If you’ve been to Arizona, you might have noticed most properties have a southwestern style. This is because most of them are installed with an exterior stucco that helps protect the house from the sun and weather.
A stucco is installed for various purposes, such as adding a layer of protection from moisture and making the house stand out from the other properties in the area. However, it can be challenging to have stucco in your home. After all, maintenance and upkeep are required to keep the exterior looking good.
Here are a few tips to help you maintain your exterior stucco:
1. Look For Peeling or Cracking
Cracks and peels can be evident on stucco, especially if it has been repainted many times. If this is the case, it means the stucco was not well-prepared, or you did not properly apply the paint. It can also indicate that moisture has already gotten inside the plaster and caused water damage. Paint will continue to peel off until the source of the problem is identified and corrected.
2. Patch up Holes
Contraction during seasonal changes can affect your stucco in various ways. After all, these contractions can cause the mortar between the plaster and the bricks to break down, which can then lead to holes. If you notice any of these problems, it is important to patch them up as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
One way to patch up your stucco is to remove any loose pieces of plaster with a trowel and apply a layer of mortar to the hole. Make sure to smooth out any bumps or irregularities in the mortar before applying it to the brick. Once the mortar is dry, you can replace the loose stucco piece and finish the repair.
3. Repair Damaged Areas
If your stucco has been damaged in an accident or weathering, it may be necessary to repair the area. The best way to do this is to remove any debris and apply a stucco layer over the damaged area. Once the stucco is dry, you can replace the plaster’s damaged section with a new piece.
4 Clean Your Walls
You might think the walls are not exactly related to your stucco. However, dirty walls can lead to deterioration in your plaster. So, cleaning your walls every few months is important to prevent this from happening. You can use a soft brush to clean the wall, or you can use a cleaner that is specifically designed for stucco.
5. Check the Weathering
Weathering is the natural process of deterioration that happens to any material over time. Stucco is no exception to this rule. So, it is important to check the weathering on your stucco every few months to ensure it is not causing any damage. You can do this by looking for cracks, peeling paint, or any other signs of deterioration. If there is damage, you will need to repair it.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining an exterior stucco can be tricky, but you can do it with a few helpful tips and tricks! Follow the instructions provided, and you’ll be able to keep your stucco looking great for years to come.
One Stop Plastering is a company you can rely on for your exterior stucco needs. We ensure our clients that we provide high-quality and affordable residential and commercial stucco and plastering services in the Bay Area. Get in touch with us today for more information!
