Stucco, concrete block, and other masonry have the reputation for being strong materials but the downside is that they’re also brittle and tend to develop cracks as they expand and contract with changes in temperature. In wet climates like in Florida and along the Gulf coast, small cracks can quickly lead to big problems–rot, mildew, and mold–because they allow wind-driven rain into the wall. In colder, northern climates where there are freeze/thaw cycles, if water enters the cracks and turns to ice, small cracks soon turn into big ones. Continue reading →