When Stucco Repair Is Necessary

If you have a stucco home or commercial building, there’s a good chance it will require some repair. The key is knowing whether a fix will be necessary and when to call in the professionals at Stucco Repair Philadelphia. Stucco repair is a surface-level process involving sealing or repairing holes and tears in the stucco itself. It’s cheaper and quicker than remediation but won’t address the underlying issue causing the damage.

Stucco ServicesStucco will crack occasionally, whether due to foundation settling, repeated hot/cold cycles, or some other cause. While these small holes are easy to fix, bigger and larger ones require professional attention and may indicate a structural issue. Stucco is a concrete-based material commonly used as the exterior finish for many homes and buildings. It’s a mix of cement, lime and sand that is extremely durable.

A good solution is to use paintable caulk to repair hairline cracks (less than 1/16th of an inch wide) in the stucco. Make sure to choose a caulk that matches the color of your existing stucco. A concrete stucco patch is usually the way to go for larger and more noticeable cracks. But follow the manufacturer’s instructions and remove any loose debris before applying the patching material. If you do this correctly, the repaired area will look like it has always been there.

A large or deep crack is a more serious stucco repair problem. It can lead to further water damage behind the damaged wall and will soften the entire surface of the stucco. Before you can repair a crack in stucco, you have to remove all loose and broken pieces of stucco. This is a messy job and you’ll need protective eyewear and goggles, as well as heavy gloves to avoid cuts.

You should also break away the metal mesh, if any, beneath stucco, as well as rusted or torn lath and building paper. This will allow you to apply new stucco to the damaged area without risking any damage to the wooden lath and mesh.

After removing all loose stucco and restoring the damaged materials, you can repair small cracks or holes in your exterior wall with silicone or latex caulking. Choose a caulk that matches your existing stucco, and be sure to paint it once it has cured.

A home can lose value in the long run if its stucco is damaged. It can also create health problems. It is essential to repair damage as soon as possible.

If you need to patch a small crack in your stucco, it can be accomplished by using a pre-mixed bridging compound that is designed specifically for this type of repair. Make sure to mix it properly so that it adheres well and does not dry out.

After mixing, use a trowel to spread a 1/4-inch layer of the mixture into the hole. This step should only take a few minutes, but it must be done carefully.

Next, add a layer of textured stucco to match the rest of your wall and let it dry completely. After it has dried, you can paint it the color of your choice.

While stucco is a durable surface, it can become damaged over time. Stucco can crack or tear away from the underlying lath, letting water in and causing more damage to the wall.

When repairing holes and cracks in stucco, it’s important to remove the old lath before applying new. This is because the new stucco will not bond properly if the existing lath is still adhered to it.

Once you have removed the old lath, install a piece of metal mesh stucco lath over it using metal snips and galvanized nails. Next, mix a batch of stucco according to the manufacturer’s directions. Apply three layers, allowing time for the stucco to cure between each layer. Make sure to cover any wood lath that is underneath with grade D building paper for a moisture barrier.

Stucco is a popular building material that is known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. However, over time, stucco can become damaged or deteriorated due to a variety of factors. If you notice any of these signs of stucco damage, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure the safety and integrity of your home. A professional stucco repair contractor can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action, which may include patching, sealing, or even complete stucco replacement.