Stucco is a popular building material that is used nowadays in the construction of homes and buildings. It is composed of an aggregate, binder and water which is applied wet and hardens to a solid form. Homes and buildings that are applied with stucco can last for a hundred years if stucco is applied properly. But then, if you already noticed a crack then you should immediately fix the damage before it deteriorates.
Stucco repair is easier than matching stucco finishes and stucco colors. As long as you follow the right directions and consider important factors then you can surely make the stucco repair correctly.
First, you should check first how the stucco is applied since stucco application is usually done in different ways depending on locality. In some areas, tar paper is applied first on wall studs before wire mesh is nailed while on other localities, wood covering is nailed first to the studs before the tar paper.
Next, check the direction of the crack and the extent of the damage. It is best to consult a foundation specialist to see if there might be a problem with the foundation. It is also advisable to do other necessary repairs on the building or home before the stucco repair. These repairs include repair of the gutter, roof, or drainage to prevent excess water from reaching the stucco.
Most stucco damage is caused by infiltration of water into the building or home through the roof, chimney or any opening where excess water can pass. Because of water infiltration the wood lath deteriorate and the nails and metal lath will rust which causes the stucco to loosen.
After assessing the damage, you can now determine what stucco repair should be done. If the stucco crack is less than 1/8 inch wide then you can patch it up with a siliconized acrylic caulk at two different periods. The second coating should be done several days after the first to make sure it is already dry. For bigger cracks, apply the cement stucco mixture you created. If you are not sure on how to perform stucco repair, then you should hire a professional to do the job.
Also, in performing the stucco repair, you should not do it in a sunny day because when the stucco quickly dries up it is not as durable as you would want it to be. Another thing is to make sure to wet the edges of the existing stucco before patching up and applying a new coat. Whitewashing stucco is also done annually by some homeowners to prolong the life of the stucco and make the stucco more durable.
Stucco repair is easy as long as you have enough knowledge in doing it and got the patient to wait for the right time to do the second or final coating. Consider all the tips mentioned above for it can definitely help you perform the stucco repair the right way.
