Philadelphia Stucco Repair can be costly if not done properly. Hiring licensed professionals ensures the job is done correctly, saving homeowners money in the long run. Professionals can spot underlying issues that may not be visible to the homeowner.

Moisture damage in stucco can lead to rot and mold growth behind the walls. If this is the case, it will require a more extensive stucco remediation and replacement.

Stucco is an attractive material for exterior walls, but it requires proper maintenance to avoid serious damage. When cracks and holes in the stucco appear, it is important to patch them immediately. Leaving them unchecked can lead to expensive problems, including water seepage behind the wall, mold growth and rot of the wood lath.

To begin a stucco repair job, the first step is to clear away all debris and dirt from the damaged area. This will help the new stucco adhere. Next, a wire brush should be used to scrub the surface of the damaged stucco. This removes any dirt that may have settled in the cracks, preventing proper adhesion.

Once the cracks are cleared, a metal lath, also called chicken wire, should be installed. This is the base layer that supports the stucco. It is critical that the lath be in good condition, and it should be covered with grade D building paper. This creates a moisture barrier and prevents any rust from forming on the lath.

During this time, it is also a good idea to install gutters on the house. This will prevent excess moisture from damaging the original stucco. Moisture in the walls can cause a number of issues, including efflorescence and cryptoflorescence. In the case of cryptoflorescence, the salts in the moisture are carried to the surface and crystallize there. This can be unsightly and can lead to crumbling of the original surface of the wall.

Experienced DIYers can often patch small cracks and holes in the stucco. However, it is recommended that homeowners contact a professional to handle major repairs and larger areas of damage. A stucco repair professional will be able to provide a cost estimate for the project and address any questions or concerns the homeowner may have about it. They will also be able to answer any questions about the materials being used and any safety concerns. Homeowners should always get quotes from several companies before hiring a contractor to work on their homes. This will ensure that they are getting a fair price for the work.

Patching

When a crack, hole or blemish in the stucco is spotted, it may be tempting to simply apply joint compound and paint over the affected area. However, this type of repair only masks the problem rather than addressing it at its source. In addition, over time moisture that seeps into damaged stucco can cause further damage to your home’s structure and lead to mold growth. Stucco remediation is a much more comprehensive service, but one that prevents costly problems down the road.

To ensure a long-lasting, high-quality stucco repair, a thorough surface preparation must be done. This includes cleaning the damaged area, removing any debris and repairing any issues with the lathing or foundation. The first step in patching a hole in your stucco is to remove any loose material using a hammer and chisel. In some cases, it might be necessary to cut away unstable sections of the old stucco or underlying lathing.

After the patching has been completed, you should wait several days for it to cure. While waiting, make sure that the patched area is misted regularly to keep it moist. Once it has cured, you can apply a heavy-bodied acrylic elastomer to ensure the proper adhesion and help blend it with the rest of your stucco.

Impact damage is a common issue with stucco, particularly along the bottom of the wall where it is often hit by lawn mowers and weed wackers. If left untreated, impact damage can result in unsightly stains and even rot. To repair this issue, you can use Rust-Oleum’s Zinsser Ready-Mixed Stucco Patch. This latex-based formula is premixed and can be used to patch cracks, chips and breaks in stucco and other masonry surfaces.

To prepare the surface for patching, you should clean the area with a wire brush and a damp rag to remove any dirt, debris or old stucco. You should also sand the existing wall to ensure a smooth, level base for the new patch. It’s important to note that stucco patch will not stick to oil, dirt, mold or other spores. If you notice any spores, you should take care of them immediately.

Applying the Bonding Agent

Stucco is a durable material that can last for decades, but it can be damaged by a variety of issues. These include moisture intrusion, impacts from woodpeckers and lawn mowers (especially along the bottom edges), and settling of the home. When these issues are left unrepaired, they can lead to cracks, chips, holes and buckling in the stucco.

Moisture penetration is the most serious issue that can cause damage to stucco, and it should be addressed as soon as possible. Once moisture seeps into the walls, it can begin to rot and damage the interior of the home, and may even lead to mold and mildew growth. Stucco repair and replacement services can help address this problem quickly, before it gets out of hand.

To protect the underlying lath from moisture, it is important to cover it with a layer of grade-D builder’s paper. This should be cut to fit neatly over the boundaries of the existing stucco, and then secured with roofing nails.

The next step in the stucco repair process is to apply a layer of fresh stucco over the entire surface. This should be applied with a rubber float, and textured to match the surrounding wall. Once the fresh stucco has cured, it should be repainted to match the surrounding wall color.

While there are many different options for repairing damaged stucco, it is always best to call in a professional. They will be able to assess the situation and determine the underlying cause of the damage, and recommend a course of action. In some cases, this may be as simple as filling a small crack or hole, while in others it may involve replacing the entire section of the exterior of the home.

Ideally, homeowners should perform a walk-through of their homes at least once a month to look for signs of stucco damage. This includes examining the exterior of the house for cracks, chips, holes and buckling. It is also important to check for gaps around windows, doors, and other openings, as these are the most common areas for water intrusion.

Finishing

Whether it’s caused by fluctuations in weather or minor settling of the home, stucco can crack and show signs of wear over time. Hairline cracks are typically cosmetic and can be repaired with ease, but wider cracks could indicate a more serious issue that should be addressed immediately. Holes can also reveal underlying issues and should be properly filled and covered to prevent future problems.

Thoroughly cleaning the cracked area and ensuring it’s completely dry is essential for the success of the stucco repair. Moisture interferes with the adhesion process and can compromise the quality of the final repair. These simple steps ensure that the bonding agent and repair compound adhere to the crack and surrounding surface for a long-lasting and durable result.

Work in small, manageable sections to maintain better control over the stucco application and achieve a uniform appearance throughout the repair area. This will help the contractor avoid any mistakes that may affect the outcome of the project, such as using a poor quality stucco mix or skipping the proper curing time.

A thorough home inspection will allow the stucco contractor to identify any areas of concern and provide insights on how best to address them before they become costly issues in the future. They’ll also examine the landscaping and interior openings to make sure they’re protected from damage during the stucco application process.

Once the scratch and brown layers have dried, a final layer of the finish coat will be applied. This step will create the finished look of your repair and will blend in flawlessly with the existing stucco. It’s important to let the brown coat dry for a minimum of 36 hours before applying the final topcoat.

When repairing stucco, a professional contractor will use the right stucco material and techniques to ensure a smooth, durable, and beautiful result. They’ll also have the necessary tools to complete the job quickly and efficiently. This will save the homeowner valuable time, money, and energy in the long run.