The Essential Guide to Stucco Replacement

Stucco is a beautiful exterior option that provides many benefits for your home. However, it is not immune to damage and needs to be inspected regularly.

Damage to stucco can come from several sources, such as house settling or water damage. It can lead to cracking, mildew, wall rot, and more.

How to Find a Good Contractor

Stucco is an attractive, durable, low-cost option for a home's exterior. It has many pigments and textures to create a custom look. It is fire-resistant and can be applied over brick, concrete, or wood frames.

Although stucco is resistant to termite infestations, rot, and mold, it is not impervious to water damage. Stucco can buckle under prolonged exposure to moisture, especially in climates prone to shifting foundations or thermal expansion and contraction. It can also crack over time due to weathering and repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

The first step in finding a good contractor for stucco replacement is to ask a few questions. A reputable contractor will answer all of your questions and provide options for proceeding. For example, they may offer a one-coat or two-coat system and explain the advantages of each. They will also be honest about pricing and not try to pressure you into going with their most expensive solution.

Preparing the Area

Stucco's composite materials naturally deter fire, rot, mold, and termite infestations. It also resists water and weather damage. But, like all exterior finishes, stucco can become damaged over time for various reasons.

Structural issues, underlying problems, and poor application can all contribute to the need for repairs and remediation. It can even lead to costly damage if left unchecked.

When you notice signs of deterioration, it's essential to act quickly. Cracks, for example, may seem cosmetic, but they can penetrate deeper into the wall and cause lasting damage.

Start by removing any loose areas of stucco. Wearing protective gear, use a hammer and chisel to remove the damaged section. Then, inspect the metal lathing that supports the stucco for damage or rust. If the lath is rusty or damaged, remove it with metal snips and nail a new piece of building paper.

Stucco Repair

Stucco is a beautiful and durable option for exterior finishes on homes. It's resistant to fire, pests, and moisture and comes in various styles. However, stucco can develop cracks and damage over time like any home exterior material.

Addressing these problems as soon as you notice them is essential to prevent more extensive - and expensive - repair costs. The longer you wait, the more likely underlying issues will emerge, including mold growth, rot, and moisture penetration.

To repair your stucco, remove any loose or crumbling sections. This can be done with a hammer or a hammer and cold chisel, but be careful not to damage the lath underneath. Once you've removed any broken pieces, cover the exposed lath with builder's paper to protect it.

Stucco Replacement

Stucco is a great building material that adds a unique, textured aesthetic to homes and offers practical benefits like fire resistance and soundproofing. However, that doesn't mean it is immune to damage over time. It's essential to perform stucco repair as soon as possible to prevent moisture penetration and the resulting damage, such as wood rot and mold.

During remediation, your professional will carefully examine the stucco to determine its condition and whether repair or replacement is necessary. They'll also look to see how well the stucco is attached to the lath (the wooden slats that keep it on the wall), as this will influence whether or not you can patch damaged areas or if a complete restoration is required.

You'll need to replace the lath if it is rotting or damaged. To do this, first cover the surrounding area with a tarp to avoid getting dust and debris on non-damaged areas of your home. Then, using metal snips, cut a piece of grade D building paper to size and staple it to the lath or plywood sheathing (depending on your wall construction).