Stucco exteriors look great and offer many benefits, including insulating properties and fire resistance. But they’re not immune to damage, and the best way to protect your home from future problems is through early detection and prompt repair.
Minor cracks in your stucco are due to regular seasonal changes and can be repaired easily by removing the damaged material and re-using the metal lath. Trim grade-D builder’s paper to fit around the boundary and affix it to the lath with roofing nails.
What is Stucco?
Stucco is a stylized siding option that can add an exquisite look to your home’s exterior. This material is durable, rot-resistant, and can be colored to match your home’s decor. It is an excellent option for homes in extreme weather conditions, as it blocks heat transfer and cold.
It cannot be applied directly to a wall; stucco needs a base layer of building paper and a wire mesh lath, which can then be covered with the first coat. A sand and cement mix is then applied to the walls, adding the color coating.
Stucco is a beautiful material that transforms your home’s appearance and can increase its resale value. Stucco is also easy to maintain if you follow these guidelines:
- inspect stucco regularly for cracks.
- Use paintable acrylic caulk to fill small holes; a professional should repair larger holes.
- Clean your stucco with non-chlorine bleach, water, or a white vinegar cleaner.
Stucco Repair
The easiest and least expensive way to fix small cracks in stucco is by filling them with waterproof caulking. Many commercial products are available, including sanded (textured) acrylic caulking for stucco, which is easy to use and inexpensive (view on Amazon).
When the damage goes beyond the surface, the next step in the repair process is remediation. This involves conducting a thorough inspection to identify any underlying issues, such as moisture intrusion or mold, particularly around windows or when stucco replacement is necessary.
Before beginning the remediation process, it is a good idea to pull back the metal lath from the non-damaged area of the wall using metal snips. It will allow you to work more comfortably. It is important to note that traditional stucco can be quite porous and, therefore, absorbs water from the elements, developing unsightly dark spots on your home’s exterior. It is a significant issue and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Stucco Installation
Stucco is a popular building material because it can add a beautiful, textured aesthetic to homes while offering practical benefits like fire resistance and soundproofing. However, it’s not suitable for all locations. Stucco can crack and crumble in areas where the soil is prone to shifting.
For this reason, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Stucco requires a lot of layers, so it’s not for the do-it-yourselfer. First, a layer of asphalt-impregnated paper or a plastic-based stucco wrap must be applied to the walls. It must reject moisture and vapor while allowing water to escape.
Next, a layer of furred chicken wire must be added to the wall before applying the base coat stucco. Then, you can choose to create a texture and color. The finished product is beautiful and long-lasting. This article has been viewed 100% of the time and earned our reader-approved status.
Stucco Maintenance
Stucco requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking good. It’s best to inspect it often so that you can catch any problems early on and then resolve them quickly before they escalate.
Waterproof caulking is a suitable solution for repairing small cracks and chips. You can use a premixed stucco patching material with a putty knife for larger ones. If you notice any crumbling or peeling, it’s time to call a pro. It may be a sign of water damage, pest infestation, foundation issues, or other serious problems.
Remember that stucco is very porous, so that it will collect dirt and stain over time. Regularly hose your stucco to wash off any buildup, and trim shrubs and tree branches that touch it. You’ll also want to protect it by directing rainfall away from the house with gutters and keeping sprinklers and planters away. Avoid painting stucco, as this destroys its naturally porous surface and traps moisture underneath it, causing destructive mold.
