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After years of trouble-free service, the stucco siding on your home may need a facelift to repair cracks, breaks, and other damage and to restore the original color and condition. Very popular in some areas of the country, stucco can last up to 50 years with little annual maintenance required. How often the surface needs repair depends on whether it was installed properly and whether the home experiences any settling that can lead to cracks. How Stucco is Applied Stucco has been used for centuries as an interior and exterior material in homes and buildings. The formulation, which was originally lime, sand, and water, is now Portland cement, sand, lime, and water, plus a proprietary mix of acrylic and glass fibers to make it stronger and more flexible. When stucco is the coating of choicestucco is the coating of choice over a wood frame, it is important to first apply a vapor barrier of asphalt saturated paper or plastic house wrap to protect the frame from moisture and allow water vapor from inside the building to escape. To reinforce the stucco, a layer of metal mesh is nailed in place along with accessories such as weep screens, control and expansion joints, and corner aids. The process for applying it has traditionally involved a three stage process: • A "scratch" or base coat plastic cement and sand is applied with a trowel and allowed to cure. • A "brown" or leveling coat of sand, cement and lime is applied with special tools to create a smooth even surface and allowed to dry or cure for 7 to 10 days. • A finish coat made of colored sand, cement and lime or acrylic. Stucco siding that lasts must be mixed according to ASTM Standards, must be applied over a properly prepared surface to avoid moisture buildup, must be allowed to properly cure, and must be applied in temperatures above 40° F. Stucco Repair and Maintenance Over time, stucco can get dingy and develop cracks or holes that can compromise the vapor barrier and cause mold problems in more humid areas. Cleaning stucco siding is as easy as aiming the garden hose at it. Experts suggest starting at the bottom and working up so that the stucco can absorb excess moisture and support its weight. If the stucco becomes so dirty that it requires pressure washing, calling a professional will assure that the siding is not disturbed the process. It is extremely important to remove any mold and mildew growing on the walls with a cleaner to remove the growth. While DIYers can manage small crack repair if the crack is less than 1/8 of an inch wide, a stucco repair professional is better equipped to handle larger damage. Bigger cracks may indicate underlying problems that he will need to address before the crack spreads, sections of stucco follow, or moisture damage occurs underneath the stucco. Even properly applied stucco can crack when the house settles or shifts. Painting Vs. Re-stuccoing When you need to refurbish your stucco home, many homeowners wonder whether it is better to re-stucco or simply clean, repair and paint over existing stucco. Many stucco repair professionals suggest re-stuccoing a home rather than painting it. Paint removes the stucco's ability to exchange moisture and hastens fading, chipping, delamination and peeling away from the walls. Re-stuccoing is a more costly job than repainting, but can eliminate problems that occur with painting. If you do decide to paint your home, how often will you need to do so to refresh the color? Although stucco is weather resistant, stucco homes in harsh climates may need a new coat of paint every 3 to 4 years, while those built in milder climates only need a refreshing every 8 to 10 years. Before repainting, the contractor will remove mold and repair any damage and allow any newly applied stucco to cure for about 90 days. He will then apply a primer, followed by a coat of paint and a finish coat. For best results in maintaining your stucco siding, work with a professional to keep it good as new.
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stucco exterior, maintaining stucco, refurbishing stucco, stucco application, stucco installation, exterior renovation,
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