Stucco Repair Charleston SC is a durable and attractive wall finish that can last a long time with little maintenance. However, like all building materials it can experience damage from harsh weather.
Simple repair options can help with cosmetic issues, but they will not solve the underlying problems that caused them. For that, you need remediation.
Remediation is the most thorough way to repair stucco, and it’s usually only necessary when a problem can’t be resolved with simple repairs. Remediation involves stripping the sheathing and framing to the core and repairing it with new materials before replacing the stucco. It’s a time-consuming process that can be more costly than simply repairing the stucco, but it ensures that all underlying issues have been addressed and corrected for good.
When it comes to remediation, you’ll want to find a team of specialists with years of experience and a portfolio of successful stucco remediation projects. Doing your research can help you find a company that offers reliable services, excellent client reviews and testimonials, and a warranty on their work. It’s also a good idea to find a company that offers a full range of services for homeowners, from initial assessments to installation and cleanup.
There are a number of problems that can warrant remediation, including water damage, mold and mildew, and improper installation. Other issues can include a lack of maintenance and wear and tear, animal damage, and natural causes such as the sun’s UV rays, rain, or wind.
A full remediation usually includes the replacement of the sheathing and framing that’s been affected by water or mold, and a complete replastering of the walls. During this time, it’s often recommended to install a layer of waterproofing for added protection against future damage.
In addition to replacing the sheathing, framing, and insulation, a remediation job should also address the areas around doors and windows. Typically, these areas have been damaged by water or by a shoddy stucco job, and they’re easy for water to seep into. By addressing these areas before they worsen, you can avoid further expensive damage to your home.
While it’s tempting to use simple repairs as a way of postponing remediation, doing so will only result in further damage. If you’re experiencing any of the signs above, it’s important to contact a stucco specialist as soon as possible. Remediation will not only protect your investment, but it will provide a safe and secure home for you and your family.
Simple Repairs
Stucco is an attractive and durable exterior finish for homes that offers many customization options. It’s a mixture of sand, cement and water that creates a rough surface perfect for unique design expressions. But, like all materials, stucco requires maintenance and occasionally repairs to keep it in good shape.
There are a few warning signs to look for in your home that indicate it’s time to consider a stucco repair project. Hairline cracks, spider shapes or patterns, and discoloration are all indicative that you need to get some repair work done to your stucco.
These kinds of minor damages are a sign that you need to have some caulking or plaster applied to the area in question. If these repairs are done on time, they can help limit the amount of moisture that penetrates into the wall system and causes further damage.
To complete these types of repairs, you’ll need to purchase or gather the correct supplies and tools for the job. It’s also a good idea to wear protective equipment, including gloves and eye protection when working on your stucco.
Once the prep work is complete, you can apply a coat of caulking or plaster to the area. Make sure to allow the caulking or plaster to dry completely before applying the next coat. Then, use a trowel to smooth out the area and feather edges to ensure a seamless transition into the rest of your stucco.
This type of stucco repair is a relatively easy and manageable project for most homeowners. However, for major or recurring damage that appears on multiple parts of your house’s walls, it might be best to contact a professional stucco inspector to determine if remediation or repair is the best option. They will be able to inspect your entire stucco wall system and recommend the proper course of action for your home. Remediation will include an in-depth inspection, the removal and replacement of sheathing, framing and insulation that are affected by moisture penetration, as well as replastering to correct any issues with the stucco system.
Re-Patching
Stucco’s durability, long life and striking appearance make it a popular choice for exterior walls. However, like any material, stucco requires regular maintenance to avoid damage and prevent water infiltration. While many homeowners opt to hire a professional for major stucco repairs, smaller cracks and holes can be easily remedied with simple stucco patch products.
To determine if your stucco needs re-patching, inspect the damaged area for loose or crumbling fragments and look for signs of moisture penetration. Loose stucco often bulges and feels spongey to the touch. Weak stucco can be identified by tapping gently on the wall with a hammer; intact stucco will sound solid, while weak stucco will give off a hollow or metallic tone.
The first step in re-patching is to clean the hole or cracked area thoroughly with water and a stiff brush. Next, find the underlying cause of the deterioration. Moisture is the main culprit in most stucco failures. It can come from a variety of sources, including poor mixing of the mortar, bad installation, house settlement, and weather conditions. If left unchecked, moisture will rot wood lath and cause the concrete to delaminate, creating a bulge or crack. If it is a large problem, it may be necessary to remove the affected portion of the wall and replace it with new materials.
After cleaning and allowing the hole or cracked area to dry, apply a small amount of pre-mixed stucco mixture with a putty knife. Apply no more than a 1/4″ layer at a time, and make sure the patch is flush with the existing texture. Let the patch set for the length of time recommended by the product manufacturer.
Choosing the best stucco repair caulk for your home is important. There are a wide range of products available on the market, but not all of them are created equal. To ensure the longevity of your stucco, be sure to choose a product with a proven track record. It is also crucial to follow the product instructions carefully.
Once the patch has cured, it is ready to be painted. Make sure to match the color of your stucco and the existing texture to achieve a seamless finish.
Re-Coat
The answer to the question “when should I re-coat stucco?” depends on how long you want the new coating to last and the existing condition of the surface. The typical life expectancy for elastomeric paint is 5 – 10 years. If the current color is starting to fade or the stucco is showing cracking, it may be time to re-coat. It is important to keep in mind that re-coating stucco does not repair the cracking, but it will prolong the life of the surface and will prevent further damage from rain.
It is possible to re-coat your stucco with a good quality product and have it last for years. However, it will require a little more work and attention to detail than simply painting over the existing paint. It is important to properly prep the surface and to follow the manufacturers instructions for application. It is also important to protect all surfaces that are not being painted with plastic, tape and paper. Master Stucco takes the time to do this which saves our customers money by preventing expensive cleanups that could have been avoided.
Once the surface is prepared, a skim coat of the re-coat material should be applied. This is a very thin coat that fills any small cracks and makes the wall look better overall. This coat should be allowed to dry before the final coat of elastomeric paint is applied.
When applying the elastomeric paint it is important to use the correct technique. It is important to use a large enough roller to get the desired coverage and not to apply the material too thick. It is also recommended to use a different roller for each pass, rolling in a different direction each time. This will help the paint blend in and hide any roller marks.
When re-coating stucco it is very important to follow the manufacturers instructions for drying times between coats. It is recommended to allow for 1 – 2 days for each coat of re-coat to dry. Once the final coat of elastomeric is applied it is very important to allow it to dry for up to 24 hours before any cleaning is done.