Stucco siding is a standard and attractive option for homes in warm areas, but it will need care in the form of repairs and a coating at some point.
People often use stucco for the exterior of their homes because they have been assured that it is highly durable.
It's indeed durable; stucco can last for decades if properly maintained. Here are the instances where elastomeric coating on your stucco siding is necessary.
The first step in stucco maintenance is knowing when it's needed. When in excellent condition, your house is protected from any hazards. However, if a hole or crack develops, it represents a vulnerability in your house's defenses.
If left unattended, water, insects, and other pests can enter your home through it. Preventing these issues from ever occurring is crucial.
It's wise to make checking the stucco on your house a routine. Proceed to the exterior and inspect the stucco as you stroll around the structure.
As time goes on, the stucco may seem old and worn and need to be repainted. Examine the stucco for holes, fissures, or blisters. Something is broken and needs fixing if it happens.
Stucco siding restoration begins with determining what caused the damage. That way, you can deal with the issue without worrying about it cropping up again in a few months.
Some potential causes of stucco damage are discussed below:
Applying stucco requires multiple coats. If one of the coats was misused, the stucco is likelier to crack and break.
Stucco becomes weaker and more likely to crack if water penetrates it. Because of its vulnerability when applied in damp conditions, careful application is required.
Repairing stucco siding requires first ensuring that no water is getting in. This could be from a leaking downspout or an unweatherproofed door or window.
Now that the cause of the damage to your stucco has been identified, you can set about restoring it to its former glory. Fixing it isn't too tricky, and the repairs you make will hold up for years if you do them correctly.
1. Chip Away Damage
The damaged stucco must be chipped away first. Considering you already have a hole where it cracked or blistered, it shouldn't be too harsh. You may dampen the area beforehand to reduce the dust kicked up from the wall.
2. Apply Tar Paper
After that, you'll need to cover the exposed wall with new tar paper. Make sure there is an overlap between the new and old articles when applying this. This will prevent leaks from occurring inside the house by preventing moisture from penetrating the wall.
3. Add Metal Lath
It's time to attach the new metal lath to the wall by making patches. Your new stucco will be applied to this surface.
4. Patch With New Stucco
Now you can stucco over the holes in the wall. Hardware stores typically stock patch kits, so you can avoid the hassle of measuring out precise cement amounts.
Do as directed and apply it to the wound. Please don't rush into painting, matching the rest of the patch to the house before it has fully cured.
After fixing the stucco, it's time to consider repainting the home. Because there are now no problems with the stucco, this is the ideal moment to paint the whole outside.
Re-painting stucco is typically done every 5-10 years, regardless of whether or not any repairs have been performed. When it comes to painting time, you should use the highest quality paint you can find. Higher-grade color has a greater chance of withstanding the weather.
Investing in higher-quality paint will improve the final product. There is no doubt that this will increase the longevity of your stucco and boost the property's curb appeal.
In recent years, elastomeric paint has become one of the most popular options for painting stucco. The name of this painting gives away its main characteristic: it stretches. Because of its flexible construction, it may expand or compress depending on the temperature outside.
Because of this, you can expect to get more years out of a paint job before it needs to be redone, as there is much less risk of the paint cracking as the temperature outside changes. As a paint explicitly developed for stucco, elastomeric paint is a top choice for home exteriors.
Make sure there are no visible nail holes or brush strokes when you apply the paint. Waterproof elastomeric paint requires an uninterrupted surface. It's not hard to see why this siding paint is becoming more popular among homeowners. Stucco wear and tear is significantly reduced when watertight and elastic.
Less siding damage will occur due to water seepage if water is prevented from entering the building. The good news is that as it stretches, cracking will decrease.
When painting stucco, it's usually best to hire a professional painting crew to achieve the best results. They can paint it wholly and evenly, sealing gaps and making it genuinely watertight.
You have gained an understanding of why stucco siding repair is so important. When necessary, make repairs and coat it with an elastomeric coating to prevent further wear and tear.
