We have noticed several stucco cracks and want to know if we should use elastomeric paint to repair the cracks.

- Milt and Pauline, Prescott

Elastomeric paint can be used to fill in stucco cracks that are 1/16 of an inch or smaller. However, keep in mind, not knowing the age of your home; it is very possible that by filling/covering the cracks with your existing elastomeric paint, and for that fact newly purchased paint, you will end up with a mismatch and hodgepodge of veins on your home. Elastomeric caulk might be the better way to go to remedy the situation. The caulk has great elasticity so it will move if the cracks widen. Surface cracks are inevitable and occur on all masonry surfaces. Elastomeric paint has flexibility to contract and expand due to special binders in the material that stretch. Elastomeric provides a protective coating that helps keep moisture out. Elastomeric paint has a rubber feel to it, looks like normal paint and is applied like normal paint, however because of wonderful adhesion characteristics and water sealing characteristics; you will have a painted exterior that will give you a beautiful covering on stucco. There are many positives to using elastomeric paint and some of them are: Long lasting, hides flaws and covers minor holes and hairline cracks. easy to apply, alkaline resistant and efflorescence resistant. You might want to consider repainting the entire exterior of there are several cracks and have a professional fill the cracks and paint. This way you now have a new long lasting exterior look, you also have a 2 year warranty from the ROC for the work.