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I am moving to West Texas where most houses are stucco. I have noticed many of them have small, hairline crac

ks in the excterior stucco finish. Is this normal? Due to poor application? Should it affect value?
Sun Apr 20 2008, 18:51 - El Paso - Home Buying - 7 answers
 
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Jason Brown
Home Buyer
in Newport
Jason Brown, Home Buyer in Newport in Newport
Answers (7)
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Jinger White was FIRST TO ANSWER
It all depends on the age of the property and the number of hairline cracks seen. I Highly recommend the services of a well qualified home inspector. You can visthttp:// www.trec.state.tx.us/inspector to get a list of inspectors. You can locate inspectors by city in the inspector info box.

In terms of affecting value on your property, I would venture to say it can have some impact. I just sold a home were stucco cracks were an issue that needed to be addresed. Overall stucco can be a beautiful exterior finish that will last for years to come.

A wealth of information on stucco can be found in the Stucco Manufactures Association athttp:// www.stuccomfgassoc.com.

If there is anything else I can do for you please dont hesitate in contacting me.

Wed May 14 2008, 16:22
 
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Stucco is a preferred building material in the west. Older stucco homes will have more of these hairline cracks you are asking about and that is absolutely normal. NEWER stucco is covered with substances such as Elastomeric which have some stretching capabilities. My home was built in 2000 and so far, no cracks in the house, but the decorative colums on the patio, yes indeed! Some areas may have clay in the soil so you absolutely should never, EVER, buy a home without a home inspection! Stucco actually has the same insulating qualities as brick veneer. And it comes in so many pretty colors!!

Wed Apr 23 2008, 13:47
 
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Hi Jason. Small hairline cracks in stucco are not unusual and usually nothing to worry about. It is best, however, to hire a home inspector to check out the house for not only the cracks, but all of the other structural and mechanical items. You can then make an informed decision on the condition of the home.

Mon Apr 21 2008, 07:01
Web Reference: http://www.HomesForSaleInElPasoTexas.com
 
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Small hairline cracks are typically not a problem.

Sun Apr 20 2008, 20:37
 
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Jason,
Hairline cracks are normal in stucco in dry climates. there are newer "synthetic" stuccos out there but they tend to seal in the moisture which can cause mold. Stucco is really great in that it requires little maintenance and can tolerant the more intense sun that we have in the southwest. When you decide on a home to purchase, your inspector will provide you with lots of information and insights to the pros and cons of stucco.

Sun Apr 20 2008, 20:24
Web Reference: http://www.remax-santafe.com
 
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Where is your realtor? Your realtor should be able too assist you in answering these questions for youWhen you purchase a home during your option period have a full inspection done, it should come out in the inspection report

Sun Apr 20 2008, 20:15
Web Reference: http://www.lynn911.com
 
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FIRST ANSWER
What part of West Texas are you moving to? Most of the homes in our area are brick and while we do have hairline cracks it is normal for this area.

Sun Apr 20 2008, 19:53
 
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