Debunking 11 Common Myths About Stucco Repair in San Diego

According to a survey, the principal siding material used on 28% of single-family homes in 2022 was stucco.

Stucco gives the sidings of homes a unique texture that isn’t like any other—it’s a rustic aesthetic that’s been around for decades.

Like any other part of your home, the stucco will need occasional repairs if you want to keep your exterior walls looking beautiful all year round. But there are a few myths about stucco repair in San Diego that have been going around, and these might lead you to not take good care of your home’s stucco.

So let’s get down to business and debunk these myths and separate fact from fiction.

Myth 1: Stucco Repair is a DIY Job

This is probably the most common misconception people have about stucco repair in San Diego. While it’s true that you can repair stucco by yourself, you need to know exactly what you’re doing or the repair won’t be effective.

Repairing stucco is a task for specialists and it requires years of training and experience to get right.  Also, trying to repair stucco on your own can be dangerous; this is especially true if you don’t have the right tools to do the repairs safely.

Additionally, without proper knowledge about stucco repairs, you won’t be able to identify the problem and apply the proper techniques to make the fix. If you can’t find out about the problem early, you may run into more problems with the stucco over time.

Myth 2: Only Visible Damage Needs Fixing

Naturally, many people will repair damages that they can see, but this won’t work for stucco repairs. The damage on stucco sidings can go much deeper than the surface—you might not even notice how much damage there is.

There may be moisture damage under the stucco that you might not always see. Moisture damage can be especially bad since it can weaken your walls or allow harmful mold and mildew to grow.

Also, moisture damage under stucco could be a sign of a broken or leaking pipe in your walls. This could lead to problems like low water pressure and increased water bills.

Myth 3: Stucco Crumbling Means Poor Materials

Poor materials can lead to weak stucco that will start to deteriorate over time, but this isn’t always the case. If the stucco wasn’t applied the right way, chances are that it will start to crumble as time goes on.

Also, you need to use the right kind of stucco depending on your home’s location and the climate there. In this case, using high-quality stucco materials won’t help if it’s the wrong type of stucco.

Another thing to consider is that stucco will naturally wear out over time, regardless of the quality. This may take many years to happen, but you should be prepared for it.

If your home’s stucco is new but showing signs of early wear and tear, you should call a professional stucco repair service to replace the stucco. Usually, these professionals have access to high-quality stucco materials so you won’t need to worry about the new stucco crumbling any time soon.

Myth 4: Stucco Repair is Expensive

The cost of stucco repair can vary depending on the extent of the damage done to your home’s stucco—the price isn’t set in stone as many people believe.

The average cost of repairing stucco is a little over $1,500, but this cost can change depending on several factors, like the materials needed for the repair, whether you hire a professional for the job or DIY, the type of damage, and the cost of tools.

Also, if you take too long to make the necessary repairs, the condition of the stucco may gradually deteriorate and you may end up paying a hefty amount of money for repairs.

Myth 5: All Stucco Can Be Patched the Same Way

There are different types of stucco, such as Santa Barbara, Worm, and Cat Face. Each of these kinds of stucco needs to be repaired differently. If you try to repair different kinds of stucco the same way, the area you repaired will stick out like a sore thumb.

Also, the repairs won’t be effective and the stucco might start to wear out a lot faster and you’ll have more extensive repairs on your hands.

Fortunately, professional stucco repair contractors in San Diego have experience working on all types of stucco and can repair your stucco perfectly with little to no margin for error.

Myth 6: Stucco Repair is a Short-Term Solution

If done the right way, stucco repair in San Diego can be a long-term solution. If you need to repair your stucco regularly, this could mean that either the materials you used were of poor quality or the repair technique was wrong.

A flawless stucco repair can last for decades, especially when it’s done by a professional contractor.

Myth 7: Some Stucco is Immune to Mold

As much as we want to believe it, this is simply not true. All types of stucco, regardless of how good the quality is, can have stucco growing on it if it comes into frequent contact with water.

Mold can be a major problem for any home as the spore it releases can cause health problems in some people and may also trigger asthma attacks. If you spot mold on your home’s stucco or anywhere else, it should be removed immediately.

If your home is in an area where humidity levels are high, chances are that you might see mold growing on your stucco.

Myth 8: Removing Mold is Enough

You may think that removing the mold from your stucco is enough but this isn’t the case. Mold is just one part of a bigger problem.

High moisture levels in the air due to humidity and the climate aren’t the only factors that lead to mold growth. Damaged pipes in your walls and cracks in the stucco that let moisture get in can also allow mold to grow.

So if you’re seeing mold growth on your stucco, you’ll need to make deeper repairs to fix the problem.

Myth 9: Patching Up Cracks Should Do the Trick

Cracks are the most common type of damage that you’ll see on your stucco sidings.

However, simply patching up these cracks and calling it a day isn’t enough to repair your stucco.

You need to make sure that your stucco won’t be damaged again and this can be done by installing a drainage plane behind the stucco to get rid of moisture. Also, you will want to clear out any vegetation near your home’s siding to allow better airflow. This can help dry out the stucco faster and reduce moisture damage.

Myth 10: Stucco Can’t Be Painted Over

Some believe that stucco can’t be painted over after repairs, but this is not true. Stucco can be painted in all kinds of colors after it’s been repaired; however, it’s always a good idea to use paints that are breathable to get rid of moisture.

If you’re not sure about what kinds of paint work for stucco, try speaking with a residential painting company for some recommendations. Also, make sure that the paint matches the overall color scheme of your home’s exterior.

Myth 11: Stucco Needs Constant Repair

It’s easy to assume that stucco is fragile, but it’s a lot more durable than it looks. Stucco, especially those made using high-quality materials, won’t wear out that easily.

Even though small damages will occur over time, routine inspections can help you identify problems with your stucco and make small repairs. With these small repairs, you can prevent bigger issues with your stucco.

Make sure to get your home’s stucco checked at least once a year to detect damages like chipping and small cracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some commonly asked questions we receive from customers about stucco repair:

Can small cracks in stucco be repaired easily?

Yes, small cracks can often be repaired using a stucco patch or exterior acrylic caulking. These materials are designed to fill and seal minor cracks, preventing further damage.

How long does stucco repair take to dry?

Drying time can vary depending on the size of the repair and weather conditions. Typically, small repairs take about 24-48 hours to dry, while larger repairs may take longer.

What is the best time of year to repair stucco?

Spring and fall are ideal times for stucco repair, as extreme temperatures can affect the curing process. Avoid repairing stucco in very hot or cold weather for the best results.

Call a professional for stucco repair in San Diego

Stucco is a big part of many homes in San Diego so you need to maintain it well. However, taking care of stucco can be hard to do if you don’t have the right equipment or experience for the job.

The good news is that you can always call a professional contractor to fix and maintain your stucco for you. These professionals can make your stucco look brand new, giving your home’s exterior a refresh!

Get in touch with a good stucco repair service in your area today and breathe new life into your home’s stucco!