What is Stucco?

Stucco is a very durable finish material with a typical life span of 50 – 80 years or more. Although it is one of the most durable surfaces available, it also features the lowest annual maintenance cost when compared to other siding materials.

Photo: Stucco

Sources: https://pixabay.com/en/abandoned-abstract-aged-aging-1550547/

Stucco is a natural material consisting of an aggregate, a binder, and water. It is applied wet and hardens when it dries. For centuries it has been used as a coating for walls and ceilings and for decoration. Stucco may also be used to cover less usually appealing construction materials such as concrete, cinder block, clay brick and adobe.

Modern day stucco is made of Portland cement and water. Lime is often added to decrease the permeability and increase the workability of modern stucco. Sometimes additives such as acrylics and glass fibers are added to improve the structural properties of the plaster as well as its workability. This usually done with what is considered a “one coat” stucco system (As opposed to the traditional 3 coat method). According to posts on sites like https://windowrepairphoenix.com/glass-shower-doors/ the industry is undergoing a shift in manufacturing techniques, this is driving new product and new types of clients. Stucco usually consists of one layer of wire lath and two layers of Portland cement-based plaster. However, cement’s crystalline structure cannot accommodate significant movements in the building structure (as lime does) and is thus prone to cracking. This is why an additional acrylic finish on top is often applied – it adds flexibility for surface movements.

Re-dash, Never Paint Stucco

The reason most homeowners paint their stucco is because the typical cost of re-stuccoing (re-dashing) is more than just hiring a painter to paint over the existing stucco. Although seemingly less expensive upfront, painting stucco causes significantly higher long-term maintenance costs and may even damage your home. Paint is a sealing agent and will seal all the pores, which consequently seals moisture inside of your home. Your home is not able to breathe and mold can grow between the layers of your home.

This excess moisture will cause the paint layer to peel and crack. On a stucco surface, because of the trapped moisture, paint starts decaying more quickly than on a traditional surface. The correct repair is to hire a sandblasting contractor to remove the existing paint and then to re-stucco the surface properly. The existing paint needs to be removed because the paint layer will prohibit bonding of a new stucco coat. Current methods of re-dashing provide a product that lasts decades and far longer than any paint job.

Re-dash consists of a single layer of the Portland cement, with colorant applied to cover and freshen the surface. Repairs are made to cracks and minor imperfections in the surface and then the new coat is applied. This will provide a new look and keep with the integrity of the existing finish. If a new texture is required, a thicker coat is required, and can add additional expense.

Stucco Cracks

It is the nature of stucco to experience some cracking. These small cracks are normal and do not require any maintenance or repair. If a crack exceeds 1/8 of an inch in width then the crack should be repaired. Repairing stucco cracks is completed by adding a small amount of stucco to the crack. Do not put caulk into the crack. If you experience a crack wider than 1/8 of an inch please contact your contractor so the proper resolution can be determined. Typically a larger crack can be broken back and patched or an expansion joint can be added.

Yearly Inspection and Cleaning of Stucco

Stucco should be inspected annually for holes, significant cracks, or separations. If stucco repairs are needed, it is important to have the repairs completed in a timely fashion to prevent damage to your home.

A mild cleaner and water can be used to remove most stains. Pre-wetting the surface will overcome some absorption of dirty wash water from being absorbed back into the dull finish. Use of a garden hose and a jet nozzle in combination with a mild cleaner will clean effectively. Do not hold the nozzle to close to the surface because the high pressure may erode some of the finish. Pressure washers are not recommended because they will erode the finish and can cause damage.

Stucco Coloration

Stucco comes in an infinite number of colors. These colors are made by placing an additive into the cement mixture prior to application. The color is throughout the layer will not fade like a painted finish. The full curing time for stucco is typically several years. During this time you will notice several color changes from dark to light, and then back to dark as the finish sets and the excess moisture evaporates.

For more information about decorative items, water & sprinkler systems, and windows, doors and other penetrations in relation to your stucco maintenance please read this article: Stucco Care.

If you’re looking to clean stucco, check out this How to Clean Stucco website.

For other handy man tips and home care please visit our website.