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Cracks in stucco are the most common repair issue Florida homeowners face. But the crack you see on the surface is only part of the story. Understanding what type of crack you have determines the right repair method—and whether you need to act now or can wait.
This guide covers the main types of stucco cracks found on Northeast Florida homes, what causes each one, and how professionals repair them properly.
What Are the Different Types of Stucco Cracks?
Stucco cracks fall into three main categories: hairline cracks from normal shrinkage or thermal movement, settling cracks caused by foundation shifts common in Northeast Florida's sandy and clay soils, and structural cracks that signal serious problems requiring immediate attention. Each type looks different, has different causes, and needs a different repair approach.
Hairline Cracks
Hairline cracks are thin surface fractures, typically less than 1/16 inch wide. They are the most common type of stucco crack in Florida and usually appear within the first few years after application.
Common causes:
- • Shrinkage during the original curing process
- • Daily thermal expansion and contraction from Florida's heat
- • Minor vibrations from traffic or construction nearby
- • Normal material aging
- • Very thin, sometimes hard to see from a distance
- • Often appear in random patterns across a wall
- • No displacement on either side of the crack
- • Surface-level only—they do not extend through the full stucco thickness
Settling Cracks
Settling cracks develop when the foundation or soil beneath your home shifts. In Northeast Florida, this is common because of our mix of sandy coastal soils near Jacksonville Beach and Fernandina Beach and the clay-heavy soils found further inland around Mandarin and Orange Park.
Common causes:
- • Foundation settling, especially in newer construction in Nocatee and World Golf Village
- • Soil compaction or erosion after heavy rains
- • Tree root growth near foundations
- • Changes in water table levels, common in low-lying areas of St. Augustine
- • Diagonal cracks running from the corners of windows and doors
- • Stair-step patterns along mortar lines if stucco is applied over masonry
- • Cracks that widen at one end
- • One side of the crack may be slightly higher than the other
Structural Cracks
Structural cracks are the most serious type and require prompt professional evaluation. They indicate significant stress or failure in the building's structure.
Common causes:
- • Major foundation failure
- • Inadequate structural support
- • Impact damage from storms or debris
- • Improper original construction
- • Severe water damage weakening the substrate
- • Wider than 1/4 inch
- • Deep cracks extending through the full stucco system
- • Displacement where one side is noticeably higher or offset
- • Often accompanied by bulging, crumbling, or separation from the wall
- • May appear suddenly after a storm or earthquake
How Are Hairline Cracks Repaired?
Hairline cracks are repaired by cleaning the crack, applying an elastomeric sealant or caulk rated for stucco, then blending the repair with a matching texture and color coat. This is the least invasive repair method and typically costs $150 to $400 for a few crack locations. In Florida's climate, elastomeric products that flex with temperature changes perform best.
The process: 1. Clean the crack with a wire brush to remove loose material 2. Apply a flexible, paintable sealant designed for masonry and stucco 3. Feather the sealant smooth to create a flat surface 4. Apply a texture coat matched to the existing finish 5. Color match using fog coat or paint to blend seamlessly
Important note for Florida homeowners: Standard rigid fillers crack again quickly because of our extreme temperature swings. Always use elastomeric products that stretch and contract with the stucco.
How Are Settling Cracks Repaired?
Settling cracks require a two-step approach: first stabilize the underlying cause of movement, then repair the stucco itself. A professional should assess whether foundation repair is needed before any stucco work begins. Repairing stucco over an active settling problem wastes money because the new repair will crack again.
The process: 1. Assess the foundation and determine if movement is ongoing or has stabilized 2. Address the root cause—foundation piers, drainage correction, or soil stabilization 3. Remove damaged stucco around the crack, typically 6 to 12 inches on each side 4. Inspect and repair substrate and moisture barrier 5. Install crack isolation mesh or backer rod for cracks that may continue minor movement 6. Apply new stucco in proper coats—scratch, brown, and finish 7. Texture and color match to existing surfaces
Cost range: $500 to $3,000 depending on crack length, underlying cause, and whether foundation work is needed. Foundation repairs are a separate cost.
