What Problems Need Residential Stucco Repairing?
Stucco has been an all-time favorite because it's a versatile material that can be used on both the interior and exterior of a home. It's durable, weather-resistant, and can be molded into any shape or design you want. It's also environmentally friendly. However, you can expect a few problems as your stucco walls age. Here are some problems that residential stucco repairing will fix.
1. Cracks
The most common method to fix cracks is to use a putty knife or trowel to apply a thin layer of mortar or cement over the crack. In some cases, metal lath or wire mesh may need to be applied first to provide additional support. Once the repair material has been applied, it should be allowed to dry for several hours or overnight before being sanded smoothly.
Another option for repairing cracks is to use epoxy resin. This can be applied with a putty knife or brush, and it will typically harden within 24 hours. However, it is important to note that epoxy resin is not as flexible as mortar or cement, so it may not be suitable for all types of cracks.
2. Efflorescence
Efflorescence is the white powder that sometimes appears on the surface of the stucco. It is caused by water seeping through the stucco and dissolving the salts that are present in the mortar or plaster. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind salt deposits, forming a white powder on the surface of the stucco.
While efflorescence is not harmful to the stucco itself, it can be unsightly and difficult to remove. To prevent efflorescence, it is important to ensure that the stucco is properly sealed and waterproofed. If efflorescence does occur, it can usually be removed with a weak acid solution.
3. Gaps
Gaps can form in stucco for various reasons, including settlement, thermal expansion and contraction, and poor craftsmanship. Gaps can be repaired by using a filler material such as mortar, cement, or epoxy resin.
Residential stucco repairing involves applying the repair material to the gap with a putty knife or trowel and then being allowed to dry for several hours or overnight. Once the repair material has dried, it should be sanded smoothly.
4. Insect Infestation
Stucco can be susceptible to insect infestation, particularly if there are cracks or gaps in the stucco. Insects such as termites, carpenter ants, and bees can all cause damage to stucco.
The affected area will need to be treated with an insecticide to fix this problem. Once the insects have been killed, residential stucco repairs should be done on the cracks or gaps to prevent further infestation.
Stucco walls have a classic elegance, but they need good care to stay beautiful. Call a contractor for residential stucco repair if you have any of the problems above.
To learn more, contact a company like Stucco Done Right LLC.