Stucco is a long-lasting material that adds beauty and value to your home. Cracks and damage can indicate underlying issues such as moisture intrusion.
Regular inspections, particularly around windows, help catch early signs of moisture damage and prevent problems from escalating. If you find small cracks or holes, it’s best to get them repaired quickly. Contact Stucco Repair Philadelphia PA now!
Stucco is an attractive and durable material that requires regular inspection to ensure it’s functioning properly. If left unchecked, even small cracks can lead to further damage and compromise the integrity of the stucco, which could ultimately affect the structure’s safety and sturdiness. It’s important to repair any minor damage right away, and a professional stucco contractor can help you with the process.
A reputable stucco company will offer a comprehensive service that includes both the application of new stucco and repairs to existing areas. They will start the project by inspecting the surface, and checking for any signs of damage or deterioration. This will include assessing hairline cracks, holes, discoloration, bubbling or other indications that it’s time to carry out a repair.
They will also look for any gaps or bare spots in the surface, which can allow water in and cause further problems. They will then take the necessary steps to prevent moisture from entering the walls, including installing a weep screed at the base of the wall and casing beads around doorways, windows, and other trim.
If the metal mesh is damaged or missing, it’s important to replace it to provide a strong foundation for the stucco. This can be done by removing the old mesh, measuring the area that needs to be covered, and cutting a piece of galvanized metal mesh to size using steel snips. This is then attached to the wood lath using corrosion-resistant nails or screws.
Once the mesh is installed, it’s essential to clean the area using a wire brush, and make sure it is completely dry before proceeding with any further work. This will help to ensure the patching job adheres correctly, and will help to avoid any future problems with paint or moisture.
After a clean and dry surface is prepared, it’s time to apply the first layer of the stucco repair. This is known as the scratch coat, and it’s crucial that it is applied evenly. This should be allowed to dry for about 36 hours before applying the second, or brown, layer.
Patching
If you’re repairing a small crack in the stucco, use premixed patch material and a rubber float to fill it. Make sure to follow the dry time indicated on the package instructions. If your cracks are wider than 1/4″ wide, it’s time for remediation.
A major problem with simple stucco repairs is that they don’t address the underlying issue, such as moisture penetration or bad installation. This may lead to further damage, such as mold and mildew growth. This, in turn, can cause the cracks to enlarge over time.
Remediation is a more costly service, but it addresses the root causes of the problems. This may involve ripping off the existing stucco, and replacing it with new material. It may also include replastering the wall, and it will take longer than simple repair work.
Before applying a new coat of stucco, it’s important to prepare the surface for its application. Sanding and cleaning the area is essential, and it should be free of debris and dust. The wire lath should be cleaned, and it’s a good idea to replace any rotted wood.
Antonio DiSilva, of MJM Masonry, performed remedial work on this East Boston house over ten days, tearing off loose stucco and patching it with three separate coats. He followed the first-coat recipe, and added an acrylic bonding agent to improve the adhesion of the new stucco to the old. He wetted the edge of the existing stucco to prevent suck-back of moisture, and to help ensure that the new material would adhere properly.
To apply the first coat, he scooped fist-size wads of the mixture onto his brick trowel and flicked them against the wall. He then rubbed the patch with his float, smoothing it until it was flush with the existing surface. He then misted the surface to keep it moist, and covered the patch with a plastic sheet.
After seven days, the plastic should be removed and the stucco should be misted with water again. Then, the second coat can be applied. This time, the mix should be stirred more thoroughly, and it should be thinner than the first coat. He again scooped fist-size globs of the mixture onto his trowel and flicked them against the surface.
Painting
Stucco is a popular exterior finish for homes, but it must be repaired and painted properly to maintain its beauty and structural integrity. When it comes to painting stucco, it’s important to follow the best practices for cleaning, priming and application to ensure an even color and smooth surface.
It is also necessary to choose a paint that can adhere to stucco, and one that will match the existing colors of your home’s exterior. Many stucco contractors recommend using a masonry primer to prepare the surface for painting. This product eliminates efflorescence, helps block moisture and improves paint adhesion.
After the primer has dried, you can begin the actual painting process. The first coat should be a light, sanded, and cleaned texture that will serve as your basecoat. Depending on your preferences, you can use a roller or brush for this step. A roller with a thick nap is ideal as it can navigate the rough texture of stucco and push paint into every crevice. A brush may be required for smaller areas.
If you’ve had stucco repaired, it’s recommended that you apply a coat of stucco tint to the basecoat to ensure the repair matches the rest of the wall. This will help hide any flaws and provide a smooth, uniform appearance. You can purchase these tints from your local paint store or have a professional mix it for you.
As you continue to paint, be sure to work in the shade and with a bristle or wire brush, as harsh sunlight can bleach or worsen undamaged areas of your stucco. It’s also recommended to use a high-quality elastomeric paint that is specifically designed for stucco.
Some cracks in your stucco will not be able to be caulked or patched and may require more extensive repairs. It’s a good idea to consult a CertaPro painter to evaluate the extent of your stucco damage and develop a remediation plan. Simply painting over these problems will only cause them to recur and potentially make the damage worse.
Final Inspection
If the cracks you have in your stucco are not too extensive, and there is no visible mold or moisture present, a simple repair might be all you need. A thorough inspection by an experienced stucco repair person will reveal if the damage you have is caused by a deeper issue that will require remediation.
A repair is a simpler, quicker, and shorter-term solution than remediation. It focuses on the immediate, surface-level problems that have developed as a result of a physical force impacting your stucco, such as a fallen tree limb or stray baseball from kids playing in the yard. While repairs are quick and cheap, they are essentially a band-aid on the facade, and can often cause problems that would not have occurred without a band-aid.
Remediation, on the other hand, is a full-scale renovation of your exterior that addresses the underlying problem causing the damage to your stucco. Remediation includes repairing and replastering the entire wall system, and it can be done in stages depending on your needs and budget.
Moisture intrusion into the space between the outer stucco and inner wall system can lead to rot and structural damage, which is why it’s important to identify and address any issues with moisture. Remediation is more expensive than repair, but it can be worth the investment in the long run.
When deciding between repair and remediation, it’s also important to consider how the condition of your stucco has evolved over time. If certain regions or sects of your home’s stucco have become more vulnerable to moisture intrusion, then it may be a better idea to invest in remediation instead of simply patching the affected areas.
It’s a good idea to do a walk-around inspection of your stucco exterior once or twice a month. Look for any cracking, chipping, fading or discoloration. You can even use a moisture meter to find out if your stucco has any hidden water damage. By regularly assessing your stucco, you can catch any issues before they escalate and end up costing you more in the future.