Stucco Repair Philadelphia is a straightforward process that can bring old plaster surfaces back to good condition. It is less expensive than remediation, which addresses underlying issues that can lead to further problems. Wash the crack to about 1/4 inch using a cold chisel and hammer and bevel the sides. Brush the crack well with a bonding liquid.

Stucco is an incredibly resilient and versatile building material. As such, it has been used since ancient times to add beauty, function, and longevity to building structures. Stucco is an exterior wall finish that consists of a mix of lime or cement and sand, typically over wood, brick or masonry. A three-coat system is typically applied to ensure proper set, sealing and insulation. As with any construction material, cracks can occur due to a number of reasons.

In general, larger cracks are best left to a professional stucco repair service as they may signal underlying issues such as structural damage or moisture penetration. However, small hairline cracks that are no more than 1/4-in. wide can be repaired using a latex paintable caulking, provided it matches the existing stucco in color and texture.

Before beginning the crack repair, make sure that the surrounding stucco is undamaged and free of debris. It is also a good idea to use a foam brush to lightly remove any dirt from the surface of the crack. Start your crack repair early in the day, as heat and humidity will cause stucco to expand and contract. This movement can force the cracked portions of the stucco apart and create wider holes.

Next, prepare your materials. For a small crack, you will need some Smith & Company Damp Concrete Primer and a sanded acrylic exterior caulk (make sure that the caulk you choose is rated for use on stucco). Apply the priming product to the entire area of the crack with a narrow roller or brush. The liquid should soak into the large, medium and smaller stucco or concrete pores and help set the new material.

Once the primer is dry, apply the caulk and smooth it out with a trowel. Then, sand the caulked area to smooth out any rough surfaces and create a more natural transition from the caulk to the rest of the stucco. Then, let the caulk set for at least 24 hours before touching it up with a little bit of exterior paint.

If your cracks are larger than 1/4-in., or if you notice any other signs of damage to your stucco wall, you’ll want to opt for using a pre-mixed stucco patch that is available at home improvement stores. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to prepare and apply the patch, ensuring that it cures completely and properly.

Indentations

Often, indentations in your stucco are a sign of water damage. This can be caused by a crack in the stucco, foundation issues, or even a leak in your home. It is important to have indents repaired before they get any worse so that the moisture doesn’t eat away at the structure of your home.

The first step in repairing a hole in stucco is cleaning the area with a wire brush. This is to ensure that there are no loose particles that can affect the bond of the patch materials. It is also a good idea to remove any paint in and around the hole. Next, a hole in stucco must be filled. To do this, a builder’s compound is used and spread to the perimeter of the hole. Once the compound is applied, a layer of fiberglass mesh is added over top to strengthen the repair.

After the fiberglass mesh has been added, a second coat of stucco is then added. This should be smooth and a quarter inch thick. The last step is to apply a color coat to the entire surface. This is optional, but it helps to hide the patch. The color will likely change over time, so it is a good idea to purchase a pigment that can be added to the stucco mix and blended in.

Stucco is a durable, attractive and low maintenance finish for your home. However, if you see any cracks or holes in your stucco, it is vital to seek help from a Flower Mound stucco repair professional to ensure that the problem doesn’t get any worse.

Depending on the location of the crack or hole, it may require ladders or scaffolding to be accessed. This can increase the labor costs of the project. For example, a hole in stucco on the second or third story of your home can be much more costly to repair than a hole on the ground level because it requires additional safety equipment and time to work at these heights. It is also possible that the repair may need to be completed in multiple stages due to the difficulty of working at these heights.

Soft Spots

For many homeowners, the appearance of cracks in stucco is more than just an aesthetic problem. In fact, if the cracks are over a quarter inch wide, they could indicate a serious structural problem that may need to be addressed immediately.

In addition to structural problems, a cracked and crumbling exterior can also lead to water damage inside the building. This can be caused by moisture that leaks through the cracks or through an unseen leak in the home.

It’s important to keep an eye out for signs that your stucco needs attention, and a good place to start is feeling every inch of your exterior for indentations or soft spots. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call a stucco repair company as soon as possible.

To fix the problem, a mason will apply a base layer of stucco to the damaged area. This first layer is often called a “scratch coat” because it is used to rough up the surface of the old stucco and prepare it for the next layer. A notched trowel is often used to create grooves in the scratch coat to help future coats adhere better.

Once the scratch coat has set, a brown coat is then applied to the stucco. This is typically a pigmented coating, such as a concrete paint or mineral paint. The color of the brown coat is usually matched to the color of the existing stucco, and it is then covered with a sealant to protect it from the elements.

Finally, a top coat of stucco is then applied over the brown coat. This can be a smooth or textured coating, depending on the desired look of the house. Once the top coat has set, a final inspection and cleanup is performed to ensure that the new stucco is in good condition and is ready for the elements.

Stucco repair can be a costly project, but it’s necessary to prevent further damage to the exterior of your home. Cracks in stucco can signal underlying structural issues, and the appearance of soft spots in your stucco can indicate that there are hidden leaks in your home. By staying vigilant and knowing the warning signs, you can avoid the expensive cost of stucco repairs.

Remediation

When a home’s stucco starts showing signs of mold and moisture intrusion, it’s time for remediation. Remediation is a more extensive service than simple repair, and it’s a bit more expensive — but it solves the underlying problems that cause damage to the stucco. When it’s done right by skilled specialists, remediation is guaranteed to fix all of the issues that could be lurking under your exterior walls.

Stucco is a popular building material that’s become the standard in many new single-family homes. But like all construction materials, it has a finite lifespan. If moisture gets in to the sheathing and framing, it can start to rot, mold, or create mildew. This can then spread to the drywall inside the house.

Moisture in the wall can also affect the OSB board, which is the underlying structure of the house. Remediation is a process that can involve removing everything in the affected area, including the stucco and any materials damaged by mold or mildew. It can also involve removing insulation, and replacing the sheathing and framing.

Remediation also involves correcting any areas where water is leaking into the house. This can include fixing any cracks that allow rain to seep into the house, as well as fixing kick-out flashings near windows and doors to ensure a proper seal, and using weep creeds to prevent moisture from getting trapped under the stucco.

Once the old stucco is removed, the metal lath underneath should be inspected for any damage or rust. If it looks to be in good shape, it can be reused for the new stucco. Otherwise, you’ll need to replace the metal mesh with a piece of grade-D builder’s paper. This should be cut to size and nailed down over the sheathing or studs with roofing nails.

You can then install a piece of new stucco over the repaired area, and then apply a fresh coat of finish over the whole wall. This will help protect the new stucco from moisture in the future and extend its lifespan. Ideally, you’ll want to use the same color for your new finish that you used on the original stucco.