Stucco control joints — break the wall into ≤144 sq ft panels so it doesn’t crack

Cement stucco shrinks as it cures. Control joints break the wall into panels ≤144 sq ft (≤18 ft any dimension, ≤2.5:1) so the shrinkage relieves at the joints instead of cracking the field randomly.

Two stucco wall elevations compared. Without control joints, one large unbroken field cracks randomly as the cement stucco shrinks while curing. With control joints, the wall is divided into small panels so the shrinkage relieves at the joints instead of as wandering cracks. ASTM C1063 limits each panel to no more than 144 square feet, no dimension over 18 feet, and a length-to-width ratio no greater than 2.5 to 1, with joints at every story line and substrate change. — Source: ASTM C1063 §7.11.4

Use this diagram free on your site — grab the embed codeGet the code

What this diagram shows

Two stucco wall elevations compared. Without control joints, one large unbroken field cracks randomly as the cement stucco shrinks while curing. With control joints, the wall is divided into small panels so the shrinkage relieves at the joints instead of as wandering cracks. ASTM C1063 limits each panel to no more than 144 square feet, no dimension over 18 feet, and a length-to-width ratio no greater than 2.5 to 1, with joints at every story line and substrate change.

Use this diagram — free

You're welcome to use this diagram on your own site, blog, handout, or lesson at no cost. The only condition is a visible credit link back to the source page. Copy the snippet below and paste it into your page — the credit is already included.

Embed code (HTML)

<figure style="margin:0;max-width:800px">
  <a href="https://remodelcalculators.com/construction-diagrams/stucco-control-joints" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
    <img src="https://remodelcalculators.com/api/figure-embed/stucco-control-joints" alt="Two stucco wall elevations compared. Without control joints, one large unbroken field cracks randomly as the cement stucco shrinks while curing. With control joints, the wall is divided into small panels so the shrinkage relieves at the joints instead of as wandering cracks. ASTM C1063 limits each panel to no more than 144 square feet, no dimension over 18 feet, and a length-to-width ratio no greater than 2.5 to 1, with joints at every story line and substrate change." width="800" height="470" style="width:100%;height:auto;border:0" loading="lazy">
  </a>
  <figcaption style="font:14px/1.4 -apple-system,sans-serif;margin-top:6px;color:#555">
    Diagram: <a href="https://remodelcalculators.com/construction-diagrams/stucco-control-joints" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stucco control joints — break the wall into ≤144 sq ft panels so it doesn’t crack</a> — courtesy of <a href="https://remodelcalculators.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RemodelCalculators.com</a>
  </figcaption>
</figure>

Please keep the credit link intact and don't alter the diagram itself. Redistribution as part of a competing diagram library or template pack isn't permitted. Questions? Reach us via the site.

Was this diagram helpful?