Hi Mike, 40 years on the tools here (stucco/plaster), we also use sealant but take it one more step, after tooling the sealant into the cracks we then broadcast sand onto the wet sealant/caulk surface, either clean mason sand or silica sand, toss it on by hand or put some into a water bottle & pour onto a brush. Works a treat.
Wow thank you good idea, I live in Arizona my new build have has several cracks and the did not caulk it, they had to repaint the areas fixed, 4-5 months later there are re-cracks on the corners of the window frame
stippling with a dry old paint brush will also perfectly blend in the caulk with the texture of the paint. Good alternative to wetting and down caulking and potentially causing it to deteriorate and thin it too much before it dries.
yea I was going to show that method too. works well. dip the brush in water and run it over the caulk. Still comes out a smidge better with the rag. Both works good too. Just use the brush in water run over it then hit it quicker with the rag.
Yeah, I agree this is the best way to fix stucco cracks being that the caulk gives a little and can expand and retrack with the with climate changes. Though, it's worth menti0oning that it's important to use the correct caulking and that it's paintable.. Oh, you're guys must love hearing that they still don't work it in like you tell them.. Cheers!
Cracks tend to happen from dead weight. Meaning, the stucco was finished first then the added framing, and drywall was done after. Stupid inspectors from the city makes you finish the stucco first.
Thanks Mike. This is helpful. How do you fill in holes in stucco from screws or other holes? Also, I have a 4 inch diameter circle of stucco that came off. It's about 1/4 inch deep. How do I repair that? Tks again!
There’s a product called Morflex that’s a chaulking with sand in it that does a great job of filling hairline cracks . The sand it helps hide the chaulking and help it blend in to its stucco surroundings .
I wished I'd seen this video first. I put the caulk on the ceiling but that's it. It looks a hot mess.How do I start over, remove the caulk and do it the way you do it?
I live in a house built in 1950s. It is stucco and i am having some cracks show up. My cousin told me to fill the cracks with tissue paper and put the stucco over it. Why do i have a crack. It coulld be roots from a non bearing mull berry tree or that the house it old that the foundation is settling. Maybe its the heat. I dont know. If i fill the cracks with tissue paper and fill with stucco, will have to sand it? If so, what grit do i use in sandpaper. Im not going to paint immediately. Its too hot in Texas for that (triple digits).
Hi, how would you match the color if I wanted to just paint the crack repair and not the entire house. Is there a way to just blend to existing stucco color so not noticeable?
hi mike, i noticed my stucco also has these cracks around windows. you see a lot of horror stories about this being a foundation issue. at what point would i be able to do this versus having to get a structural engineer out to check out the situation?
Thank you for this! Would you suggest a tan colored caulking for tan colored stucco, or do you think the white would look less noticable? Or maybe even clear? Probably won't plan on painting soon.
Say man a grocery store wants me to fill in large expansion joints a smooth finish can I do that? And if so will it crack out ? Every if I oil prime it
yea usually it will mound up a bit. but sometimes I do that. if the voids are wide. Best to wipe it tight or use a stiff brush with water then wipe it.
Thanks so much for the video. For the caulking, I see a bunch of different types, from a $3 bottle of DAP Alex Painter's all purpose caulk, to fancier DAP Dynaflex sealant. Do you have any idea which one is better? Thanks
@@mikethepainter idk. I’m going to put it to the test. My house is only 5 years old and has like 20 cracks. 5k square feet. I’m so disappointed in stucco. I come from Washington state where our cedar planks last 100 years on our houses. Now I’m in southern Utah and this house needs new stucco or paint in 5 years?!?! That’s crazy! way too expensive upkeep.
@@hliz8818 I would think you already found an answer. Paintable caulk doesn't require primer. Never hurts tho. Silicone based - no go for me if needs to be painted
Tara how is the water leaking in? Are you sure it’s not an issue with the flashing? My understanding is cracks don’t matter much for water intrusion because it’s still supposed to float down the paper and flashing should protect from coming inside your house.
