Construction & Contractors Blog
Stucco is a popular home exterior finish due to its durability and classic appearance. However, even the most well-maintained stucco can show signs of wear or damage over time. Homeowners who want to revitalize their worn or damaged stucco exterior should first understand the causes behind their stucco's deterioration.
Appreciate The Various Causes Of Worn Or Damaged Stucco Exterior
Prolonged periods of rain can cause moisture infiltration that may cause the stucco to develop cracks. Additionally, intense sunlight may cause fading and discoloration over time. Structural issues within your home can also lead to worn or damaged stucco exteriors. For example, uneven settling foundations may cause cracks in the stucco as it attempts to accommodate shifts in the structure. Water damage from leaking roofs or pipes might weaken specific areas, making them particularly vulnerable.
Evaluate The Severity Of Worn Or Damaged Stucco Exteriors
The severity of your worn or damaged stucco exterior will determine which repair methods are appropriate for revitalization efforts. Small hairline cracks can typically be patched easily with minimal effort. However, more substantial chips may require replacing large sections of the stucco.
Fading is another common issue that stucco can experience. Generally, this fading results from the long and intense exposure to sunlight that the stucco will experience. Unfortunately, this is an unavoidable issue that all stucco exteriors will eventually need to have addressed.
Repairing Worn Or Damaged Stucco Exterior
You will need a pre-mixed stucco patch material or mix your own to repair minor cracks and chips in your stucco exterior. Typically, mixing your stucco patch is not advisable due to the ease of making mistakes that could compromise the quality of the patch. Apply the patch material to the damaged area with a trowel following the manufacturer's instructions for drying time. Sand down any rough edges once dried to create a seamless finish with the surrounding stucco.
Pressure washing effectively removes dirt buildup that can cause fading or discoloration of your stucco exterior without requiring the reapplication of materials. This method involves using a high-pressure water spray to remove dirt and grime from the surface. However, this can require a professional to complete safely. Otherwise, setting the pressure too high is easy to do, which could remove some of the stucco.
Prevent Future Wear Or Damage To Your Stucco Exterior
Regular inspections prevent future wear or damage to your stucco exterior. By examining your home's exterior at least twice a year, you can spot issues early before they become more substantial problems. Furthermore, it is possible to seal stucco. This can significantly enhance its durability against moisture and ultraviolet light damage.
Contact stucco repair services to find out more.
Share18 April 2023
