DIY Stucco Repair: Repairing and Sealing Cracks and Holes
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Stucco is a popular durable exterior coating found on a lot of homes. If a structure is properly maintained a stucco finish can last for many years.
It is not uncommon for a home to develop cracks from settling of the foundation. Stucco can also become damaged if it is hit by a blunt object. When damage occurs to the stucco finish a homeowner most likely will contact a stucco contractor for repairs.
Repairing damage to a stucco wall can be done by the homeowner to save on the expense. One thing to consider when deciding between a contractor and DIY stucco repair is being able to match the existing stucco texture.
Stucco can have a wide array of textures from the popular smooth sand finish, to a more complex textured pattern finish.
If you have decided to take on a stucco repair project, continue reading for tips on how to get the job done.
1. Clear Impacted Area of Loose Stucco
The first step to repair stucco cracks or damage is to remove any loose stucco pieces from the area you will be working in. You will also want to clean the area of dirt.
2. Prepare Stucco for DIY Stucco Repair Application
There are several stucco repair products on the market. Quikrete Stucco Repair is a popular choice because it also comes in a pre-mixed form.
If using stucco that needs to be mixed, do not prepare the mud until you are ready to apply it to the surface. For small jobs consider using a pre-mixed product in an amount comparable to the area you will be repairing.
3. Apply Initial Layer of Stucco
Once your repair area is ready, this how to repair stucco damage. Using a trowel, apply the first layer of stucco.
The stucco should be smoothed across the damaged area. If repairing a hole or larger space, the layer should be no more than 1/4 inch thick.
4. Apply Second Layer
When making repairs larger than cracks in the stucco, a second layer will be needed. Wait for the first stucco layer to dry, and then go over the area using the same technique.
5. Apply Final Coat
Applying the final layer of your stucco repair is the most important. This is the layer that will require you to match the existing stucco texture.
If your home has a basic finish, you may want to consider a spray-on texture finish, which can be found at your local home improvement store.
6. Seal and Paint Stucco
It is highly recommended that a sealant be applied to stucco before painting. You can avoid this step by using waterproof paint.
Ensure you have perfectly matched your paint color.
Did You Find These Steps Useful?
Now that you know how easy a DIY stucco repair is, are you ready to give it a try? Once your patch has dried you may want to bring in a professional painter for a perfect match. Or maybe you’ll decide to spruce up the entire house.
For whatever size paint job you have, contact us and connect with one of our paint experts.