Stucco Repair Philadelphia PA is a great option for fixing small cracks in stucco walls. This method is also a less expensive alternative to remediation.
Moisture is a major culprit of stucco damage. It can enter a wall through cracks and cause serious issues. So if you notice discoloration on your walls, be sure to seek professional help right away.
When you notice cracks in your stucco, it’s important to take care of them right away. Not only are they unsightly, but they can indicate that there’s a more serious problem, such as foundation settlement or water infiltration. In order to stop these problems from getting worse, it’s best to consult a professional and take the necessary steps to ensure that the stucco is properly repaired.
The most common type of stucco cracks are hairline cracks, which are less than 1/16 inch wide and often have a crazed appearance. These cracks can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper construction, settling, or temperature changes.
In most cases, hairline cracks can be repaired by re-applying the finish coat and repainting the area. However, if the crack is caused by foundation settlement or other structural issues, it may be better to underpin your home with push piers or helical piers. These systems can not only support your foundation and prevent further damage, but they can also help you regain any inches lost due to settlement and stabilize your home’s structure.
Stucco cracks can also be caused by leaking pipes and other sources of moisture. In these cases, it is important to find and address the source of the moisture in order to prevent further cracking and to protect your home from water intrusion and other damage.
Before starting any stucco crack repair, it’s important to assess the damage and take notes on its size, location, and severity. It’s also important to look for signs of moisture behind the stucco, such as discoloration, soft areas, or peeling.
To begin, clean the crack thoroughly and prepare it for patching by wire-brushing and wetting it with bonding liquid. Next, use a cold chisel to widen the bottom of each crack. This will help the new stucco to “key in” and hold to the existing material.
Once the crack is prepared, apply a thin layer of stucco patching compound to the affected area using a trowel. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dry time. Once the stucco patch has dried, use a rubber float to smooth and blend it into the existing texture.
Stains
Stucco is an extremely durable material, but it’s not impervious to stains or discoloration. This can be caused by mildew, mold, or algae that infiltrate the stucco’s waterproof layer. In many cases, this can be addressed by killing the source of the stain and then cleaning the stucco. However, in some situations, this can be difficult.
Regardless of what’s causing the stains, it’s important to address them as soon as possible. Otherwise, they can become more significant and may require a more extensive repair process. Also, if your home has a homeowner’s association (HOA), ignoring unsightly stains can result in fines from the HOA.
To get rid of stains on stucco, start by thoroughly washing the affected areas with a non-phosphate detergent solution. For best results, it’s recommended to use a power washer on a low pressure setting to avoid damaging the surface of your stucco. Afterwards, rinse the entire surface of the stucco with clean water to remove all of the cleaning solutions and dirt.
Another common cause of stains on stucco is soot, which can often be prevented by regularly cleaning your chimney and exhaust vents. It’s also a good idea to keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. In addition, if you live near a freeway or major road, smoke and dust can be deposited on the stucco by passing cars.
If the stains on your stucco appear to be deep, you may need to call in a professional for further inspection and a potential repair. This can be especially true if the staining appears in a pattern or is located on the corners of your home. It’s often more difficult to spot deeper issues on your own, as they can be hidden behind the stucco’s smooth surface.
For minor repairs, you can use an exterior acrylic caulk that matches the shade of your stucco to fill in cracks and chips. This can be purchased at most large home improvement retailers and local hardware stores. In some cases, you may want to add a gritty material like sand to the caulk to match your stucco’s texture.
Mold
Mold is a common problem that affects stucco and other types of exteriors. It can also be difficult to spot. The problem is most likely caused by moisture and can lead to other issues in the home. Stucco and EIFS are porous materials that can absorb moisture, causing it to dry out and develop mold. This can lead to other problems like cracks and discoloration. If a homeowner notices dark spots or different shades on their stucco walls, it is important to have them examined by a professional to determine whether they are a result of mold or another issue.
If the stucco is damaged by water intrusion, it’s critical to complete remediation rather than just repair the surface. Otherwise, the moisture will simply return again and again. This can lead to significant damage to the underlying wood and can even affect the structural integrity of the home.
It is best to have a full remediation done by a qualified contractor. This will include removing the affected areas, repairing any wood studs or plywood, completing any necessary structural repairs and reinstalling doors and windows. They will also install a housewrap to help prevent future moisture from damaging the stucco.
Homeowners can reduce the chance of getting mold in their stucco by ensuring that gutters and downspouts are cleaned regularly. This will ensure that they are not clogged, and that water doesn’t pool next to the foundation of the home and seep into cracks or crevices where mold can grow.
When mold does appear on stucco, it can be removed with a bleach solution. This should be mixed with water and applied with a sponge to the affected area. This will help to remove the mold and keep it from returning again in the future.
It is recommended that homeowners do a walk around of their home once a month to inspect the stucco. This will allow them to identify any problems early, and to have them repaired as soon as possible. By doing this, they can avoid costly repairs in the future and protect their investment in their homes.
Moisture
While stucco is a great insulator, it can become water-logged in areas where the weather is particularly hot or cold. Water trapped behind a stucco coating can lead to soft spots or even crumbling of the stucco. A leaking interior can also be a sign of water damage in a home or business.
To fix a problem like this, you’ll need to address the cause of the leak. The easiest way to do this is to call a professional to take a look at the situation. They’ll take the necessary steps to identify the source of the leak.
Often, the problem comes from moisture entering through the cracks of the stucco or even in the flashing or seals that connect the wall to other exterior components. If you notice any of these problems, it’s best to get them fixed immediately. If you wait, the problem will worsen over time.
Moisture that seeps in through damaged stucco is difficult to dry out. This can allow mold and mildew to grow, and it can damage the underlying wood in the building’s structure.
The best thing to do to prevent this is to wash your stucco walls frequently. This helps to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can block the airflow around your house’s walls. When you wash your stucco, rinse it thoroughly and carefully to ensure that any loose material is removed from cracks or holes in the surface.
A professional stucco contractor will be able to help you with these issues and repair them before they get out of hand. They’ll use specific application tools, safety gear like eye protection and gloves, and a thorough understanding of the material to do so. They’ll be able to patch hairline cracks and re-texture the surface of your stucco walls.
A good quality stain or concrete paint is another option for restoring a sagging or deteriorated stucco surface. It’s important to match the color of your stain or paint with your stucco so that the repair doesn’t stand out.