When guests visit, the first thing that they see is the exterior of your home. To give your home an elegant and enduring appearance, many homeowners prefer stucco. It has a modern aesthetic and is resilient against severe weather. However, despite their numerous benefits, they need appropriate upkeep to avoid harm and extend their lifespan.
This blog will delve into the four causes of stucco wear and tear and provide valuable suggestions to prevent them. Knowing about these factors and implementing preventive actions can help you avoid expensive fixes and retain the attractiveness of your home over time.
1. Lack of Maintenance
Proper maintenance is critical to preventing damage to stucco exteriors. For instance, neglecting to clean stucco walls regularly can lead to discoloration and structural issues. If left unchecked, dirt and grime buildup can cause the stucco to crack, peel, and fade, which can be unsightly and hazardous..
To avoid costly repairs, it's essential to inspect stucco exteriors often and clean them with appropriate methods. Here are three essential tips for maintaining stucco exteriors:
Keep plants and trees trimmed back from stucco to prevent damage from roots and moisture-trapping leaves.
Seal gaps or cracks quickly with a compatible waterproof sealant.
For major stucco repairs, hire a qualified professional contractor to ensure the job is done correctly and safely for long-lasting results.
2. Water Damage
Stucco is a popular building material but has a drawback: it's porous and can absorb water over time. This can result in significant damage as the water seeps in. Leaks from the roof, gutters, or plumbing can contaminate the stucco with water. Moreover, moisture can accumulate behind it, leading to mold growth and structural damage.
Here are three tips to prevent water damage to your stucco:
Ensure proper ventilation and drainage around your stucco to reduce moisture accumulation.
Ensure that landscaping around your home is properly graded away from the stucco to prevent water from pooling against it.
Monitor the humidity levels inside your home and use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture levels contributing to stucco damage.
3. Impact Damage
Stucco is a durable and attractive material commonly used for exterior finishes, but it’s still vulnerable to impact damage. Objects like tree branches, ladders, or sports equipment can cause cracks or chips. To protect your stucco from impact damage, here are three helpful tips:
Use a stabilizer when using a ladder near the stucco to prevent it from leaning against it and minimize the risk of accidental impact.
Ask a professional for advice on the stucco type that provides more resistance to impact damage.
Install and maintain drip edges properly to protect stucco by directing water away from its surface.
4. Settlement or Shifting
If you have stucco walls, you might have experienced some cracks or separation from the wall. Such damage results from various factors, such as changes in moisture levels, soil composition, or seismic activity, leading to settling or shifting of the foundation.
To avoid stucco damage caused by such movements, here are three tips to follow:
Add expansion joints to your stucco to prevent cracking caused by settling or shifting, installed according to your home's design and needs.
If you live in an area prone to seismic activity, consider having your foundation reinforced. A seismic retrofit can help protect your home's foundation against damage from earthquakes or other seismic events, minimizing the risk of stucco damage.
Reinforce your foundation with a seismic retrofit to minimize stucco damage and protect your home, especially if you live in an earthquake-prone area.
Preserve Your Stucco's Beauty With Affordable Stucco Services
Affordable Stucco Services is here to help you preserve your stucco's beauty with reliable and top-quality stucco repair! Our experts are skilled in utilizing various materials and techniques to deliver solutions that cater to your unique needs. Call us today at 302-442-0795 to partner with us and ensure your stucco remains beautiful and long-lasting!
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