Stucco Expansion Joints
|
Stucco expansion joints (also called control joints) are typically required in stucco to allow for the expansion and contraction of the material. Because these are large slabs of concrete, we add joints to keep their size manageable and to give them space to move, shift, warp, twist, and in general distort and thus reduce the amount of cracking that will be present.
The size of most panels should be a maximum of 144 SF which is a 12x12 panel. Panels that are substantially larger will usually crack. Thus the installation of expansion joints is preemptive and avoids excessive cracking. If you think your house needs additional expansion joints, don't hesitate to call us at 832-720-6828. If you think missing expansion joints has lead to cracking, be sure to fill out the form, or give us a call! |
|
|
|
Example of Proper Joint Expansion
In the sample pictures above, you can see a house that could use a few more expansion joints. This is because the sheer size of the stucco slab would cause movements that will cause cracking anyway. Also, the presence of penetrations like windows also cause weakening of the slab, and for this reason a lot of the control joint lines begin at the corner of these windows, giving the system a relief at the point where failure is more likely to happen.
If you would like a consultation to see if your home has an approriate amount of joints, call us now at 832-720-6828.
If your home has extensive cracking due to missing joints, we can help!
In the sample pictures above, you can see a house that could use a few more expansion joints. This is because the sheer size of the stucco slab would cause movements that will cause cracking anyway. Also, the presence of penetrations like windows also cause weakening of the slab, and for this reason a lot of the control joint lines begin at the corner of these windows, giving the system a relief at the point where failure is more likely to happen.
If you would like a consultation to see if your home has an approriate amount of joints, call us now at 832-720-6828.
If your home has extensive cracking due to missing joints, we can help!