I contractor in New Mexico. I personally do Pressure whash my jobs first and apply wallease and mesh buried. Later color coat. But always Pressure whash first to remove all dust in order for the cement to stick better
What do I do if stucco guys filled cracks and now I painted and they all bleed through. We did prime coat then they patched and now we did two finish coats and it’s still bleeding through
you need to prime it again. Like after the patch. You prime the surface so the paint has something to bond to. The primer soaks into the stucco so the paint can cover properly.
Ok, I heard you say your guys still don’t do this. I’m in the opposite situation where I kind of take my time with things like this during preparation repairs but my employer cracks the whip & says we need to be more productive. As a result a lot of cracks went unfilled, old caulk wasn’t removed from the window sills so the new caulk looked all boogered up and looked awful. So where do you draw the line between quality work/making a quick buck? It just irks my when my employer goes on a diatribe about doing it right or not doing it at all but then when I take too long I’m not being “productive”. 🤦🏿♂️
yea there are some comers you can cut but some you really should not. Getting better with cardboard shields vs masking is one you can do to save time. also trying not to do all the prep and then some before you paint. do a quick good prep. then start painting and do some as you go. that is the best advice I can give you. so many people spend too much time prepping everything perfect before they start painting. For instance keep the caulking gun in the area where your working when you see a crack you missed hit it real quick then paint or catch it on touch up. Its a balancing act.
I know this comment was 10 months ago, but I hope you start your own business. The biggest problem in the industry is people trying to make that quick buck. If you feel like your work stands out with more love and attention to detail, it already sets you apart to make those big bucks. Good luck!
@@meowman25 Thanks, yeah I decided to work for myself. I’m still trying to figure out the licensing and insurance aspect of it. Not committing to take on big jobs just yet until I have the legal aspect of it taken care of but work has been steady and things have been looking up. I’m averaging $40-80 an hour now as opposed to the $15 that I was making an hour when I made this comment. I’m considering going back to school so I can get some type of licensing, not sure which one to go for just yet but I’m really glad I made the leap. These last 8 months have been most investing in tools and equipment but well worth it.
I agree with all of this, except You really should cut your caulk tip at an angle. Hold it firm against the crack and force caulk into the void. Hovering over it and pumping caulk on it isnt very effective... even if you do rub it vigorously.
So basically, I would have to paint the whole house in order to hide the caulking for it not to show. Not good! Sure the caulking would work but this is not a video for cracks not to show. Now I could try to use a colored caulk. My house has never been painted.
yea unfortunately any way you go your going to need to paint it.....Or they will show.....you can try matching your stucco color with paint, then adding paint to clear painters Caulk. you just pull out the plug ad some flat paint to the caulk and stir it up really good. Do the same process as in the video. It might look OK but not perfect.
Well that is a Crack, but I like you answer me what you do when the stucco crack is falling, do you just caulk the crack, in your video is no falling stucco but you didn't removed the falling stucco?, that is the reason I opened the crack, and the way you pushed the caulking is the hardest, for that you need a sponge 🧽 🧽 🧽 it is more easy, you having a hard time that's why your employees ignored you
FYI when I repair these this way even when you stand back you cannot see the spider webbing on the wall. Usually completely unnoticeable to anyone .
Hi Mike, 40 years on the tools here (stucco/plaster), we also use sealant but take it one more step, after tooling the sealant into the cracks we then broadcast sand onto the wet sealant/caulk surface, either clean mason sand or silica sand, toss it on by hand or put some into a water bottle & pour onto a brush. Works a treat.
Interesting technique. I'm going to give it a shot my next repair.
@@ZackZaqZakXah Soapy water on your finger tip to slick/feather the caulk prior to adding sand works awesome
Interesting 🤔 can I get the material, please 🙏 thank
@@dynoesaur Either 'Masterseal 150' or 'Dymonic FC' would work
Sand topping stabilizes the shrinkage and helps obscure the Crack line ❤
My husband and I took your advice and the cracks aren't detectable at all. It worked like a charm! Thank you so much!
