The Telltale Signs That You Need Stucco Repair in San Diego and How to Maintain Your Stucco

Stucco is a common sight in many San Diego homes.

It’s a great decorative material that can give your home a nice rustic look, and could boost your home’s curb appeal too!

However, stucco isn’t invulnerable to damage and eventually, your home’s stucco may start to show signs of damage and be left unchecked. This damage can grow and lead to some very expensive repairs.

Stucco damage isn’t always obvious, so let’s explore how you can spot its telltale signs and call a professional for stucco repair in San Diego.

What are some common signs that your home needs stucco repair?

Most of the time, you might not even notice that your stucco needs repairs. But if you don’t check for signs of stucco damage, you may come to a point where the damage is so great that repairs won’t help anymore and you will need to replace all the stucco. The cost of replacing an entire home’s stucco can be as expensive as $11,000. So, here are some common signs of stucco damage you need to look out for and make repairs as soon as possible:

1. Efflorescence

This is the term used to describe salt deposits forming on the edges of your stucco. These deposits can usually be seen near the parts of the stucco that touch pipes and the ground. The reason for efflorescence is water seeping into the stucco from a leaky pipe or the ground. After the water dries, it leaves behind white salt deposits.

Since efflorescence happens due to water entering the stucco, you may need to find a way to prevent water from getting in. It should be noted that efflorescence isn’t harmful to health but it can still potentially cause structural damage over time.

2. Dark Patches

If you’ve started to notice dark patches forming on your stucco, this is a surefire sign that water has been getting into it. Not only does water seeping into your stucco ruin its aesthetics by causing discoloration but it also makes the stucco weaker and more likely to crumble.

Also, these dark patches tend to be moist, making them a good habitat for mold and mildew. Aside from being unsightly, mold can cause allergic reactions in some people and can be especially harmful to people with asthma.

3. Crumbling

Most of the time, old stucco will start to crumble. You may notice a few small cracks on your stucco; these are normal and usually harmless. But what you need to look out for is significantly large cracks and gaps in your stucco. Left untreated, large sections of your stucco could start to fall off.

4. Impact Damage

If you have kids at home or vegetation close to your home’s exterior walls, there’s always a chance that your stucco could experience some impact damage from the kids throwing all sorts of things at the walls or the branches of trees hitting the walls during high winds.

Impact damage can range from minor scratches to entire pieces of the stucco being broken off. If you notice any kind of impact damage, you should make repairs immediately.

How can you maintain your stucco?

Stucco damage isn’t 100% preventable but there are ways that you can make sure that your stucco lasts for a long time:

1. Inspect the Stucco Regularly

Every 6 months, inspect your home’s stucco and look out for significant damage, like large gaps, dark patches, and places on the stucco that are soft to the touch. Pay attention to the stucco around windows and pipes as these areas are the most prone to water damage.

2. Keep Vegetation Away

Try to keep your exterior walls clear of any vegetation. Get rid of any unwanted shrubs and bushes that are too close to your home’s exterior walls and trim the branches of trees that extend towards your home.

Clearing vegetation that’s close to your home will also ensure that there’s proper airflow, allowing the stucco to dry effectively, and reducing water damage.

3. Repaint Your Walls

As a rule of thumb, you should consider repainting your stucco every 5-10 years. Paint can help protect your stucco from weather damage and may also help make it sturdier. In addition, you will need to prepare the wall for repainting by cleaning it and repairing any stucco damage before you start painting.

If you’re not experienced with painting stucco, you should consider calling a professional painting contractor to do the job for you.

4. Maintain Sealant and Caulking

Damaged caulking around windows and doors can allow water to seep into the stucco and cause damage. If you notice any visible cracks, apply high-quality caulking or sealant to repair the damage and prevent more water from getting into the stucco.

Why you should call a professional for stucco repair in San Diego

Repairing stucco isn’t an easy job and it can be quite time-consuming too. Here’s why you should call a professional to help you out:

1. High-Quality Craftsmanship

A professional will deliver high-quality repairs every time. They will ensure that the repairs match seamlessly with your existing stucco, creating an aesthetically pleasing finish.

2. Expertise

Professional stucco repair services employ people with years of experience. They will be able to repair your stucco to perfection, leaving no room for more problems with your stucco down the line.

3. Efficiency

Stucco repair is a long process but professionals can get the job done very quickly. For example, if you’re going to have a huge event at your home, like an anniversary party, the repairs can be done long before your event without interfering with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are commonly asked questions about stucco repair and maintenance:

1. How long does it take to repair stucco?

Small stucco repair can take just a few hours. But if the stucco is severely damaged, the stucco might need to be replaced and this could take a few days, especially if your home is large.

2. How can I clean my stucco?

To clean stucco, mix some mild detergent with clean water and wash the stucco, while using a brush to remove dirt and debris. Don’t use wire brushes—they could scratch the stucco.

3. Is it okay to pressure-wash stucco?

Yes, it is. But make sure to set the water pressure to low so that you don’t damage the stucco.

Call a professional for stucco repair in San Diego today

Stucco is a big part of many San Diego homes. It adds a lot to a home’s aesthetic and makes the texture of stucco unlike any other. So if you want to make sure that your home’s stucco is maintained and pristine for many years to come, give your neighborhood’s providers of stucco repair services a call today!