How to Repair a Stucco House
The settling of the foundation, earthquakes, flooding, aging or being hit by large objects can damage stucco homes. All damage, no matter how slight it seems, needs to be fixed immediately. Allowing moisture to access the inner structure of a home can be a costly oversight. Repairing stucco is a low-cost project that most homeowners should be able to do. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Trowel
- Tin snips
- Wire mesh
- Measuring tape
- Stucco finishing tool or whisk broom
- Stucco patching compound (mix or pre-mixed)
- Acrylic paint
- Paint brush
Instructions
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Repairing Cracks
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1
Mix enough stucco patching compound to fill in all cracks. Follow product label instructions for correct mixture.
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2
Use a trowel to work the stucco patching compound into the openings of the cracks. Smooth surface with the edge of the trowel and blend using a finishing tool, or the bristles of a whisk broom.
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3
Let the repaired cracks cure for a month and then paint with a matching color acrylic paint.
Fixing Area Damage on a Stucco House
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4
Remove all damaged stucco pieces using a hammer and a chisel. Only remove the parts that are completely separated from the wall.
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5
Inspect the underlying steel mesh in the area of the stucco damage and replace if needed. Remove the damaged mesh using tin snips. Measure off and cut the required size of new mesh. Attach it to the inner wall using 1 inch galvanized nails. Both the mesh and the galvanized nails are readily available at all home improvement centers.
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6
Estimate the amount of stucco patching compound it will take to fill in the damaged areas. Mix up half of that amount following the label directions. The area will need to be filled using two layers to assist the drying process.
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7
Use the trowel to push the compound into the mesh. Allow several hours of drying time.
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8
Mix the remainder of the stucco patching compound needed to complete the job. Wet the edges of the area being repaired to help blend the old and new stucco. Use the trowel to fill in the space completely. Run a straight edge, such as a level or a board, over the area to ensure you have an even application of the stucco compound.
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9
Use a finishing tool or whisk broom bristles to blend the texture of the wet stucco compound. Match the repaired section with the surrounding wall as close as possible.
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10
Use an acrylic paint of a matching color to cover the repaired area after it has cured for a month.
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Tips & Warnings
Use gloved hands to push the stucco patching compound into the cracks if it is too difficult with the trowel. Paint matching can be difficult. Have the paint matched and purchased before doing the repairs.
If there is noticeable structural damage have a professional fix it before the stucco repairs. The damage could get worse if you let it go. Protect the repaired areas from rain for at least 48 hours.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image courtesy of Photobucket photo pool.
