Stucco cracks less than a quarter of an inch wide are easy to fix with caulk. Buy pre-mixed acrylic exterior caulk at your local hardware store and follow the package instructions. Remove loose stucco with a hammer and chisel for larger cracks or holes. Examine the uncovered supporting layers (wood lath and house wrap) to ensure they are intact.
Stucco Repair Philadelphia costs can be expensive, but there are some things homeowners can do to keep the cost down. The most important thing is hiring a company with the proper skills and tools to perform the repairs. This will ensure that the job is done correctly and safely. Additionally, it will help prevent further damage to the stucco.
Stuccco repair costs are usually based on the size of the project and how much work is needed. Small cracks and holes can often be repaired by a homeowner, but larger areas of damage will require a professional to get the job done. Additionally, there are often extra charges for inspections and painting, which can add to the overall cost of a repair project.
One of the most common stucco repair issues is water damage. This can cause a variety of problems, including mold, wood rot, and black and green stains on the exterior walls. If left untreated, this type of damage can lead to the need for costly remediation and renovation.
Homeowners can often save money by repairing the water damage as soon as they notice it. This can be done by filling in the cracks and crevices with caulking, which is usually inexpensive and can prevent further damage to the exterior of the home.
Another common issue with stucco is discoloration and fading. This can be caused by water damage or by normal aging of the material. It is important to have any discoloration or fading repaired quickly, as this can affect the appearance of the entire house.
If the staining or discoloration is severe, it may be necessary to repaint the whole house. This can be a costly project, but it can make the stucco look new again.
Another option is to paint the stucco in a different color. This is a less expensive option than repainting the entire house, but it can still be quite expensive.
Appearance
Stucco resembles plaster in texture, but it is much more durable and resistant to moisture exposure and temperature changes. It also requires fewer repairs than plaster. It does, however, need to be inspected and repaired on an annual basis. If you’re able to spot problems and repair them early, stucco can last between 50 and 80 years without the need for extensive reconstruction.
Stucco repair starts by removing all old stucco and replacing any rotted framing or sheathing. You should also replace the deteriorated metal mesh before applying new stucco. If you’re unsure whether the mesh is rusted or in good condition, check for a layer of largely intact building paper on top of the lath. If it’s intact, leave it in place; otherwise, you should cut it out with metal snips and apply a new mesh to the sheathing.
If your stucco’s color has faded or the surface is pitted, you can restore its appearance with a simple repainting. The best paints for stucco are elastomeric, which flex with the material and can help reduce cracking. You can find elastomeric paints at home improvement stores in a variety of colors and finishes to match the existing color of your stucco.
Before patching any holes, cracks or loose areas of stucco, use a wood or acrylic hammer to tap the wall. Loose stucco often bulges and feels spongey to the touch. To make sure that a loose section is secure, press your palms firmly on both sides of the hole or crack and feel for any springiness.
When you’re repairing any cracked or blemished areas of stucco, be sure to use a mix that matches the original in composition and particle size. In addition, make sure the sand and other aggregate used to mix your stucco is clean, washed, graded pit sand that’s free of clay or organic impurities.
Regular maintenance for stucco includes cleaning with a medium-bristle brush and a garden hose. Avoid using a high-pressure washer, which can damage the surface. If your stucco is stained by mold or algae, you can clean it with a mixture of one part non-chlorine bleach to three parts water.
Maintenance
When homeowners see the first signs of stucco damage, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. The earlier the problem is addressed, the less damage it will cause over time. Detecting and responding to early signs of damage will save thousands in repairs and replacement costs. The most common signs of trouble include cracking, crumbling, and paint flaking. While some of these issues can be fixed by the homeowner, others require the help of a professional.
The size of the home is one of the most significant factors affecting stucco repair cost. A larger home will need more materials and labor to complete the project than a smaller one. In addition, the number of stories on the exterior of a home also affects repair costs. If there are multiple levels to the stucco, a specialist will need to be hired to access them all.
In addition to repairing stucco cracks, it’s important to address any water or moisture leaks. These can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can damage the underlying wood and cause structural problems. Moisture penetration can also lead to rot in the sheathing and insulation, which must be replaced. Stucco remediation is a more involved service than simple stucco repair, and it requires more skill and experience to perform properly.
It’s important to understand the different types of stucco cracking and what they can tell you about your home’s health. Hairline cracks are common and normal, while stair-stepping or spider-web cracking may be a sign of moisture problems. Cracks that zigzag across the walls may indicate that the lath and metal sheathing are failing.
When a crack is repaired, it’s important to use an Elastomeric caulking. This type of caulking allows the crack to expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing further damage. After the crack is filled, it should be painted to match the rest of the stucco. Homeowners should also regularly clean their stucco to remove dirt and algae, which can cause more damage to the material. It’s also a good idea to channel rainwater away from the stucco, to avoid water damage and rot.
Safety
When a homeowner notices cracking on their stucco home, they might feel tempted to reach for the caulk or paint and cover the flaws. While this might make a home look better, it can hide water damage that could lead to serious structural problems in the future. This is why it’s important for a homeowner to have their stucco properly inspected by a professional.
Many stucco issues are caused by water penetration, and cracks give moisture an easy pathway into the wall of a house. Once in, moisture can cause rot and mold to form that can damage the house’s structural integrity. This is why it’s so important for homeowners to have their stucco inspected on a regular basis and to fix any issues immediately.
Cracks can also be signs of other structural issues, such as a problem with the house’s foundation or soil. A structural engineer should be consulted for these issues.
Besides moisture, other causes of stucco problems include improper installation and exterior penetrations. For example, if the stucco is not properly sealed around window and door openings, this can lead to water intrusion and water damage.
Other types of penetrations can cause problems with stucco, including electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures and other hardware. In these cases, the penetration must be removed and resealed. If the penetration is a vent, chimney or other feature that is located on the roof, a tarp should be placed over it during construction and repair to protect these areas from rain and sun.
Another problem is spray foam insulation, which can encourage water and termite damage to stucco when it is installed in the walls of a building. Home inspectors and pest control professionals should use specialized equipment, such as infrared cameras, moisture meters and borescopes, to examine the interior of a home for this issue.
Stucco repair is not difficult, and it can be done by a qualified contractor. A good primer should be used to ensure the surface is clean and prepared before applying the new stucco mix. Once the patch is applied, it should be “screeded” to level and smooth the texture. The final coat should be about a quarter-inch thick and be colored with pigment to match the existing stucco.
