"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."
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.
To maintain stucco, inspect it annually for cracks and clean the surface with a mild detergent. Seal any cracks promptly to prevent water infiltration, and reseal or repaint as needed to preserve its appearance.
Choosing between traditional and synthetic stucco depends on your specific needs, budget, and climate. Both options are durable, but synthetic stucco includes an extra layer that makes it more resistant to cracking and a better choice for climates with extreme weather. In hot, dry climates with less rainfall, traditional stucco is a suitable and more affordable option that is less likely to trap moisture. Synthetic stucco also offers more color options and requires less maintenance.
The average cost to repair stucco is about $1,600, with projects ranging from $250 for minor fixes to $6,700 for extensive work. The price is often calculated per square foot, typically costing between $60 and $120. Some professionals may charge an hourly rate of $40 to $50. The final cost depends on the extent of the damage, the type of stucco, your home's location, and whether there is underlying damage that also needs to be addressed.
Costs for specific repairs vary:
Cracks: $8–$20 per square foot
Holes: $250–$450 per hole
Water damage: $30–$50 per square foot
Chimney repair: $60–$120 per square foot
Recoating: $4–$5 per square foot
While you may be able to patch small cracks yourself, it is recommended to call a professional for major repairs to ensure the job is done correctly.
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 Parmelee, 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.
