"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."
Failing to repair damaged stucco can lead to significant problems. Cracks can grow and deepen, allowing water and moisture to get behind the stucco. This moisture intrusion can cause water damage, structural issues, and mold or mildew growth. Delaying repairs will likely cost more in the long run as the damage worsens, so it's best to repair your stucco as soon as you notice any signs of damage, such as cracks, holes, or discoloration.
Stucco will dry in two to three days, but you should wait one to two months to allow it to cure fully before you paint it. The curing process is slow, but leaving the material exposed to air and natural moisture will help it reach its maximum strength. If you live in a hot, arid climate, wait a month before painting. Wait two months before painting if you live in a more moderate or wet climate.
One of the most significant downsides to stucco is the installation cost, which is higher than that of many other siding options because getting it to look clean and professional is a labor-intensive process. Stucco can also absorb water, making it an unsuitable option for siding in areas that see excessive rainfall. Finally, stucco can crack and chip, especially in extreme weather, and repairs are not only challenging and require help from a professional who does stucco, but can get expensive.
Stucco repair can best be described as a patch. It involves identifying the problem and fixing that specific damage with additional stucco. If no mold infiltration or an underlying leak is causing the damage, repair is most likely all you need.
Remediation, on the other hand, involves removing the existing siding, fixing the underlying cause of the damage, and then reapplying stucco siding for that wall. It’s a more permanent fix that takes longer to complete and, hence, comes with a steeper price tag than repair.
Stucco is very challenging to DIY, so it’s always best to leave the work to professional stucco contractors. The same recommendation applies to painting a stucco house, which should be left in the reliable hands of a professional exterior painter.
Inexperienced DIYers can make several critical mistakes during stucco application, such as:
Failing to apply sufficiently thick layers for longevity and water resistance
Uneven application
Uneven texture across the exterior
Mixing the stucco improperly, leaving a weak structure
Failing to texture properly in between coats, leading to cracking and chipping
The Burke, SD homeowners’ guide to stucco services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the cost to stucco a house in 2026, including average prices, key factors, and tips to help you budget and plan your stucco project with confidence.
Installing new stucco gives your home a facelift and boosts home value. But can you stucco over stucco? You can, but there are some things to consider.
Choose the right pro for stucco installation to get the best professional-quality results. Learn who does stucco installation and the benefits of hiring a pro.
Wondering if stucco increases home value? The short answer is, yes, but the ROI you’ll see depends on a few factors, like location and installation costs.