Wow thank you good idea, I live in Arizona my new build have has several cracks and the did not caulk it, they had to repaint the areas fixed, 4-5 months later there are re-cracks on the corners of the window frame
stippling with a dry old paint brush will also perfectly blend in the caulk with the texture of the paint. Good alternative to wetting and down caulking and potentially causing it to deteriorate and thin it too much before it dries.
Totally agree I usually mix exterior caulking with fine sand, wet slightly and brush in, great vid thanks
What kind of caulk did you use? brand?
Here in Florida we tend to use a stiff duster brush, wet of course but rag works also. Thanks for your videos.
yea I was going to show that method too. works well. dip the brush in water and run it over the caulk. Still comes out a smidge better with the rag. Both works good too. Just use the brush in water run over it then hit it quicker with the rag.
Will this method also work on a stucco block wall?
@@mikethepainter great video. Do you have a video or info on the stuff duster brush in the comments? Thanks!
Thanks exactly what I needed to fix the cracks in my wife’s stucco home.
Yeah, I agree this is the best way to fix stucco cracks being that the caulk gives a little and can expand and retrack with the with climate changes. Though, it's worth menti0oning that it's important to use the correct caulking and that it's paintable.. Oh, you're guys must love hearing that they still don't work it in like you tell them.. Cheers!
Cracks tend to happen from dead weight. Meaning, the stucco was finished first then the added framing, and drywall was done after. Stupid inspectors from the city makes you finish the stucco first.
Thanks Mike. This is helpful. How do you fill in holes in stucco from screws or other holes? Also, I have a 4 inch diameter circle of stucco that came off. It's about 1/4 inch deep. How do I repair that? Tks again!
There’s a product called Morflex that’s a chaulking with sand in it that does a great job of filling hairline cracks . The sand it helps hide the chaulking and help it blend in to its stucco surroundings .
Morflexx you can buy to match. and do not have to paint. You have a maintenance free finish. Once its painted. You will continue to have to paint it.
I wished I'd seen this video first. I put the caulk on the ceiling but that's it. It looks a hot mess.How do I start over, remove the caulk and do it the way you do it?
Good repair notes ,my family had small business years ago and I got out there and help we done alot of repairs❤
I live in a house built in 1950s. It is stucco and i am having some cracks show up. My cousin told me to fill the cracks with tissue paper and put the stucco over it. Why do i have a crack. It coulld be roots from a non bearing mull berry tree or that the house it old that the foundation is settling. Maybe its the heat. I dont know. If i fill the cracks with tissue paper and fill with stucco, will have to sand it? If so, what grit do i use in sandpaper. Im not going to paint immediately. Its too hot in Texas for that (triple digits).
Great video! How do you fill the gaps between the windows or door frames and the wall / stucco? Thanks!
same way
Do they have caulk in different colors instead of just white?
Hi, how would you match the color if I wanted to just paint the crack repair and not the entire house. Is there a way to just blend to existing stucco color so not noticeable?
take a piece of stucco to the paint store. they might get it close.
How do they hold up after 5 years? I saw peoples using Mor- Flexx on stucco they have sand in it to make it match stucco🤔😊
Thanks! Going to save me a lot of money.
Exactly the way I taught myself 🙏🏼👍🏼
Hey Mike quick question would you recommend the elostomeric caulk aswell?
For this method, should I use the caulking without grit?
hi mike, i noticed my stucco also has these cracks around windows. you see a lot of horror stories about this being a foundation issue. at what point would i be able to do this versus having to get a structural engineer out to check out the situation?
Thank you for this! Would you suggest a tan colored caulking for tan colored stucco, or do you think the white would look less noticable? Or maybe even clear? Probably won't plan on painting soon.
you can use either. just the white has different grades. Like the 25 year vs the 35 it shrinks less.
