Stucco is a durable material that withstands years of wear and tear, providing homeowners with a structure that looks great and lasts for many years. However, even with the durability of stucco, it can still suffer from wear and tear if certain elements are not addressed. Common issues include buckling, flaking, peeling, cracking, and cupping. When these problems are noticed, stucco repair should be considered. Stucco Repair Tampa will consider these factors before beginning any repairs on your home’s exterior.
The primary method of repair for minor stucco patch cracks is to fill the area with polyethylene or other similar resins. These substances help protect the surface and make it easier to apply a finish. After the resin has set, sand the area lightly until you are left with just a tiny edge of the crack. Apply a thin, sanding coat of repair compound and smooth out the crack until it is nearly invisible. Most finishes will require a couple of coats to get the desired finish on the area.
Even when stucco failure is minor, some areas may need more than a single coat of repair. Typically, there will be a good deal of water damage in such a case, so that more stucco repair may be needed. First, clean up the area to get rid of all the excess water. If there was any water damage to the structure, remove it and salvage the lumber. If it is not salvageable, the area will need to be scraped clean with a garden tool and a wet/dry vac.
A majority of stucco repairs are best left to a professional company. However, if you choose a do-it-yourself repair, you still need to follow specific guidelines for stucco remediation. For example, repairing areas with visible water damage requires applying a borate-based stain to the area. Also, patching up weak areas can be done using a metal-based patching compound and a penetrating solvent. It is important only to use solvent-based patching compounds as these have far fewer adverse effects on the surrounding area than solvent-based solutions.
For patching cracks in the wall, apply a patching compound that is non-porous, penetrable, and borate-free. Do not use a borate-free finish, as this could increase the risk of mold and mildew formation in your repaired area. Apply a patching compound to an area using a stipple pattern, running the solvent tip in a straight line, or tapping the repaired area dry with a drywall trowel. Patience is the key in the application process, as the faster the repair is finished, the less likely it will be noticed by others passing by.
Cracks in the floor or ceiling are easier to repair, as they often have a water damage origin. However, it is important to make sure the water damage originates from a leaky pipe first. Once the water damage origin has been identified, patch the leak using a suitable waterproof coating. After patching, apply a stucco finish that is appropriate for the situation.
Cracks in the floor or ceiling are often caused by wooden framing being pulled down. If this is the case, apply a wood protective coating or put carpets up before repairing. If your repair needs to be done in the future, use a new base coat over the existing base coat, if necessary. A repair done without a base coat stucco may tend to flake, peel or break into tiny pieces. The wood protective coating can prevent this from happening.
Before working on stucco repair, you should also clean the area to be repaired thoroughly using mild detergents and cleaners. Then dry with a good quality soft cloth and finally apply the stucco using a brush or roller. Work with even pressure and do not rush through the process. You will soon notice the excellent finish that will come from the mix.