Mariana has a great question about stucco control joints. She’s concerned about the lack of control joints on walls larger than 144 square feet. There are only a few small cracks after 18 years, and she’s wondering how much of a concern this should be.
Question from Mariana:
Hi, I’m under contract for a stucco home built in 2006, and it doesn’t have control joints throughout, even on walls larger than 144 sq feet. How worried should I be? We are in Texas and there are only a couple of small cracks that have shown up in 18 years. Would love to hear your opinion. Thanks!
Answer:
Hey Mariana! Great question! It’s actually quite common for stucco homes, especially older ones, not to have control or expansion joints, even on larger walls. While the building code specifies their use, in many cases, control joints are treated more as a recommendation than a strict requirement, oftentimes due to aesthetic reasons.
The good news is that if your home (or any home) has only developed a few small cracks over 18 years, that’s a fantastic sign. Most cracks in stucco occur early as the material settles, shrinks and adjusts, and since your home is nearly two decades old, it’s very likely that the major movement has already occurred. This means you’re unlikely to see significant new cracks form in the future.
It’s also worth noting that the 144-square-foot guideline isn’t always a hard rule. Windows, doors, and other openings in the walls act as natural "breaking points," effectively breaking up those larger sections.
What You Can Do Moving Forward:
- Inspect Regularly: Keep an eye on the existing cracks and make sure they’re not widening or allowing water to enter. Small cracks are normal and can be sealed or patched as needed.
- Enjoy the Home: The fact that the home has performed so well for 18 years is a testament to its construction. If there’s no significant cracking or water damage, there’s no reason to worry.
If you’re still concerned, a stucco specialist or inspector can evaluate the home in person, but based on what you’ve described, it sounds like this is a "model" stucco exterior. Let me know if you have more questions!