Stucco Repair is a specialized job that requires the expertise of a professional. Stucco Repair Philadelphia involves stripping stucco layers and repairing the underlying damage. Hairline cracks in the surface of the stucco can be repaired using exterior latex paintable caulk matched to the home’s color. Using a utility knife or tin snips, cut a piece of grade-D builder’s paper the size of the patch area.
Stucco is one of the most durable exterior home claddings available, but it can be not easy to maintain properly. Having a professional perform a stucco inspection is the best way to identify and catch problems before they escalate. Moisture intrusion is a common problem that can be costly to repair, and it can lead to a host of other issues, including insect infestations.
The best way to maintain your stucco is to hose it off regularly with mild pressure. Then, you can spray a water repellent on it to help keep it looking fresh. It is also important to trim trees and shrubs so they are not touching the stucco. Finally, it is a good idea to install a gutter system and check them periodically to ensure they are not clogged or damaged.
A visual inspection of your stucco can reveal moisture damage, but more extensive information can be gathered through a stucco probe test. During this process, holes are drilled into the stucco to measure moisture in depth. This allows us to see what is hiding under the surface of your stucco, and it can also help identify any issues with the structure of the wall.
Infrared imaging can also be used to evaluate the condition of your stucco. However, this technology is sensitive to weather conditions and should only be performed by someone who understands how it works.
Lastly, core samples can be taken from the stucco to determine if the cladding is sufficiently thick, if there are any structural issues, and how the wall was built. These samples can be used to help identify the source of moisture and recommend the best solution for addressing it.
Stucco is a beautiful and durable option for homes, but it must be maintained correctly in order to protect the home from moisture damage. Moisture damage to a stucco wall can cause expensive and extensive repairs, but the good news is that it can be prevented by being aware of the risks and having your home regularly inspected by a trained and experienced moisture expert.
When hairline cracks form in the surface of your stucco, it’s important to get them repaired quickly before rainwater seeps behind them and damages the underlying lath. This can lead to rot and soft spots in the wall, as well as mold growth. It’s a good idea to have a professional inspect the damage and determine whether you need repair or remediation.
For small repairs, you can do the work yourself for a fraction of what it would cost to hire a contractor. Begin by removing any loose, crumbling pieces of stucco. Then chip away the broken stucco to expose the metal mesh covering the wood lath underneath. Next, clean the area with a wire brush and remove any debris or dust. Then, cover the wood lath with grade D building paper, which will serve as a moisture barrier. Finally, attach the metal mesh and secure it with galvanized nails.
Once the area is prepared, apply a base coat of new stucco using a trowel and let it dry. Then, add a finishing coat that will match the texture of the surrounding area. When the final coat is dried, you can paint the wall as desired.
If the cracks are larger than a dime, you may need to call in a stucco contractor for remediation. A professional will thoroughly inspect the entire wall system and find any underlying issues that could be contributing to the damage. This is particularly important around windows, where water penetration tends to occur most often.
Remediation will take longer and require more labor than simple repair, but it is a more permanent solution. Once the underlying problem is corrected, the cracks won’t come back. If the damage continues, you’ll need to spend more money on repair and remediation in the future. The best way to save money in the long run is to have a qualified, experienced contractor examine your stucco and determine if it requires repair or remediation. Stucco contractors are also trained and knowledgeable in exterior painting, which can help to protect the whole home from rot and mold.
In most cases, plaster repair is a straightforward procedure that can bring old stucco surfaces back to life. However, if there’s evidence of an underlying issue with your home’s construction and installation, remediation may be required.
Stucco remediation is designed to correct any issues that are causing moisture intrusion, whether it’s mold and mildew or wall rot. Remediation will typically involve stripping away outer layers of your walls to reveal the structural framing beneath, then properly repairing it and adding a fresh coat of stucco. This process also includes addressing any areas that are leaking and will often include installing new waterproofing materials as well.
Remediation is much more involved than simple stucco repair and can only be performed by a qualified contractor who understands the ins and outs of this type of work. This is especially true when it comes to addressing water damage and mold growth underneath your stucco, as this type of problem can affect the entire structure of your house.
One of the biggest warning signs that your stucco is in trouble is if you notice that your windows and doors are sticking. This is a clear sign that there’s moisture getting trapped behind your exterior and it can cause severe problems down the road, including water intrusion, mildew, mold and even wood rot.
You can sometimes repair cracks in your stucco yourself using a product such as Quikrete’s sanded acrylic caulking (view it on Amazon). This is typically designed to remedy smaller gouges and holes but will probably be too thick for addressing wider, more serious cracks. If you do choose to tackle a smaller crack yourself, make sure to use a caulk gun with a nozzle tip that’s small enough to fit inside the crack.
You can also take a proactive approach by having your stucco regularly inspected and having a WDO report done, which will allow for any hidden moisture issues to be detected early on. This is the best way to ensure that your stucco and structural framing are protected from any future issues.
Stucco is a popular siding choice for homes because it looks beautiful, reduces energy costs and can last for over a century. It is also insulating and fire retardant. However, it is not maintenance free. Over time, it can develop cracks and holes that allow moisture into the home. If these are not repaired, the damage can spread and lead to wood rot, mold and mildew. If you notice these problems, it’s important to take action quickly.
Stucco patching is a relatively simple DIY project. However, before attempting it, you should be aware of what causes stucco to fail. Stucco is a mix of lime and cement that is applied to exterior walls in a three-coat system that ensures proper set, sealing and insulation. When a stucco wall fails, it can be caused by a number of things including faulty installation, moisture penetration or underlying issues such as dry rot.
If a hole or crack is caused by water penetration, you will need to conduct a more thorough repair, called remediation. This involves removing the damaged material and applying a new coat of stucco, ensuring the integrity of the entire wall is restored. This is a bigger job than simply repairing a small area, and should only be attempted by a professional who has experience with stucco construction.
For holes and cracks caused by normal wear and tear, you can use commercially available stucco patching products that are paintable. Several different brands are available, so try a few to see which works best for your texture. Some are better suited for larger gouges and holes, while others are designed to match the look of a stucco surface.
Before using any of these products, clean the area and brush off any loose debris or dust with a wire brush. Then, spray the surface with a power washer and let it dry. Once the patch is dry, you can apply a primer (we recommend Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer) and then paint.
Taking care of small hairline cracks and holes in your stucco can help you extend the life of your home’s exterior finish. However, if the problem is not addressed immediately, it can become much more expensive and time-consuming to repair. If you notice signs of failure, contact a reputable contractor and get your stucco inspected.