Are superficial cracks on the exterior walls of my house easily filled, or should I seek professional help to address them?
Asked by Karen Ferreira 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 2, 2024
Hey guys! So, I was out taking a stroll around my house and noticed that there are a few cracks on the outside walls. I’m thinking they’re just minor, but wanted to check in with you all just in case. Any advice on how I should go about patching them up?
Is this a recent project?
It looks like there are stress cracks. You should reach out to a reliable foundation expert in your area to double-check.
That appears to be stucco. We should investigate further. It could be a poorly done stucco job.
What type of wall is located behind this outside? Is it a brick wall or made of wood?
I believe specializes in masonry.
Apply elastomeric caulk first. After that, do a touch-up using a blend of concrete bonding agent and stucco mix. This will give you the gray stucco texture and prevent flashing when you touch up paint, unlike if you only used caulk.
Our situation was similar and during Hurricane Irma, water seeped into our house through the cracks. We had a company fill, seal, and paint over them, and we never had the issue again.
It seems like there could be stucco covering the ICF walls, which would be purely cosmetic.
Are you asking if it’s stucco over wood, or concrete? The answer will vary depending on that detail.
Hey , how can you distinguish between the two?
Hey , try knocking on it. You’ll notice a big difference in sound/feel depending on whether it’s solid concrete, a layer of stucco over plywood, or some other material.
Hey , have you ever walked over concrete?
Hey, thank you !
The stress crack is caused by the weight above the window pressing down on the sides, creating tension along the edge. It’s common to see cracks in the center or above the windows, starting from the upper corners. While not really a structural concern, water can penetrate through the cracks and cause damage. It’s best to remove the stucco and apply a mesh tape for reinforcement before refinishing.