Stucco Repair 101
If you own a stucco house, there will probably come a time when you need to make some Stucco Repair Philadelphia. These can range from repairing hairline cracks to repairing large sections of stucco. Visual inspection is the first line of defense in stucco repair. Look for signs of cracks, mold, stains, and discoloration.
Preparation
Stucco can be a very durable exterior finish. However, it can also be damaged by a variety of factors. These include water seeping beneath the stucco’s surface, mold growth and lack of gutters.
If you notice cracks or holes in your stucco, it’s important to repair them as soon as possible. These can lead to permanent structural damage.
Before applying a new layer of stucco, you should prepare the area by cleaning it. This will remove any paint, oil or plant growth.
You should also be aware of any hairline cracks that may be present. These cracks can be filled with a quality coat of paint, but don’t attempt to patch them as they may not match the existing color.
If you’re unsure about how your stucco is being prepared for painting, you should ask the professionals you hire questions. These questions will help you know if the job has been properly prepped and avoid peeling or bubbling problems for years to come.
Mixing Stucco
Stucco is a plaster-like material that’s mixed with cement and sand. It can be applied over wood-frame construction or to masonry surfaces such as brick, block, and structural tile.
To mix stucco, you need a large container that is appropriate for the job, a mixer, and a trowel. For smaller patch jobs, you don’t need a mixer and can use premixed stucco.
Depending on your location and the size of your project, you may want to rent a mixer or purchase one. Regardless of the method, it’s important to mix properly.
A good mixing system will ensure that the stucco has a consistent consistency. This will make it easier to apply the stucco and allow the crew with the trowels to do a better job. This is especially important for larger projects.
Applying Stucco
Before applying stucco to fix cracks or holes, check for underlying issues that might be causing the damage, like a foundation settlement. It’s better to address them than try to keep repairing the damage over and over again (see “Patching Stucco”).
Applying stucco can be as simple or complicated as you want it to be. For example, you can apply it to a brick or masonry wall or over a piece of wood sheathing.
Depending on the substrate, you might need to use a moisture barrier to prevent water from penetrating the repair area. If so, cut two pieces of grade D building paper to match the repair area and staple them over the existing lath or mesh.
Next, mix a stucco mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a float or wire brush, apply the base coat of cement to the repair area and let it dry thoroughly.
Finishing Stucco
The final coat of stucco creates a finished surface on your exterior walls. It can be applied in several ways, including troweled smooth, hand-textured, floated to a sand finish or sprayed.
Stucco is a cement-type mixture made of sand, Portland cement, lime and water. It can be mixed from raw materials or purchased as pre-mixed products at home centers.
It can be applied to any masonry material, such as concrete block or fieldstone, for decorative purposes. It also can be used on wood-sheathed homes for structural support.
Depending on the texture, stucco can absorb and draw moisture away from a building’s exterior walls. It also helps keep a building from developing mold or mildew problems.
There are different textures available for a stucco finish, and you can choose the one that best matches your house’s design. Some of the most popular options include sand-finish, scraped or worm texture.
