It is known as a very durable material that can last for about 100 years, but at times it still needs repair. When small cracks and holes form in the surface, it can cause serious problems like mold or even structural damage, if left unattended.
How Does Stucco Siding Work?
Dating back more than a thousand years, stucco cladding has graced external walls and ceilings for generations. After that, it was utilized throughout Europe before being brought to the United States by the founding fathers. The actual substance is made up of a combination of aggregates and a binder. The fact that stucco siding doesn't come as a one-size solution is one of its biggest benefits. You may have your stucco siding specifically colored and finished to your tastes.
Stucco Siding Advantages
- Using Stucco Will Reduce Your Heating And Cooling Costs. You may minimize your heating and cooling expenses using stucco. The materials and method used to create stucco create a shell around your property that acts as additional insulation, which results in this cost-saving benefit. Stucco is a great choice if you want to feel cozy while paying less on utilities!
- Stucco Will Last For Around 50 Years. Stucco will give your house the aforementioned protection for as long as you live there because it often lasts for more than 50 years. You may save money on electricity costs while also saving money on repair costs by using this durable material.
What Compromises Stucco over Time?
Pollutants may erode and wear away your external building design, especially in cities. Additionally, it's not just about the scenery. Water can leak into your stucco through chipped and faded paint, which will eventually cause the surface design to fracture. Small stucco cracks may be easily repaired by you, but bigger stucco repair jobs should always be handled by professionals.
In addition to ensuring a high-quality, long-lasting repair, you must treat any major underlying damage (such as water seepage from broken pipes or clogged gutters). If not, you will eventually find yourself back where you started, having to continually pay for maintenance work.
How Severe Is the Damage to the Stucco?
Although stucco is typically durable and low-maintenance, the cement component is prone to cracking. This may be caused by external damage and environmental pressures.
Even the greatest project will endure seasonal temperature variations and ground earthquakes. Over time, structures also settle into their foundations, and hot temperatures can cause paint to flake or materials to shrink.
Water will cause the stucco to soften and eventually split off into sheets. It's not the only problem that trapped moisture within the wall may cause—other irreversible problems include drywall swelling, flaking paint, wood rot, mildew, musty odors, and peeling paintwork. It's crucial to allow reputable contractors to investigate the issue and, if necessary, provide you with a repair quote. If you've seen any unsettling changes in your stucco or exterior painting work, get in touch with us right away.
How Might Stucco Be Fixed?
If there are no underlying issues, the majority of tiny stucco cracks may be repaired by caulking, stippling, and blending before painting the affected area. However, large, broad, or deep stucco cracks may be a sign of more serious structural issues. These are frequently found at the tops of window and door frames, at the intersections of vertical walls, or the joints between masonry/concrete and wood frames.
If a crack is wider than 1/16 inch, it has to be fixed right away. If the borders of the fracture no longer appear to be “matching”, this may be a sign that the building's structural integrity is changing, such as from uneven foundation sinking. Large stucco cracks should not be attempted to be repaired by the homeowner or by a typical building care crew. We are able to not only pinpoint the issue's underlying cause, but also offer a fix that will prevent a recurrence.
In cases where we deal with rust or fallen stucco, we sometimes need to repair it by completely removing and restoring the material.
We can take care of any jobs from small patch repairs to complete replacements.
With our great experience, we can create a project tailored just for you. Contact us at 855-953-7326 to learn more about the types of stucco we provide and to receive a free estimate.