Stucco Inspection 101: What To Look For And How To Fix It

 When it comes to maintaining the exterior of your home in Philadelphia, keeping an eye on your stucco siding is vital.  

Whether you've lived with stucco walls for years or are new to caring for this exterior finish, it's important to understand potential problems and how to address them. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with signs of stucco issues will allow any small flaws to be identified early before they worsen.  

This guide will help you proactively monitor your walls through regular inspection and simple maintenance tasks you can handle yourself. You'll also learn when to bring in the pros. From checking for cracks to refreshing protective sealants, these best practices will preserve your stucco's appearance and shield your home's shell from costly repairs. 

1. Recognizing the Signs of Stucco Problems 

To catch problems early, the first thing you need to do is know what problems might look like. A common thing that homes miss is cracks, which can be very small or very big. Small settlements or water damage can both lead to cracks.  

Watch out for cracks, especially around doors and windows, and where two different types of material meet, like your stucco and brick chimney. If your walls are bulging, cracking, or sounding hollow, that could be a sign of a bigger moisture problem. Keep an eye out for mold or mildew growth, which could mean that some parts of your stucco are holding too much water.  

Taking the time to closely examine your home's exterior periodically will help you spot problems before they worsen and you can take a step forward by looking for Philadelphia stucco repair experts. 

2. Addressing Common Repair Needs 

Armed with the results of your stucco inspection and testing, you may find small flaws that are simple enough for a DIY repair job. Here are some of the most common stucco fixes and how to tackle them: 

• Hairline Cracks: Apply a high-quality texture or elastomeric coating, which is available at home improvement stores. Look for moisture-resistant formulas. 
• Larger Cracks: Chisel or grind cracks wider and patch with stucco repair compound before recoating. 
• Soft or Depressed Spots: Chisel off loose material and reapply the stucco patch before sanding smooth and painting. 
• Mold or Mildew: Scrub the surface with a mild bleach and water solution and allow it to dry before recoating. 
• Moisture Intrusion: Check for proper drainage and ventilation. Drill to locate source and waterproof as needed before stucco repair. 

Of course, major cracking, structural damage, or extensive patching is best left to professional stucco contractors. However, maintaining vigilance and taking care of smaller flaws yourself can go a long way toward preserving your home's exterior for many more years. 

3. Creating Protection Against the Elements   

Once repair work is complete, the next important step is safeguarding your stucco's durability to withstand weathering. Proper sealing and painting provide crucial long-term protection. For sealing, look for an elastomeric waterproofer or concrete sealer designed for stucco application.  

Apply according to label directions, focusing on areas susceptible to water exposure. Reapply fresh sealer every five years or as needed.  

Similarly, choose a quality exterior paint formulated for stucco and refresh coats every 3-5 years for continued UV protection and aesthetic appeal. When combined with regular inspections, these protective steps shield your walls from premature wear and will save you big on replacement costs down the road. 

4. A Routine Maintenance Plan is Key 

Just like any other part of your home, stucco wall surfaces need consistent maintenance practices to stay in tip-top shape. During your annual inspection, note any locations in need of touch-ups and create a checklist of summer and fall routine tasks: 

• Power wash stucco once or twice a year using a mild detergent to remove built-up grime. Go lightly: no pressure washers. 
• Trim trees and bushes well clear of walls to allow for proper airflow and drainage, reducing moisture issues. 
• Ensure downspouts discharge away from the foundation and any extensions or splash blocks in place direct water runoff. 
• Check grading slopes around your home's perimeter; rake and till as needed to maintain positive drainage away from the house. 
• Inspect caulk and sealant joints and refresh as cracks or peeling appear. Good sealing prevents water intrusion. 
• Monitor for insect or pest problems and treat them according to professional recommendations if noticed. 
• Check weep screed areas and clean any debris blocking drainage holes. 

Sticking to these routine tasks will help catch small issues before they become serious stucco repairs down the road that are far pricier to fix. A little TLC goes a long way to preserving your walls' good looks and preventing future headaches. 

5. Becoming Familiar with Important Updates 

Building codes and materials are constantly evolving. That's why it pays to familiarize yourself with stucco trends and innovations that may apply to keeping your home up-to-date. Ask your contractor about the following: 

• Drainage and Ventilation Improvements: New options like rainscreen designs better protect walls from water issues. 
• Moisture-Resistant Coatings: Updated sealers provide enhanced protection and longer lifespans. 
• Crack-Resistant Compounds: Repair patching formulas stand up to stresses that often cause cracking. 
• Backband Installation: Flashing installed behind stucco aids in moisture drainage behind the siding. 
• Vapor Permeable Paint: Allows walls to breathe while defending against water penetration. 

Being aware of these types of forward-thinking additions empowers you to discuss adequate stucco maintenance suited to your home's specific conditions for many years of attractive performance. Consult trusted contractors when your inspections indicate upgrades or improvements. 

6. Getting Professional Help When Needed 

Keep in mind that you don't need to be an expert on cement to keep the outside of your house in good shape. Most small problems can be fixed by yourself as long as you remember to do regular checks and upkeep. But if the problems point to bigger or more structural damage, it's best to have pros look at it and decide what needs to be fixed.  

If there are any greater problems, a general contractor who specializes in replacing and repairing stucco can figure them out correctly. Then, they will give you advice on how to make sure the fix lasts and how to meet any building code requirements. Think of them as your best friends for keeping your home's sturdy walls in good shape and improving its curb charm for years to come! 

Conclusion 

Keeping an eye on your stucco siding through regular inspection and proper care goes a very long way in protecting your home's most significant investment. Armed with the knowledge covered here on what signs to look for and basic do-it-yourself resolution tactics, most flaws can be addressed before becoming costlier nightmares. Routine maintenance tasks safeguard your stucco from premature weathering, too.  

With a little effort, you can beautifully preserve the character of your exterior walls for many more years of service. Just be sure to call an expert when issues hint at necessitating their specialized skills.