How To Texture Stucco Repairs

STUCCO STIGMA

We are sure by now you have heard about some of the negative reputations that stucco has developed over the last decade or so.  But is this reputation deserved? The simple answer is no, but let us delve a little deeper into the subject and you will see for yourself…

We remember all too well the unfortunate and horrific events of September 11th, 2001. A day that will live in infamy for eons to come. But hearing about some of the good things that happened during the days and weeks that followed can help to realize that there is a.

STUCCO RESURFACING

Thinking about resurfacing your stucco home? This could be a great way to revitalize the look of your house, or it could be covering over way bigger problems. Things to know before you get your stucco resurfaced. What is the stucco applied to? If you have stucco over

3 STAGES OF STUCCO FAILURE

Stucco problems can come in many forms, from unsightly cracks and bulges, to internal water damage to hardwood floors and moldy and decaying floor joists.  But not all stucco problems necessarily mean costly repairs. Some stucco issues can be minor and require minimal

STUCCO EXPANSION JOINTS

Why are Stucco Expansion Joints Important? The stucco facade on any building will expand and contract with temperature changes.  This alone would not cause any problems if the temperature changes were uniform across the entire facade, and the building structure that

Professional Painting Knowledge Base

How Serious is a Stucco Crack?

Though cracks in stucco can occur due to different factors, including wrong mix proportions, insufficient mixing, poor workmanship, seismic movement and seasonal changes, two leading causes of cracks in stucco are the house settling process and shrinkage-induced stresses, which typically occur during the drying period. Now that you know why stucco cracks, let’s find out how serious a stucco crack can be.

The Problems behind Stucco Cracking

Hairline cracks aren’t as serious as deep cracks. However, they can provide a pathway for moisture and water to enter into a wall system. Once moisture or water gets inside a wall, it will inevitably cause further damage. As an example, water that gets behind stucco will soften the material it comes in contact with, eventually causing stucco to break away and fall off in sheets. Moisture and water trapped inside walls can lead to additional problems, such as paint failure, wood rot, mold growth, musty smell, swollen drywall and irreparable damage.

Although cracks smaller than 1/16 inches usually don’t undermine the integrity of exterior stucco, repairing them immediately will prevent them from escalating into something worse. To repair a minor stucco crack, apply a high-quality caulk, use a brush to stipple the caulk while wet (this will create texture to better blend) let it cure, dry properly then paint the entire area.

Unlike hairline cracks, a large stucco crack may indicate a structural problem. Often, large cracks develop at the intersection of vertical walls, at the upper corners of window and door frames, or at joints between wood framing and concrete/brick masonry. Since most large cracks aren’t only wide but also deep, they allow moisture and water to penetrate the building envelope and pass freely through walls.

The most “dangerous” cracks are typically wider than 1/16 inches, with edges that are no longer aligned parallel to each other. If the edge of a crack has moved in relation to the other edge, it may indicate unusual structural changes in your home. As an example, when the foundation settles more on one side of a house than on the other, it may create enough stress for stucco to crack. To correctly address and fix potential structural problems, it’s very important to investigate large cracks before any attempt is made to repair them.

Reasons Why Painting Stucco is a Good Idea

If your home exterior has been finished with stucco coating, you’re in luck! Not only is this long-lasting, durable material attractive, it can also effectively protect your home against the elements. But, just like other types of house siding, the color of your stucco can fade over time. When this happens, you may wonder if you can paint the stucco on your home. With proper preparation, the right paint, and correct painting materials, exterior stucco painting can offer many benefits.

Advantages of Painting Stucco on Your Home

Stucco is one of the most popular exterior finishes for homes as it is low-maintenance and can look beautiful for years when taken care of. Hiring professional painters to paint your stucco can ensure the following unique advantages.

Seals Out Moisture

After it rains, you may notice that your stucco absorbs water and becomes darker until dry. When you paint stucco, the paint completely seals the material, so moisture won’t penetrate it. This allows your color to remain consistent even during a very rainy day.

Covers Stains

You probably see water and rusting stains running in vertical lines on your stucco (usually beneath window frames). Painting stucco can block and cover these stains. When painted by professionals, stains won’t reappear for years on the new paint surface!

Fills Hairline Cracks

Do you have a lot of cracks in your stucco? This damage will only become a bigger problem with time. When left unpainted, chunks of stucco will pop out and costly repairs will be needed. Painting your home with high-quality thick paint can fill these hairline cracks naturally with the paint film.

BEHIND THE WARRANTY

With so many stucco companies to choose from, all offering you different products and services, how can you know if you’re getting your money’s worth before it is too late? Check the Warranty.

HOW MANY YEARS IS THE WARRANTY GOOD FOR?

This should be the first thing that you look at.  Stucco manufacturers generally offer factory material and labor warranties to just a few selected contractors.  These warranties range greatly in terms depending on the products used or not used during the stucco restoration process.

These stucco manufacturers have varying levels of stucco products that perform very differently. Some products are below average basically just cheap acrylics. They will not hold up very well over time and will generally fail rather quickly. Like I said, they’re cheap

While other products are high performance, elastomeric stucco finishes created to withstand intense UV rays, resist water intrusion and promote elasticity in the finish.

It’s very important to note that no warranty protects against cracking.  Stucco cracks, no matter what. The higher the grade of product and techniques used can however reduce cracks and greatly extend the life and performance of your stucco. 

Does Your Stucco Need Repairs?

We love the classic look and feel of stucco, but more so than most home exterior materials, stucco can be a tricky keeper. Although stucco as material might not be as prone to major issues in certain states, it can sometimes feel difficult to take care

Visual Inspect the Stucco for Cracks & Mold

Take a quick walk around the outside of your home to look for signs of stucco disrepair. Although cracks in stucco are the easiest thing to visually spot, make sure you pay close attention to any discoloration or signs of mold. Many of these signs come with general weathering and age, but if your stucco exterior is fairly new, this can also be a sign of improper installation. Depending on the climate of your state, cracking and discoloration could be a sign of expansion or shrinkage of the stucco material.

Be on the lookout for hairline cracks, spider cracks, and cracks on any foam trim. Hairline cracks may be a sign of intense stress on the exterior of your home, whereas a spider crack more often occurs due to a stucco mixture that was improperly mixed or a base coat that wasn’t properly cured. If you see signs of mold, it could be a sure sign that moisture has been trapped behind the surface of your stucco. If cracks, discoloration, or mold is visible, contact an experienced company to come and fix cracks with proper compounding or to help you find ways to irradicate mold.

Touch and Smell the Stucco Exterior

Don’t be afraid to get up close and personal with the stucco around your home. This includes paying close attention to the smell and feel of stucco areas. Walk around your home and make sure that everything smells “normal”. Of course, it may be difficult to discern what you should be smelling, but just as it’s simple to tell the difference between a clean room and a moldy one, it’s easy to smell mold around your home’s exterior. If you catch a scent that seems off make sure to check the area closer and touch the surface. If there’s moisture in the area on a rather dry day, this is likely due to a moisture issue and should be taken care of immediately.

Stucco Inspection

Of course, every homeowner should learn how to do a general inspection of their home’s exterior, but knowing how seriously to take cracks and stains can be overwhelming. If you’re worried about missing areas that need maintenance or major repairs, don’t hesitate