Q: Does homeowners insurance cover stucco damage?

• <div><p>Homeowners insurance generally won&rsquo;t cover stucco damage unless it&rsquo;s caused by a covered event like a storm or fire. You&rsquo;ll need to pay out of pocket for damage caused by age, wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or faulty installation. Consult your policy for the specifics of what stucco damage is covered and what isn&rsquo;t.</p></div>

Question 1

How long does stucco take to cure?

Accepted Answer

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The curing time for stucco typically takes several weeks to fully complete. During the curing process, the stucco undergoes a chemical reaction and gradually hardens. It's important to note that curing is different from drying. While the surface of the stucco may dry relatively quickly within a few hours or days, the curing process continues beneath the surface, strengthening and solidifying the stucco.

It's best to avoid excessive moisture exposure during the curing period, as it can impede the curing process. The exact curing time can vary based on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the specific stucco mixture used.

Question 2

Should I repair or replace my stucco?

Accepted Answer

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The decision to repair or replace stucco depends on the extent of the damage. For minor issues like small cracks, holes, dirt, stains, or discoloration, a repair is typically sufficient and more cost-effective. These issues can often be resolved with a simple repair, a deep clean, and possibly a new coat of paint. However, for more significant problems such as large cracks, peeling, mold, algae, or structural water damage, a replacement might be necessary. In these cases, it is best to call a professional stucco contractor for an inspection. An expert can assess the severity of the damage, determine if there are deeper issues, and advise whether a repair is adequate or if replacing a section or an entire wall is the more cost-effective, long-term solution.

Question 3

What’s the difference between stucco repair and stucco remediation?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Question 4

What type of exterior paint finish is best for stucco?

Accepted Answer

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The best exterior paint finish for stucco is a flat or low-gloss finish. A high-gloss finish will show imperfections in the stucco and give it a candy-coated look that many homeowners don’t like. The best types of exterior paint to use on stucco are acrylic, masonry, and elastomeric. However, acrylic is recommended because it is both durable and breathable.

Question 5

Does homeowners insurance cover stucco damage?

Accepted Answer

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Homeowners insurance generally won’t cover stucco damage unless it’s caused by a covered event like a storm or fire. You’ll need to pay out of pocket for damage caused by age, wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or faulty installation. Consult your policy for the specifics of what stucco damage is covered and what isn’t.