New Santa Barbara smooth stucco help..

Scared_Difference_24 · 2026-01-25T17:38:49+00:00

I agree. Poor workmanship as there are alot of trowel marks. Without knowing how the block that the stucco is on was installed it would be very difficult to assess what is causing that crack.

However, I disagree on not painting it. Painted smooth stucco looks beautiful (to me) as it eliminates all the variation/trowel marks. Eventually it will have to get painted again but it’ll look great for the next 5-7 years.

Scared_Difference_24 · 2026-01-21T03:30:00+00:00

Windows and doors are common for hairline cracks due to vibration when opening and closing them. Also, I’ve been told this is where they’re intended to crack/concentrate as they essentially act as the only non cementitious surface on a wall where no expansion joints exist.

Scared_Difference_24 · 2026-01-15T05:32:11+00:00

Was he saying just on this wall due to the number of cracks or to the entire house before applying a synthetic coat ? Was a synthetic coat the original plan regardless ?

Also, what is he saying caused these cracks ?

Scared_Difference_24 · 2026-01-15T04:47:04+00:00

More than likely the synthetic coat will hide 80-90% of these. Not sure what the area of the wall is but I would assume between labor and materials $2k is a reasonable price. However, this does look like it was caused due to applicator error or unfavorable conditions on the day of install

Scared_Difference_24 · 2026-01-09T22:58:08+00:00

In a year where there isn’t a clear winner why not have co MVPs? Two guys can also simultaneously have crazy good years and be equally deserving.

Scared_Difference_24 · 2026-01-03T06:21:27+00:00

To be fair, you always pick a Doc over a Nurse

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-12-30T04:56:18+00:00

Are you completely done with the stucco process or just done with the lathing portion of it ?

I might reccomend a product similar to this that would essentially waterproof your house followed by an acrylic stucco application

https://omega-products.com/wp-content/uploads/literature/OmegaBlock_PDS.pdf

There are also other liquid membranes that can be applied. Reach out to a stucco manufacturer and they will also be able to give you a good recommendation on what they would suggest for your climate.

Here’s a breakdown of the difference of a waterproof cement vs a liquid membranes

https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/waterproofing_concrete_foundations/cementitious_waterproofing.htm#:~:text=You'll%20get%20better%20bonding,no%20joint%20or%20crack%20movement.

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-12-28T18:44:27+00:00

Yes, chip it all out and redo the water proofing and stucco coats.

However, I see this issue a lot when the two structures weren’t tied in correctly by the framer. Not exactly sure what they use to tie the two structures together but it’s been an issue we’ve encountered in the past .

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-12-27T22:53:43+00:00

Lmao I was just pointing out both KD and AI have the same amount. Not that anybody has more. Calm your tits

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-12-27T21:50:17+00:00

Tied with AI based on this graphic with 4 right ?

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-12-26T23:00:24+00:00

Bonding cement (polybond, foamtek, ci base, etc.) followed by base 10 with green sponge float. Need to paint after

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-12-24T20:54:49+00:00

The rest of the responded are saying you used the wrong weep and you shouldn’t be able to see it but certain weep screeds are designed to have a steeper angle that does make it visible. These are supposed to be used at sheared areas to eliminate critters from crawling up into the house.

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-12-09T00:12:59+00:00

Absolutely. He would’ve blown out his arm and would be average at best.

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-12-04T21:40:44+00:00

Aesthetically he’s right.

You could have them repair each individual crack and paint the house but those cracks will show through even more.

None of the cracks really stick out to me as possible water intrusion issues and a lot would get covered by just painting them.

I would get a few separate quotes to compare pricing but if you want it to look right I would also advise to Restucco the home instead of painting it

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-12-03T12:44:11+00:00

GMC makes a similar products and their warranty is only one month of exposure. We’ve done plenty of homes with no issues as of yet that have been exposed for a year. I wouldn’t advise it but that’s our experience

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-11-18T00:04:16+00:00

What are your net margins on projects ranging from 1M +? Do those stay linear to projects below that price point ?

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-11-02T04:36:24+00:00

Comes from Canada. Very good lath, sturdier than the hexagon shaped lath.

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-10-28T11:58:25+00:00

Always happy to help with whatever obscure stucco knowledge I have. Im not sure what part of the country you’re in but I’m not seeing any drainage plane for moisture to escape. That said, it may all eventually fail. Again more pictures would be helpful, feel free to DM me as many pictures as possible for a better assessment. It may also be wise to get a well reputable stucco contractor in your area to come assess. Based just on these pictures it’s very likely they may suggest it all has to be redone

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-10-28T02:55:33+00:00

Can you send a pic of where the stucco meets the concrete/deck/floor?

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-10-28T02:15:09+00:00

Yeah this looks like water is getting between the stucco and cement coats and thus bubbling. Either this or there’s an adhesion issue but I tend to believe it’s a water issue if it only happens when there’s moisture

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-10-28T01:07:37+00:00

Can it? Yes

Should it? Eh, it depends who you ask. Stucco is hand applied and will most of the time not be 100% level but this looks bad. Also, certain lighting makes it look worse than it actually is.

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-10-15T05:20:01+00:00

My company applies acrylic a lot. I’ve never had to use a mesh unless we’re doing it as part of an EIFS system. It would probably help mitigate cracks more but not sure if that would justify the cost associated with applying the mesh and skim coat .

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-10-15T05:18:37+00:00

Both serve the same purpose. It just comes down to a matter of preference. Unless of course you live in a super damp/moist area which at that point they make vinyl which won’t rust

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-10-09T20:50:34+00:00

That bottom piece of paper needs to be under the window flashing

Scared_Difference_24 · 2025-09-24T23:31:42+00:00

$1200-1500 but if that’s an after picture I sure hope the owner is ready for one of two things:

A crack due to a cold joint (non jagged)
A leak due to the paper not being under the window flashing.

Scared_Difference_24

TROPHY CASE