Which shrinks less, the 25 year or the 35 year?
Can you use window sealant to seal the stucco cracks?
painters caulk only.....
How would you suggest I repair a hole in one of the "decorative keys" on my stucco wall ?
stucco patch....Best one is at home depot rapid set in the red package red and white box.
Is there an optimal temperature for this?
Good video. How about using Mor-Flex?
Thank you!! Very well explained!
Say man a grocery store wants me to fill in large expansion joints a smooth finish can I do that? And if so will it crack out ? Every if I oil prime it
elastomeric caulk and most stuff will eventually crack out. nothing lasts on cracks for very long.
What I do if I'm already doing stucco
I use my stucco float with a bit of sand to add texture to the caulk
yea usually it will mound up a bit. but sometimes I do that. if the voids are wide. Best to wipe it tight or use a stiff brush with water then wipe it.
Any cracks bigger than hairline should probably use a grouted/textured caulking imo
Thanks so much for the video. For the caulking, I see a bunch of different types, from a $3 bottle of DAP Alex Painter's all purpose caulk, to fancier DAP Dynaflex sealant. Do you have any idea which one is better? Thanks
If it’s your personal home, use the best caulk you can buy - 15yr+ , not the cheap caulk that won last 3 yrs.
In my company we use 850a which is 45 year or 950a which is 55 year. 850a is about 5-6$
Awesome man thank you for sharing I appreciate it i need to do that.
Thanks Mike for the videos
could these cracks cause water to come in?
What about the stucco ledge...caulk it the same?
Did you paint your stucco?
What was the name of the caulk you used??
great advice
Why wet rag and not dry? Will try ❤️
just works better.
Hi! Why don’t you get caulk that is custom tinted?
painting the house no need to. it would not match anyway.
@@mikethepainter idk. I’m going to put it to the test. My house is only 5 years old and has like 20 cracks. 5k square feet. I’m so disappointed in stucco. I come from Washington state where our cedar planks last 100 years on our houses. Now I’m in southern Utah and this house needs new stucco or paint in 5 years?!?! That’s crazy! way too expensive upkeep.
Mike would clear urethane caulk work? Tower tech 2 to be specific?
not familiar with that. would probabaly work just make sure you wipe it tight.
The video seems unfinished, did you have to repaint the crack after the caulking dried?
Yea I painted the whole house this is part of the prep.
Do you prime cracks..?
Than paint house color
@@hliz8818 I would think you already found an answer. Paintable caulk doesn't require primer. Never hurts tho. Silicone based - no go for me if needs to be painted
Why not use alex plus for additional expansion capabilities?
I’m in Florida what do you recommend pressure wash before i fix the cracks or after?
I usually pressure wash first. water wont leak into the wall there is moisture barrier behind the stucco.
Tara how is the water leaking in? Are you sure it’s not an issue with the flashing? My understanding is cracks don’t matter much for water intrusion because it’s still supposed to float down the paper and flashing should protect from coming inside your house.
I contractor in New Mexico. I personally do Pressure whash my jobs first and apply wallease and mesh buried. Later color coat. But always Pressure whash first to remove all dust in order for the cement to stick better
what brand is it?
Dap painters Caulk
Name of caulking?
What do I do if stucco guys filled cracks and now I painted and they all bleed through. We did prime coat then they patched and now we did two finish coats and it’s still bleeding through
you need to prime it again. Like after the patch. You prime the surface so the paint has something to bond to. The primer soaks into the stucco so the paint can cover properly.
Take Elastomeric patch texture and build up the same finish as the stucco
Which type of caulking?
25 year or 35 year painters caulk non textured
@@mikethepainter what happens if you use texured caluk?