How Are Structural Cracks Repaired?
Structural cracks demand full removal of damaged stucco, inspection and repair of the underlying structure, and complete reapplication of the stucco system. This is not a patch job. The affected area—and often surrounding sections—must be opened up so a professional can evaluate the full extent of damage to sheathing, framing, and moisture barriers.
The process: 1. Remove all stucco in the affected area, extending well beyond visible damage 2. Inspect framing, sheathing, and substrate for rot, mold, or structural failure 3. Repair or replace any compromised structural elements 4. Install new moisture barrier (building paper or house wrap) 5. Attach new metal lath properly fastened to structural members 6. Apply three-coat stucco system with proper curing time between coats 7. Match texture and color to surrounding areas
Cost range: $2,000 to $8,000 or more depending on extent. Structural repairs that involve framing replacement will cost more.
Why Does Florida's Climate Cause More Stucco Cracks?
Florida's combination of intense UV radiation, extreme heat cycles, heavy rainfall, and high humidity creates conditions that accelerate crack formation. In Northeast Florida specifically, our homes endure daily temperature swings that cause stucco to expand and contract repeatedly, summer afternoon thunderstorms that drive water into every opening, and coastal salt air that erodes surfaces from Amelia Island to St. Augustine Beach.
Temperature cycling: Jacksonville averages 221 sunny days per year. On a summer day, south-facing stucco can reach 150 degrees or higher and then drop 40 degrees overnight. This constant cycling stresses the material.
Moisture pressure: With over 50 inches of annual rainfall and average humidity around 74%, water finds every crack. Once inside, it causes substrate damage, mold growth, and further cracking from within.
Hurricane season: Even storms that do not make direct landfall can generate wind-driven rain that penetrates cracks normal rain would not affect.
Can I Repair Stucco Cracks Myself?
Minor hairline cracks can be addressed with store-bought elastomeric caulk as a temporary measure. However, professional repair is recommended for anything wider than 1/16 inch because proper texture matching, moisture barrier assessment, and durable materials require experience and specialized tools. DIY repairs that trap moisture behind the stucco can cause worse damage than leaving the crack alone.
DIY-appropriate tasks:
- • Applying flexible caulk to hairline cracks as a stopgap
- • Cleaning stucco surfaces
- • Checking and replacing caulk around windows and doors
- • Any crack wider than 1/16 inch
- • Settling or structural crack repair
- • Texture and color matching
- • Moisture testing and substrate inspection
- • Applying new stucco coats
FAQ
How much does stucco crack repair cost in Northeast Florida?
Hairline crack repairs typically cost $150 to $400. Settling crack repairs range from $500 to $3,000 depending on length and underlying cause. Structural repairs start around $2,000 and can exceed $8,000 for extensive damage.
How quickly should I repair stucco cracks in Florida?
Hairline cracks can wait for your next maintenance cycle, but do not ignore them for more than a year in Florida's wet climate. Settling cracks should be assessed within a few weeks. Structural cracks need immediate professional evaluation.
Will repaired stucco cracks come back?
If the underlying cause is addressed and proper materials are used, repairs should last 15 to 20 years or more. Cracks that return quickly usually indicate the root cause was not fixed or rigid filler was used instead of flexible materials.
Do stucco cracks mean my house is falling apart?
Not usually. Hairline cracks are normal and expected. Settling cracks indicate soil or foundation movement that may or may not be serious. Only structural cracks suggest significant building problems. A professional inspection can tell you exactly what you are dealing with.
Should I paint over stucco cracks instead of repairing them?
No. Paint fills nothing and seals nothing. It hides cracks cosmetically while water continues entering behind the stucco. Always repair cracks before painting or recoating.
Get Your Cracks Assessed for Free
Not sure what type of cracks you have? Stucco Home Repair provides free inspections throughout Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Fernandina Beach, and surrounding communities. We will identify the type and cause of your cracks and give you honest recommendations.
Call (904) 677-0700 to schedule your free stucco inspection.