mike
The block outline is ussually a sign of inexperienc or just low cost application. You get what you pay for. If the stucco is not spalling or otherwise deficient I would not make a comment. I plastered/ stuccoed for over 25 years. The standard for block is a method of direct application. No wire no mesh no paper. The block is an acceptable surface for direct application. Hair line cracks should be pointed out only aas a matter for continued monitoring. All houses crack. All stucco cracks.
If you really want to know what it is all about just get a 6 pk of cold soda and stop by a house being stuccoed. Give soda to plasterers and ask if you can watch and ask them what they think about block shadowing through. Jim Rooney
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi to all,
Just to expand on the above, poor stucco application is a huge problem. What many inspectors/installers are failing to realise is that all of the components of stucco other than the finish are porous to a certain extent, even the CMU's are themselves porous any defficiencies in the application of stucco will lead to moisture entering through the finish.
This is abviously an even bigger issue with timber clad structures where any moisture migrating through the stucco finish will lead to rotting of both the substraight and the framing.
Also as someone else suggested go watch stucco being applied, many of the shrinkage issues associated with stucco are caused by too many coats being applied too quickly, each caot should be allowed to dry out properly before the next is applied, this seldom happens (it is not unusual to see finish coat being painted whilst the stucco crew is still working on other areas of the home).
