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3 Stucco Repair Tips

Written by Posted On Wednesday, 30 August 2017 19:24

Stucco homes, while often seen as strong, permanent and weatherproof, can have some significant problems of their own. Positive traits like energy efficiency, fire protection, noise insulation and great color retention are hallmarks of a stucco job done right. On the other hand, if a stucco job is not done correctly or not properly maintained, serious problems can crop up which can cause great damage to your home.

Here are three major problem areas to be aware of for a stucco covered home.

Like many other problems which are caused by water getting into places where it shouldn’t be, the stucco finish on your home can be negatively affected by moisture getting into places where it shouldn't be.

Staining

If your stucco is not treated, meaning it has not been sealed or maintained in a while, rainfall can really age and ruin your home's stucco exterior finish. Contaminants like dirt, acids and other pollutants can be absorbed into your home's stucco finish, resulting in visible, ugly stains. Grime, partially decayed organic matter and other nasties from your roof can wash down the side of your home and be absorbed into your stucco as well.

This constant deposition of contaminants over time can lead to a visible deterioration of your home's stucco finish. The good news, there is a three-step process that can solve or prevent this problem from happening.

First, apply an environmentally neutral exterior cleanser like Simple Green Cleaner/Degreaser to gently remove the contaminants. We like to use the liquid concentrate - a 2.5 gallon bottle goes a long way. Then we use low-pressure water to rinse and clean the surface. A garden hose with a common garden nozzle should do the trick. Here's the part that most people miss - use a sealer. We apply a water-resistant sealer likeAquaSeal Waterproofer Bonding Primer Acrylic Clear (found at Home Depot) to the freshly cleaned stucco. The sealer can protect the stucco for years. And future dirt and grime will hose off without the need for any cleaner.

Cracks

Stucco coated homes can have two main cracking issues. They are localized cracking (maybe a single crack all by itself) and more comprehensive cracking (more like an entire section of stucco that's cracking). Our experience shows us that localized cracking is mostly due to water damage that's taking place under the stucco.

Poor workmanship is often the cause of more extensive cracking. If it's just a single crack due to water infiltration below the surface, the crack should be repaired or filled in while the rest of the stucco finish needs to be sealed from moisture and joints need to be either repaired or replaced. The added benefit will be a much stronger stucco finish that will not leak water and crack.

If the cracking problem is more extensive because of shoddy workmanship and/or improper installation, an experienced local stucco repair company should be called in to evaluate the problem.

Mold

Mold can be a huge stucco problem. Not only relegated to wetter and humid parts of the country, mold can happen anywhere there is excess moisture. Even a patch of stucco that sits in the shade and gets sprayed with a lawn sprinkler can develop mold.

Mold can be a very serious situation, as there are many well-documented health risks associated with mold in and on your home. Allergic reactions, chronic respiratory problems and other dangerous symptoms are associated with mold contamination.

The mold can also deteriorate the stucco finish and can then attack the wood underneath.

The first thing that needs to happen is to identify and stop the source of the excess moisture. If it's a sprinkler head, adjust it so the home doesn't get sprayed. Sometimes large bushes can shield the side of a house and make for cool and moist mold-growing conditions. Cut down or remove bushes and plants that are up against your home.

If the stucco itself hasn't been damaged, you might be able to simply remove the mold from the stucco. One of the best, most effective ways to remove mold is by using a bleach solution. Mix five parts of water and one part bleach in a container. Using rubber gloves to protect your hands, spray or wipe the solution onto the stucco and scrub gently with a sponge or a soft brush. Now rinse and your mold problem should be gone.

If the mold problem is extensive, you will need a professional to come in and remove the mold, repair the underlying damage and reapply the stucco finish. Make sure the stucco repair company you choose has years of experience in your part of the country repairing stucco.

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish by not taking full advantage of the stucco repair process they suggest. Some homeowners may not want to apply a stucco sealer because the stucco itself is concrete - and should last forever - right?

Keeping your stucco home in great shape needn’t be complicated or expensive. Proper maintenance, identifying and repairing problems before they become dire will go a long way to keeping your home’s stucco finish strong and attractive.

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Dan Morton isthe owner of a successful SEO company and confirmed DIYer in Colorado Springs with dirt under his fingernails to prove it! If you have any questions for him, please CLICK HERE to contact him and he will respond ASAP!

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