Is it Worth Having Stucco Repaired?

If you've noticed that your stucco has started to erode, you might be wondering whether it's worth it to have it repaired. There are a number of things to consider, including the cost of the repair and how it will affect your home.

Cost of repair

There are several factors that affect the cost of having damaged stucco repaired. These include the location of the damaged area, the amount of damage, and the type of stucco.

The size of the repair area will also play a role in the cost of having the damaged stucco repaired. Larger repair areas will incur more labor costs.

A standard inspection will help a stucco repair professional determine the cause of the damage. In some cases, a more invasive inspection will be necessary.

Once the cause of the damage has been identified, the process of having it repaired can begin. Some common causes of damage to stucco include water damages, mold, and cracks.

Stucco repairs vary from simple repairs to complete replacement. Repairs that involve water damages require the removal of old stucco, the installation of new vapor barrier material, and the repair of the lath.

Damages that are caused by water may require the removal of air conditioning units, the uninstallation of HVAC systems, and other alterations to the home. If the damage is extensive, the homeowner may be required to relocate the damaged area.

Signs of water damage on stucco

Stucco is a great exterior siding option - especially in dry climates - but it can also cause water damage. When it does, you need to get it fixed right away. If left unchecked, it could lead to mold or dry rot, both of which can be dangerous and costly.

The main threat to stucco is water infiltration. Water can seep through cracks or holes, causing damage to the surface of the stucco and the structure of the home. Insufficient drainage or chimney flashing may contribute to water damage, too.

The best way to spot a problem is to walk around your house. You should do this twice a year. A professional will be able to assess the damage, and will recommend a course of action.

The first symptom of water damage is stains. These can be white hazy streaks on your paint, or they can be dark, shiny areas. Regardless of the color, the tiniest amount of staining is a sure sign that you have a moisture issue.

Preventing future damage

Stucco siding has its pros and cons. If you are a homeowner, you will need to pay close attention to the condition of your stucco. A poorly installed stucco system can cause significant damage to your home. It can lead to mold and rot. The good news is that you can avoid these problems by performing regular inspections.

If you suspect that your stucco has been damaged by water, the first thing to do is to conduct a proper investigation. Performing a moisture test can help you determine the source of the problem.

This may involve invasive moisture meter readings or thermal imaging. If you are unable to perform the tests yourself, you can hire an expert to do so. An experienced professional will be able to pinpoint the underlying cause of the issue and prevent it from happening again.

You can also check for surface cracks on your stucco. These are usually caused by water wicking into the wall. They will usually be visible around windows.

Synthetic stucco vs natural stucco

When deciding between synthetic stucco and natural stucco for your home, it is important to consider the material's durability. Synthetic stucco is more durable than traditional stucco, which makes it more attractive. But there are also some issues with synthetic stucco that can hinder its lifespan.

The most common problem with synthetic stucco is moisture intrusion. This can lead to serious structural problems. It is also more susceptible to damage around window frames.

Another issue is lack of ventilation. If your home does not have adequate ventilation, you may notice mildew or mold growth. These issues can be tricky to correct. However, early detection can help prevent the problem from escalating.

If your stucco is damaged, you will need to hire a company to repair it. Depending on the extent of the damage, the costs can be very high. 

Traditional hard coat stucco is more resilient than synthetic stucco. The cement-based product has a long history in construction. In addition to its aesthetics, it provides insulation.

Chandler Stucco
6125 W Chandler Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85226
(480) 568-5447