Florida Home Inspector Practice Test

Do stucco finishes over wood framing exhibit more or fewer cracks compared to those over masonry walls?

1. Significantly more cracks

2. Only slightly more cracks

3. Significantly fewer cracks

4. No difference in cracks

The correct answer is: Significantly fewer cracks

Stucco finishes over wood framing typically exhibit significantly more cracks compared to those applied over masonry walls. This is primarily due to the fact that wood is more susceptible to movement and changes in moisture content, resulting in expansion and contraction. As the wood framing moves, which can be caused by environmental factors such as humidity and temperature fluctuations, the stucco can crack due to the stress placed on it. In contrast, masonry walls, such as those made of brick or concrete block, provide a more stable substrate which does not experience the same level of movement. Consequently, stucco applied over masonry is less likely to develop cracks because the supporting structure remains significantly more stable and less prone to the types of shifts that affect wood framing. Thus, the nature of the material beneath the stucco plays a critical role in determining the likelihood of cracking, leading to the conclusion that stucco over wood framing generally results in more cracks.