Did you know that stucco can last for a hundred years? That’s the maximum lifespan of stucco and it’s actually achievable if you have it installed in the right way. But even if stucco can last that long, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to do stucco repair every so often.
The good news is that repairing damaged stucco walls is not too difficult. You even say that it’s a DIY job if you’re home improvement savvy. Otherwise, it is best if you get the job handed off to the professionals. Doing so will possibly assure you of maximizing the lifespan of your stucco wall.
Stucco Repair Basics
Stucco repair is generally easy if you know what you’re doing. Stucco walls need repair if there are noticeable cracks on it, thus causing moisture to seep in. However, you have to be careful with repairing stucco because you don’t want to add more to the damage.
The first step to stucco repair is breaking everything loose. For this, you’ll need a hammer or a chisel to chip away all the damaged parts. When you do, be sure that you don’t get to the lath support as ruining that could make the problem a bit more complicated.
The succeeding steps to stucco repair include covering the lath with builder’s paper and installing a new mesh. After that, you mix the stucco in the right consistency, thus making it ready for application. Apply the first coat and be sure to scratch the surface before applying the next one for better adherence. You normally have to wait for the first coating to dry completely before adding one more coating. Waiting time is at least a day. Once the base coats are ready, finishing comes next. That’s also the time when you try to make the final layer look just like the rest of the wall in terms of color and texture.
Stucco Repair Safety
When doing stucco repair on your own, you have to follow safety procedures such as wearing work clothes and gloves. Keep in mind that the stucco mix is composed of materials that can burn your skin. Never touch the mix with your bare hands and wash off all the bits that splashed off you immediately.
Chipping away damaged stucco may also cause small particles to get into your eyes. You also don’t want to inhale all the dust and dirt produced by whacking the wall. Wear protective gear for your eyes, mouth, and nose. Lastly, be sure that you have all the tools and materials needed for the job like trowels and buckets handy. You will find it difficult to complete the project if you’re missing a tool or two.
Hire Stucco Repair Experts
Things get easier if you hire professional stucco contractors instead of doing the job on your own. The experts would know what to do and they can even give you tips and tricks on how to prolong the life of your stucco wall. When it comes to stucco repair, nothing beats having people with tons of years of experience help you out.
