If you have stucco on your home or other structure, you know just how durable and beautiful it is. It can withstand the elements, including temperature changes, rainstorms, and even hail storms. However, stucco does have its limitations. It can crack when exposed to extreme temperatures, and even after a few years of exposure to sunlight, it may show signs of weathering.
So if your home has exterior stucco walls, consider repairing them before they fall apart or become an eyesore on your property. In this article, we consulted with our Tampa contractors, where a large percentage of homes have stucco exteriors. With their help, we will explain some of the best ways to repair cracks in stucco exteriors.
On this page
- How do you repair cracks in your stucco exterior?
- How do you repair concrete stucco?
- What is the best stucco patch?
- Who can repair the stucco?
How do you repair cracks in your stucco exterior?
When you have cracks, the first thing to do is remove any loose stucco. You can use a putty knife to scrape off loose pieces and then patch them with an epoxy stucco patching compound. Apply a thin coat of the cement mixture over the crack, let dry overnight, and then sand smooth. Repeat until you have a smooth surface.
How do you repair concrete stucco?
If you’ve got concrete stucco, the repair is a bit more complex. Your goal is to get the water out of your walls. The first step is to remove all the debris from around where the cracks are and vacuum it up to prevent dust from getting back into them. You’ll also want to ensure that there’s no standing water left in the wall or on top of it—if there is, dig out any standing water so that it doesn’t seep into your house during other repairs.
Once you’ve got all that taken care of, use liquid cement and sand mixture (called portland cement) to fill in any holes or gaps around broken pieces of concrete. Use a trowel or putty knife for best results; don’t forget about corners!
Apply paintable patching plaster over the top of this new area once it dries completely; this will help seal up any cracks between layers within your stucco walls and even out the surface for painting later on down the road. If you’re unsure or not confident in your ability to do repair this, it’s a good idea to hire a siding contractor to help you.
What is the best stucco patch?
There are two types of stucco patching compounds: the traditional “mud” and pre-mixed versions. The difference is in how much work you want to do for yourself.
- “Mud” stucco patches are a mixture of water and Portland cement that you mix on-site with a trowel or other tool. You then spread the mud over damaged areas and let it dry before painting or applying another coat of stucco. This option takes more time, but it allows you to add your personal touch by making adjustments, such as adding color or texture to your plaster mix. If you opt for this method, apply only a few thin layers at a time because they can create cracks in future applications due to weight differences between batches (it’s the best practice that each layer should be applied within 24 hours). Also, remember when working with cement-based materials: ventilation is key! If possible, wear a mask while mixing the powder because if inhaled constantly over an extended period, it can damage the lungs.
- Pre-mixed patches come ready-made at your local hardware store; follow directions on the package instructions carefully so as not to mix up any ingredients accidentally while using them! They have their place but aren’t appropriate for every repair job due primarily because they tend not to last long enough before needing another application.
Who can repair the stucco?
If you’ve got a stucco problem, it’s best to call in an expert. A contractor can assess the situation and advise you on how to proceed. Generally, you would look for a local masonry contractor or siding company that has experience working with stucco.
Stucco contractors are trained and experienced in repairing, cleaning, and restoring stucco surfaces. They can also help you with exterior painting, so they’re worth calling even if your only concern requires a fresh coat of paint.
Conclusion
It is best to avoid stucco repairs if you do not have experience with doing so. You can easily hurt your home and make things worse by using the wrong tools or techniques. However, if you have a good grasp of what needs to be done, this article may have helped!
If not, it may still be best to hire a professional who knows what they are doing. Be sure to sign up with PunchList to get a free home repair estimate for your stucco project, and even get matched with vetted local stucco contractors who can do the work for you!