Ok, I heard you say your guys still don’t do this. I’m in the opposite situation where I kind of take my time with things like this during preparation repairs but my employer cracks the whip & says we need to be more productive. As a result a lot of cracks went unfilled, old caulk wasn’t removed from the window sills so the new caulk looked all boogered up and looked awful. So where do you draw the line between quality work/making a quick buck? It just irks my when my employer goes on a diatribe about doing it right or not doing it at all but then when I take too long I’m not being “productive”. 🤦🏿♂️
yea there are some comers you can cut but some you really should not. Getting better with cardboard shields vs masking is one you can do to save time. also trying not to do all the prep and then some before you paint. do a quick good prep. then start painting and do some as you go. that is the best advice I can give you. so many people spend too much time prepping everything perfect before they start painting. For instance keep the caulking gun in the area where your working when you see a crack you missed hit it real quick then paint or catch it on touch up. Its a balancing act.
@@mikethepainter That’s understandable, thanks for your reply.
@@mikethepainter That’s understandable, thanks for your reply.
I know this comment was 10 months ago, but I hope you start your own business.
The biggest problem in the industry is people trying to make that quick buck. If you feel like your work stands out with more love and attention to detail, it already sets you apart to make those big bucks. Good luck!
@@meowman25 Thanks, yeah I decided to work for myself. I’m still trying to figure out the licensing and insurance aspect of it. Not committing to take on big jobs just yet until I have the legal aspect of it taken care of but work has been steady and things have been looking up. I’m averaging $40-80 an hour now as opposed to the $15 that I was making an hour when I made this comment. I’m considering going back to school so I can get some type of licensing, not sure which one to go for just yet but I’m really glad I made the leap. These last 8 months have been most investing in tools and equipment but well worth it.
What caulk did you use??
I agree with all of this, except You really should cut your caulk tip at an angle. Hold it firm against the crack and force caulk into the void. Hovering over it and pumping caulk on it isnt very effective... even if you do rub it vigorously.
Makes perfect sense
Show what this looks like today please
same as before....perfect. lasts several years. eventually it will probably re crack.
Pro tip: If the crack does end up visible, take a picture of it and Photoshop it using the clone tool. And like magic, the crack is gone!
I done that in the past for a few feet with my bare index finger. Stucco will cut my finger quickly.
Use caulking with aggregate in caulking , way better
I have used that it does work. Either way the results are perfect.
How much is fair to fix these cracks and then paint a whole 3/2 house about 1800 sqft? Thanks just wanna make sure I don't get scammed
depends on where you live in CA it would probably run up to 5000. to paint a house with fixing cracks as well.
So basically, I would have to paint the whole house in order to hide the caulking for it not to show. Not good! Sure the caulking would work but this is not a video for cracks not to show. Now I could try to use a colored caulk. My house has never been painted.
yea unfortunately any way you go your going to need to paint it.....Or they will show.....you can try matching your stucco color with paint, then adding paint to clear painters Caulk. you just pull out the plug ad some flat paint to the caulk and stir it up really good. Do the same process as in the video. It might look OK but not perfect.
Why not use a clear
You can but it's hard to see what you're doing
@@mikethepainteryou would see the crack if it’s clear.
Nice like it
Cheap Airless spray rig that works
LINK NO LONGER WORKING
WHAT WAS IT EXACTLY ?
Gracias Mike, you made it so Mickey Mouse.
Unsanded color match grout caulk
and they sell tan caulk
Can I Patch EIFS Stucco With Stucco Patch?
Answer: th-cam.com/video/POnPFK7u4hs/w-d-xo.html
That's not Stucco.
first 2 min bla bla never mind about some guys and how they do it.Just show your technique from the start
Not everyone has an attention span of a goldfish after brain surgery. Some people enjoy learning and watching the process.
I just use morflex. It has sand in it and blends it alot more.
Well that is a Crack, but I like you answer me what you do when the stucco crack is falling, do you just caulk the crack, in your video is no falling stucco but you didn't removed the falling stucco?, that is the reason I opened the crack, and the way you pushed the caulking is the hardest, for that you need a sponge 🧽 🧽 🧽 it is more easy, you having a hard time that's why your employees ignored you