According to msn real.
Stress cracks in stucco around doors and windows.
If the concrete surrounding the crack feels damp or contains white powdery stains you may have a water infiltration issue.
In most cases movement can cause minor stucco cracks to develop at high stress points such as the upper corners of doors and windows.
Stair step cracks that start at the corners of windows or doors generally signify that foundations are either settling or heaving and may present serious issues.
But keep an eye on them because if they grow they can become dangerous to your foundation.
This type of crack is most commonly found near doors and windows.
Typically stucco cracks show up in the corners windows and doors large areas of stucco walls and above the foundation.
Check whether water is leaking into the crack.
Houses of any age move and shift subtly over time and the weakest area in a wall is the most likely to crack.
Another major cause of stucco cracks is movement generated by thermal expansion contraction and mechanical stresses such as vibration impact building settlement twisting or movement of framing etc.
Keep an eye on any diagonal crack you see.
It is normal for plaster to crack from movement and stress especially in a new home.
A casing bead relieves stress separating stucco from all other materials at vinyl or wood doors and windows as well as where stucco meets dissimilar material such as at light fixtures and any penetrations through the wall.
Casing bead is also required at soffits.
These happen due to seismic changes in the foundation leading to them shifting.
While cracking can occur anywhere harmless cracks in stucco are most often seen near door and window frames.
If you notice small cracks like these you can probably breathe easy.
Diagonal cracks in your stucco siding are most likely due to your house shifting and settling into place.
When to repair stucco cracks.
If you determine there s nothing obstructing the swinging motion of the door it might be a sign of a moderate to severe foundation change often resulting in wall cracks.
These cracks as the name implies are diagonal in nature and often are seen around doors and windows.
They are created from the continuous vibrations that are produced in these areas of the house.
This is due to these areas being less foundationally solid.
If these cracks are wider than other cracks on your stucco you ll want to attend to these first.
