There are many reasons to install a stucco application with the help of stucco contractors, such as your older exterior paint coat might be deteriorating as it ages or you’re looking to spruce up the appearance of your property, but you must also ensure that your stucco application will be protected once it has been installed. Protecting your business or home exterior can be a challenge as they are constantly exposed to the natural elements, but it’s not impossible.
Find out how you can protect your stucco application from deteriorating and how these steps can actually save you money on repairs or the application of an entirely new coat.
Why Stucco Is Used
Stucco is one of the most popular building materials amongst homeowners worldwide. Its polymer comes in many colours to choose from and textures to match the style of any home. There are several benefits to using stucco over building a new wall, including:
- Lightweight
- Low cost (stucco only costs about 25% more than brick and mortar)
- Easy to install and maintain; no need to hire contractors for maintenance or repair.
- It’s easy to repair and replace over time.
- Minimal manhandling is necessary for move-in and move-out.
- Very realistic look that is similar to natural stone or brick.
The benefits of a stucco application are plentiful, making the protection of your stucco exterior all the more important to protect. The following ways detail what you can do to maintain your stucco wall:
1. Check for Cracking or Peeling
The first step in maintaining stucco is checking for cracks or peeling. You can do this easily by looking at the wall from a distance and seeing if you see any visible cracks or other damaged areas. If you find a crack, lightly poke the crack with your finger to see if it is deep enough. If it goes over 1/8 below the surface, you must make repairs because water will eventually get through and start damaging your home and will cost you more money than you might anticipate.
2. Inspect Your Exterior Throughout the Year
You want to inspect your exterior throughout the year to make sure there are no areas of damage (cracks, peeling, etc.). Particularly during the months where the moist weather can most impact a home’s exterior in just one brief storm. Constant inspection during the entire year is to find leaks in the walls and repair them.
3. Repair Cracks and Holes
If you have any cracks in your stucco walls, you will need to repair them. You can do this relatively easily by filling the cracks with a white filler compound. It can be used like plaster, usually available at hardware and home improvement stores. Just don’t use too much of the compound because you want to make sure there are no existing holes in the wall.
4. Prevent Paint Failure
Keeping your stucco walls protected is not limited to preventing water damage. Humidity can cause paint to peel and flake off your home. To prevent this, you should do the following:
- Use good quality paint since cheap paint can be more likely to peel and flake.
- Apply a primer first because this helps the paint stick better.
- Don’t paint on hot days because hot weather can make the surface too dry for proper application.
5. Choose the Right Products
Stucco doesn’t have to be a bad choice for your home; just make sure that you choose the right products. Ask your local stucco contractors to find out what products are best to use for your own walls and what works best for protection and repairs. Because stucco can be easily repaired using the right products, you should also fill in any cracks or holes when you notice them.
6. Clean Your Walls
To keep moisture out of your home and make sure the stucco is strong and durable, you need to make sure your walls are clean. You should get a mild detergent and some water and mop down the surface. You don’t need to pressure wash it because this can damage your stucco faster than you can repair it. The key is to make sure the surface is clean and keep debris off of it as often as you can.
7. Keep Water Directed Away From Your Stucco Walls
Your stucco walls are going to be protected best when you make sure that water stays off the wall. This means setting up downspouts that will direct water away from your home. You might also want to consider a rain barrel for extra protection. The best type of rain barrel is one that is vented and has a drain plug on the bottom.
You don’t have to worry about stucco when you install a new door. Just make sure that you are protecting your walls and the great look of your home. The paint that you put on the stucco is the key to keeping it looking good and will keep your home protected. When you take care of your stucco wall, you can make sure that it will last a long time and contribute to the overall value of your home.
