How Can I Fix Common Stucco Damage?
Stucco is a cement-based texture that is applied on the outer walls of homes.
It is often used to finish the exteriors of houses because of its
numerous benefits,
it is strong, durable, lasts a long time, and helps increase their aesthetic appeal. However,
it may get cracks or other damages over time that need to be fixed.
These cracks can be very small, like hairline cracks, or larger ones caused by ground movement,
with bigger pieces breaking away and revealing the wire lath behind the stucco.
They often start at the corners of doors and windows. Let's discuss how to deal with them:
Assess the Stucco Damages
Check the stucco for any cracks, chips, or any other damage like crumbles, stains, moss or mold.Marking the size and scope of damage helps you decide on the appropriate repair method.Keep in mind that some of the stucco damages may be structural and need more extensive repair by professional,licensed contractors.
Fixing Minor Damages
Small hairline cracks or slightly larger cracks, like 1/32 of an inch, are minor damages, and you can fix these kinds of damages by yourself.
For hairline cracks, simply clean the area first and roll the primer coat into the crack until it fills it. Let it dry, and then paint.
You will need to take extra steps for slightly larger cracks. Clean up the edges that are rough or flaking with the sharp, pointy end of the paint tool. Fill and brush into the crack with the ready-mix patch and smooth it out. Once it is dry, paint over it to make it match the rest of the stucco.
Dealing With Medium Damages
Medium damages may concern those areas where cracks are larger than 1/8 inch or small holes that reveal mesh and lath. Dealing with that kind of damage is not easy, but an expert DIYer can do it better. You may take these steps to deal with such damages:
Scrape off the loose stucco with a hammer and chisel. Be careful not to break the wire lath or wood even more. Press the patching material into the damaged area with a putty knife, trowel, or rubber float. Don’t make it more than ¼ thick; let it cool down. Keep adding stucco patching material in the ¼ layer until the area is full and the new surface aligns with the original.
Get Rid of Major Stucco Damage With Expert Contractors
If you notice any extensive cracks, large holes, or areas where stucco is breaking and falling off, revealing a large part of the wire mesh or wood. They may lead to structural damage.
For DIYers, this might be too difficult to handle. Not only do major damages take a lot of time to repair, but they may also need other major repairs, such as wire lathwork, woodwork, frames, and sheeting. This is likely a suitable time to hire a contractor with expertise in stucco repair like Eden Brick Pointing.
The structure of the stucco can help you better understand why you need an expert for your stucco damages to be fixed. Stucco is usually applied in three layers:
Scratch Coat
The scratch coat is the first base coat; its purpose is to stick the metal lath and provide a foundation for the brown coat. The name scratch coat comes from the fact that it has straight lines that look like scratches. These scratches make a key for the next coat to stick to and keep the moisture in, allowing the subsequent coat to cure properly.
Brown Coat
The brown coat goes over the first base coat and makes a flat surface so that the finishing coat can do its best job. It is smoother and provides additional strength.
Finish Coat
The final layer is the thinnest of the coats and gives the stucco its color and texture.
Depending on how damaged one of these layers is, it might need to be fixed from top to bottom, which is best left to professionals. They have the knowledge and tools to do the job right and make sure your home stays safe and strong.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Damages
Preventing stucco damage is always better than repairing it. To help your stucco stay in good shape, here are a few tips:
Regular Inspection: Check for cracks or changes in the colors of your stucco on a regular basis, especially after heavy rain or storms.
Proper Drainage: Make sure your gutter and drains move water away from your house, as the standing water may lead to stucco damage.
Sealants: If you want to give your stucco extra protection against moisture, you must apply sealant.
Address Landscaping Issue: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed away from the walls to prevent moisture from building up against the stucco.
By taking these preventive measures, you can make your stucco last longer and avoid costly repairs down the line
Conclusion
Damage to stucco is common but easy to fix. You can give your stucco a new life for the next few decades if you fix its damage at the right time. By identifying what damage there is and whether you can fix minor damage yourself or hire a professional for major damage, you can keep them from getting worse and avoid having to spend a lot of money on replacement. Remember, you can protect your stucco and make it long-lasting by taking preventive steps.
