Construction Performance Guidelines
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About the Guidelines
These helpful guidelines outline work and material deficiencies in new homes and residential condominium units covered under the statutory warranty [...]
Article Number
Condition
CRACKS IN EXTERIOR STUCCO WALL SURFACES
Acceptable Performance/Condition
Fine hairline cracks that do not negatively affect the performance of the stucco are acceptable.
Warranty
One - Year – Work and Materials. One - Year – Ontario Building Code Violations. Two -Year – Cladding Detachment, Displacement or Deterioration. Damage resulting from normal wear and tear, improper maintenance or additions, alterations and deletions made by the homeowner is not covered by the statutory warranty.
Action
Stucco finish not meeting the acceptable condition shall be repaired.
Remarks
Stucco refers to systems typically over 6mm thick incorporating Portland cement. Cracks may be acceptable from a performance perspective if the system is drained, but may not be acceptable from an aesthetic perspective depending on the location of the cracks. Some cracking in areas of the building which are not routinely occupied (mechanical penthouse for example) may be considered acceptable if it does not negatively impact performance (leakage resistance etc). The colour or texture of repaired areas shall match the existing as close as possible, and the patched area should not be readily apparent when viewed from a distance of 6 m under normal lighting conditions. Generally the cracks which are intended to be repaired will be visible from a distance of 6m however, in some instances; smaller cracks may negatively impact performance. The width of cracks will vary with temperature. Larger in cold weather, smaller in hot weather.