What this covers
Stucco is cement plaster applied in layers over a weather barrier and metal lath, cured and finished in a chosen texture and color. New work means two layers of building paper or a drainage wrap, lath, a scratch coat, a brown coat and a finish coat, with control joints to manage cracking and a weep screed at the base to drain water. Repair means cutting back loose or hollow plaster to sound material, fixing the barrier and lath behind it, and building the coats back so the texture and color blend. Hairline cracks are normal; wide, stepped or damp cracks point to movement or water behind the wall.
When to call
- Cracks wider than a coin's edge, bulging areas, or stucco that sounds hollow when tapped.
- Stains, soft spots or damage near windows, the roofline or the base of the wall.
- Holes left from removed fixtures, or an earlier patch that does not match.
- A new addition that must match the stucco on the rest of the house.
What to expect
- InspectThe company taps and probes the wall, checks flashing and the base, and tells you what is cosmetic and what is water.
- PrepareLoose plaster is removed, the barrier and lath repaired, and edges cleaned for a bond.
- ApplyScratch, brown and finish coats go on with cure time between, with control joints on new walls.
- Match and cureTexture and color are blended to the existing wall, and the patch cures before any paint.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Why does stucco crack?
Cement shrinks as it cures and the house moves with weather and settling. Hairline cracks are expected and sealed with an elastomeric product. Wide or stepped cracks call for a look at what is behind them.
Can a repair be made invisible?
A good plasterer can match most textures closely. Color is harder, because the old wall has weathered, so painting the whole wall after repair gives the most even result.
Traditional or acrylic finish?
A traditional cement finish breathes and ages evenly. Acrylic finish coats are more flexible and hold color longer, but they trap moisture if the wall is not detailed to drain.
Related: Siding repair · Brick veneer · Exterior painting · All siding, windows and doors
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.