Stucco siding — a mixture of sand, cement, water, and lime — has numerous benefits. Stucco can last up to 50 years if it is maintained well. However, stucco is vulnerable to impact damage and settling. Climbing plants can also penetrate the surface by laying down roots.

Luckily, you can easily do DIY stucco repairs in a few simple steps. Here’s what you should do.


1. Find the Materials To Repair Stucco

To begin, you should always wear gloves and safety glasses when repairing your stucco siding. These are the materials to get:

  • Quikrete Stucco Repair, Quikrete Pre-Mixed Stucco Patch, or Quikrete Polyurethane Concrete Crack Sealant
  • Caulk gun
  • Screwdriver
  • Margin trowel or putty knife
  • Wire brush
  • Utility knife
  • Hammer
  • Chisel
  • Commercial solvent or citrus-based cleaner (for polyurethane concrete crack sealant)
  • Cloth

Having all of these supplies with you before you start your repairs will make the process much easier.


2. Start By Widening Cracks and Clearing Debris

Use a chisel and hammer to widen existing cracks in the stucco to at least 1⁄4 of an inch minimum. Then, use a wire brush to remove deteriorating concrete and debris inside the cracks.

3. How To Seal Small Stucco Cracks

If the cracks are less than ½ inch, cut the caulk nozzle to match the crack width. Load the caulk gun and run it slowly along the crack’s length to completely fill it. 

4. How To Patch Large Stucco Cracks

If the cracks are wider than ½ inch, I recommend using a Quikrete patch mix. Spread and texture the patch so that it matches the surrounding surfaces. Then, wet the trowel periodically to create an even finish. For any repairs over ¼ inch thick, be sure to allow ample drying time. You can also watch this video for additional assistance when repairing stucco cracks


5. How To Remove Vines From Stucco Surfaces

Avoid tugging vines off the stucco walls, as the roots may extend to the stucco itself. Instead, allow the vines to fully die and dry out. Then, loosen the vines by applying soapy water to them. You can use a stiff nylon brush to scrub off the remains. 

You can also apply diluted pool shock to dehydrate any particularly stubborn vines. This process will also stop any further growth. Finally, you can repair any chips in the stucco using caulk. Make sure to match the texture and paint the repairs so they blend in with any existing areas.


So, Is Stucco Repair a Simple DIY Fix for Homeowners?

Today’s Homeowner Tips

Most DIYers can easily repair stucco cracks without issue. Just make sure to follow all the steps and allow for proper drying time. However, I recommend hiring a stucco masonry professional if there’s extensive foundational damage. 

Attentive planning, careful surface preparation, and using proper techniques mean your stucco can look great for years to come. Additionally, after you repair your stucco, you can take preventative measures to avoid repairs in the future. Redirecting sprinklers, installing protective guards, and pruning vines so that they stay away from your stucco walls can improve the longevity of your stucco siding. 

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FAQs About Stucco Repair

What is the drying time for stucco patch layers?

I suggest a full 24 hours of drying time for every ⅛-inch  of caulk thickness. Cool and humid conditions mean drying may take even longer.


What works best for sealing stucco cracks?

Use flexible, adhesive polyurethane sealants from reliable brands like Quikrete for sealing stucco cracks.


Can you use caulk on stucco cracks?

It’s best to use caulk if the cracks are less than ½ inch. You should always prepare the cracks by cleaning and widening them before repair.


Common reasons that stucco can crack include poor underlying structure, rushing the curing process, a lack of surface seals, or ground shifting. It is best to identify and correct the root causes of your stucco cracking to prevent these problems from reoccurring.


Editorial Contributors
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Nikki Stavile

Nikki Stavile is a writer based in Tucson, Arizona. As an avid backpacker and passionate environmentalist, her work often focuses on sustainable movements at the personal and societal level.

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Lori Zaino

Lori Zaino is a freelance writer and editor based in Madrid, Spain. With nearly two decades of editorial experience, she’s written and edited for publications like Forbes, CNN, Insider, NBC, Newsweek, The Points Guy, The Infatuation, and many others. Having just completed her first home renovation, she’s more interested in home improvements than ever, dedicated to bringing you fresh and accurate content to help you update your living spaces.

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