Several clues suggest that your stucco is damaged or has underlying issues. Visual clues include discoloration, cracks, indentations, broken caulking, or visible mold. If you touch your stucco and feel any soft spots, that could also indicate a problem. If you notice any of these concerns, call in an inspector who can confirm your suspicions and help provide solutions.
While your stucco repair professional can diagnose exactly what needs repair, it can be helpful to know what to look out for in the early stages to avoid significant reconstruction. Some common stucco repairs include:
To repair damaged exterior stucco, you’ll first remove all loose and crumbling material from the damaged area. You then need to thoroughly clean the area and dampen it to ensure proper bonding. After that, you’ll apply a bonding agent to the repair area, then apply new stucco in layers, allowing for curing time between each layer. The final coat should be textured to match the surrounding stucco pattern as closely as possible. Once fully cured, the repaired area can be painted to match the rest of the wall if needed.
Solid, unpainted stucco shouldn’t suffer damage from dots of glue used for this task. If the stucco is dirty, you may notice slight marks when you heat and peel the glue away, but these aren’t permanent.
However, not all stucco walls are solid stucco. Some are “faux” stucco with a foam backing. This kind of stucco veneer is more susceptible to damage, including damage from hot glue. We don’t suggest attaching anything to these kinds of stucco walls, so make sure you check the stucco type before starting this project.
Stucco applied over brick can last 30 to 50 years or more when correctly applied and properly maintained. Stucco’s lifespan can be shortened by improper application, incorrectly mixed material, lack of preparation before application, and lack of maintenance. To get the most life out of your stucco siding, keep up with maintenance and repair any damage as soon as you discover it.
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