Stucco is a beautiful and durable material for your home’s exterior. However, it does require some maintenance to keep it looking good.

Small cracks and discoloration are common signs that stucco needs repair. If left untreated, these issues can lead to moisture seepage, which damages your interior structures and the overall integrity of your home. Contact Stucco Repair Philadelphia now!

Inspect Your Walls Regularly

Stucco is a popular option for homeowners and business owners to cover exterior surfaces. It adds a great deal of curb appeal and enhances the resale value of your property. However, like many other exterior coatings, stucco requires regular maintenance and repairs to keep it looking its best. If left unchecked, cracking can occur which could lead to water intrusion and other structural problems.

Stucco is made by combining cement, sand and lime then forming it into a thick, workable mixture that can be applied to walls and other surfaces. When properly applied and maintained, it is a very durable and long lasting material. Stucco is also a very insulating material which is especially useful during our hot Summer months here in Arizona. However, due to improper application or damage, building settlement, weather or just age, stucco can begin to break down and will require repairing.

The best way to prevent major issues is to catch problems early on. This can be done by performing a perimeter walk of your home on a regular basis to assess the condition of your stucco. Ideally, you should perform this assessment at least once per month or more if possible. This will allow you to find small cracks, bald spots and other areas that need repair before they become more serious problems.

During your inspection, you should pay attention to the location, direction and severity of the cracks. This will help you determine if they pose a safety risk to your family and staff or if it is time to contact a professional.

If the cracks in your stucco are accompanied by other problems such as popping nails or screws, twisting, leaning or bowing of the wall it may be a sign that there is a significant problem with the structure of your home. In this case it is highly recommended that you contact a qualified building inspector to assist you in determining the extent of the problem and estimating the cost of remediation.

The most common cause of cracks in stucco is water penetration. This can be caused by leaky roofs, downpipes or guttering that is blocked. It can also be caused by failing rainwater disposal systems, such as stormwater drains that are not working effectively. Other causes of cracking include poor drainage, excessive soil movement and damage to the underlying building materials.

Repair Small Cracks

It’s common for stucco walls to crack over time. However, these small cracks can be easily repaired before they worsen and cause serious problems. The best way to keep your home looking its best is to inspect it regularly for signs of damage, and then repair these cracks as soon as you notice them. This will help keep them from causing more damage and save you money in the long run.

Stucco is a durable cement plaster that’s often used as siding on homes. It’s a strong material that can withstand a lot of pressure, but it is susceptible to expansion and contraction from temperature changes. This is why it’s important to maintain your stucco walls, keeping up with re-painting and other maintenance as necessary.

Small cracks can be easily repaired using caulking and repainting. This is a relatively simple process that any do-it-yourselfer can complete on their own. When you’re ready to tackle this project, first use a wire brush to remove dirt or algae from the cracks. Then, use an elastomeric caulking to fill the cracks. This type of caulking will allow the cracks to expand and contract with changes in temperature, without causing further damage. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time.

For larger cracks (1/4-inch or wider), you’ll need to do a bit more prep work. Begin by chiseling out the damaged section of stucco, leaving some undamaged surrounding material. Then, use a putty knife or scratch awl to scrape off any loose material from the cracks. Finally, clean the area with a damp sponge and apply a premixed stucco patching product to the cracked areas. Once the patching material dries (follow the manufacturer’s instructions), you can paint over it.

If you’re concerned about the appearance of your walls, consider using a textured caulking product such as Quikrete. This is a good option because it’s easy to use and blends well with the texture of your stucco. It’s also waterproof, which can protect your home from moisture infiltration and other issues that can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Repair Large Cracks

Stucco is a sturdy cement plaster, but even this strong material isn’t immune to cracking. It’s not uncommon for hairline cracks to appear, but you should only be concerned about larger ones if they indicate an ongoing problem that needs fixing right away. In this case, it’s worth calling a professional stucco contractor to troubleshoot the issue and make repairs.

In many cases, repairing larger cracks is easier than you might think. The key is to prep the crack properly, and that includes opening it up at least one-fourth inch wide with a cold chisel and hammer to ensure the caulk sticks. It’s also a good idea to use a wire brush or scraper to remove any loose debris from the area. Finally, you’ll want to apply a damp concrete primer to the area around the crack in preparation for your repair.

After the primer dries, you can begin working on your actual crack repair. Depending on the size of the crack, you might be able to do this yourself with just a handful of tools. Begin by removing any damaged stucco and debris from the crack, using a cold chisel to open the crack up at least a quarter of an inch, then sanding it down. Afterward, you’ll want to prep the area again by cleaning it and ensuring the crack is free of dirt and algae.

Once the area is clean, you can apply a premixed stucco patching product to fill the crack. The best type of stucco patch to use is an elastomeric caulking, which will allow the crack to expand and contract with temperature changes without causing any further damage. Apply a thin layer of the patching material with a putty knife, then use a rubber float to spread it out and feather it into the existing texture. Once the patch is dry, paint over it.

This will help to conceal the crack and hide it from view, so no one will know there was ever a problem with the wall! For a smooth texture, this should be sufficient, but for rougher textures, you may need to repaint the entire wall to get the desired effect.

Call a Professional

Even if you are a handy homeowner, you should not try to repair large cracks in your stucco on your own. Besides the fact that it is dangerous, this kind of task requires specialized knowledge and experience, as well as a variety of tools. Buying these tools for yourself can be quite expensive, so hiring a professional stucco contractor will prove to be more cost effective in the long run.

In addition to cracks, you should also be aware of any other issues that may affect your stucco walls. For example, if there is moisture infiltration and the underlying wall structure has been compromised, it can lead to serious problems and even structural damage. This is why it is important to perform regular inspections and address cracks promptly.

Moisture infiltration also leads to mold and mildew growth, which can be very damaging. It is important to clean your stucco regularly to prevent these unwanted guests, as they can wreak havoc on the health of your family. In addition, it is important to keep the area around your home’s windows properly insulated and sealed, as this can help reduce moisture intrusion.

Cracks in your stucco can also cause problems inside the house, especially if they are near doors or windows. This is because moisture can seep through the cracks and enter the living space, causing a variety of issues including mold and mildew. In addition, cracks can allow insects to gain entry into your home, which can be extremely dangerous for your family’s health.

Aside from regular inspections and timely repairs, you should also make sure that the drainage system is functioning correctly to direct water away from your stucco. Additionally, you should trim any bushes or plants that are touching your stucco to avoid rubbing against it. Finally, you should use gutters and downspouts to make sure that they are free of debris that can cause flooding and damage your stucco.