Why Stucco Repair Is Important
Stucco is an attractive, low-maintenance material that will protect your home for decades. But it needs to be done right! Improper stucco work can lead to bigger problems. Check out Stucco Repair Philadelphia to learn more about why it is important.
Cut a piece of house wrap to the size of the repaired area, and attach it with staples or nails. Seal with acrylic exterior caulk around the edges.
While small cracks in stucco are relatively easy to patch, larger ones require expert repair. If left untreated, these larger cracks can lead to moisture intrusion and more extensive and expensive damage to the exterior of your home. Cracks in stucco occur for various reasons and should be dealt with promptly to prevent structural problems.
Stucco can crack at cold joints where different materials meet such as poured concrete and wall framing, or CMU blocks and drywall. The most common type of crack is the hairline crack, less than 1/16th inch wide with a crazed pattern. These cracks are considered static because they do not move.
Hairline cracks are not considered serious and should be repaired as a routine maintenance item. However, it is important to note that they may be a warning sign of a more serious problem such as water intrusion or a structural issue.
If a homeowner notices cracks at their door or window corners, it is a good idea to contact a stucco contractor to check the integrity of the structure. If the cracks are racked, meaning they do not meet at a 90-degree angle, this is a sign of more serious structural damage and should be addressed immediately.
To repair a crack, first chisel away the cobwebs and dirt from the area. A hammer and flathead screwdriver will also work well to shave off any loose areas of the cracked surface. Next, widen the crack with a hammer and flathead screwdriver to about a quarter of an inch using a back and forth motion. Clear away any debris from the widened crack and then apply your preferred caulking to fill in the crack. When the caulk dries (follow the manufacturer’s instructions), a primer can be applied to protect against future weathering and to ensure the patch matches your existing stucco.
Cracks wider than 1/8th of an inch are more serious and should be addressed right away by a professional. They can be a result of movement in the foundation or building, stress or pressure on the stucco and should be repaired promptly to avoid further deterioration. Generally, these cracks will need to be re-patched with a more durable material. For best results, a professionally mixed and prepared stucco patching material should be used, such as one that is pre-mixed or ready to trowel on following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Loose Stucco
Stucco is an enduring exterior surface that can last for 100 years, but it isn’t impervious to damage. Small holes or cracks in the stucco allow moisture to enter the wall, which can damage both the plaster and underlying lath. It’s important to repair loose areas of stucco right away before they enlarge and further damage the structure.
Stucco repair isn’t easy, but it can be done by a do-it-yourselfer with the proper tools and materials. It’s a good idea to lay down something protective like a tarp over areas that could get dust or soot on them while chipping out old stucco. Then, using a cold chisel and hammer, chip the stucco back to the underlying lath. Keep the cracks open as much as possible, and be sure to leave some of the original lath to tie the new repair material to it.
Once the underlying lath is exposed, wet down the area with water to reduce the dust that will be produced while chopping. If the damaged area is very large, you may want to use a power saw to cut out and remove the loose stucco. Then, use a wire brush to clean off any remaining bits of loose plaster. Alternatively, you can use a pre-mixed patch stucco mix that you can find at your local hardware store. These mixes have all the ingredients mixed together and are ready to apply, but be careful to follow the directions on the package carefully.
When applying a patch stucco, apply it in 1/4″ layers and use a rubber float to flatten the surface. Blend the repaired area into the existing texture, and be sure to smooth the surface with a light touch. Once the patch stucco dries, a paintable caulking can be applied to fill any holes or gaps.
If the area has been painted, use a caulking that is designed for stucco and match the existing color of your house. Be sure to wait a week before painting to give the new patch stucco time to cure. If the patch stucco is bubbling, it’s a sign that there’s a moisture problem that needs to be addressed and shouldn’t be repaired with a simple patch.
Mold
Stucco is a great siding option for homes, providing durability and beauty. But if not properly maintained, it can become damaged over time. This can lead to cracking, crumbling, and even rotting of the structure. These problems can be difficult to repair, but there are some simple steps that can be taken to prevent future damage and to restore the look of your stucco home.
The first step is to assess the damage and determine what the problem is. If the stucco is cracked, a patching material can be applied to close the cracks. If the plaster is crumbling, a more extensive repair may be needed. Once the damage is determined, it’s time to clean the area and prepare for the patching process.
If the cracks are just hairline, a caulking gun with a stucco-friendly caulk can be used to fill the cracks. Once the caulking is applied, it should be smoothed with a putty knife and allowed to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the cracks are wider, a pre-mixed stucco patching mix can be troweled on with a putty knife. Again, it’s recommended that you apply the patch in layers and let each layer dry before applying another.
When dealing with larger cracks, it’s best to call in a professional. They will have the tools and expertise to make sure that the cracks are repaired correctly and with the proper materials. This will prevent water from penetrating the cracks and causing more damage over time.
Moldy stucco can be cleaned with a water-bleach solution. This can be made by mixing 3/4 of a cup of chlorine bleach with a gallon of water for large areas or 3 tablespoons of bleach in 1 quart of water for smaller spots. Apply the solution to the soiled areas, then scrub with a brush or sponge. Rinse the area and let it dry completely.
One final tip for any homeowner dealing with a stucco repair is to watch the weather. It’s best to tackle a stucco repair project on overcast days, as harsh sun or rain can prevent the mortar from curing correctly.
Moisture
Stucco is a durable material but it’s not impervious to moisture. Moisture seeping through the stucco surface can cause a host of problems, including blistering, staining, and efflorescence. Moisture can also cause wood rot and mold infestation, which is why it’s important to have moisture damage repaired immediately.
When it comes to repairing moisture damage, it’s crucial to have a professional on hand to help you avoid costly mistakes that could cost you more money in the long run. A professional will know how to work with stucco, so they can fix the problem quickly and efficiently. They will also be familiar with building codes and other safety protocols, which will save you time and money in the long run.
Moisture intrusion is often the result of a hidden issue, such as structural damage or a lack of proper moisture barriers. If moisture isn’t fixed at the source, it will continue to penetrate your exterior walls and cause more damage over time. Stucco remediation addresses these issues by removing the damaged stucco and then addressing the internal causes of moisture intrusion.
It’s a good idea to have an experienced professional inspect your stucco for signs of moisture penetration. This will include a thorough inspection of all areas of your home, particularly those around windows. This is where most moisture damage occurs, so it’s important to keep an eye out for these symptoms.
A professional will be able to spot the most common problems and advise you on how best to proceed. Using a stucco patching system, they can apply new plaster to areas of your home where the existing stucco has become damaged. They will use a trowel to score grooves in the new plaster, which helps ensure better adherence for the next coat. They will then cover the patch with plastic to protect it from rain and sun until it is ready for another coat.
An experienced contractor will be able to match your patching system to the rest of your stucco, which can save you a lot of money in the long run by reducing the need for repainting. They will also be able to seal small holes in your stucco with caulking, which is an inexpensive solution for minor repair needs.
