How do you maintain a stucco house?
Regular Cleaning The good news is that cleaning indoor stucco usually takes nothing more than water and a bit of elbow grease. Simply scrub the dingy stucco with a dampened nylon brush to saturate the surface, then rub away the buildup with a moistened microfiber cloth (or clean cotton rag).
How often does stucco need maintenance?
Stucco walls can be washed and should be washed two to three times a year in order to maintain the finish coat’s ability to shine and function the way it should.
Does stucco need to be sealed?
Sealing your stucco is a great way to prevent water absorption. New stucco should be sealed with a clear concrete masonry sealer, typically made of a silicone material. For older stucco that’s already showing signs of cracking, waterproof elastomeric paints are an excellent choice to preserve and protect your stucco.
Does stucco need to be painted?
Stucco is a durable and great-looking exterior finish, but it isn’t invincible. Ideally, stucco should be painted every five to ten years. It’s important to paint and perform other stucco maintenance on the right schedule to keep your home looking great and to prevent hairline cracks from growing larger.
How do you refresh a stucco house?
Instead of replacing the stucco, use a few steps to update it.
- Pressure wash the stucco.
- Fill small cracks with a caulking gun loaded with acrylic-based caulk.
- Repair larger cracks.
- Prime the stucco using an acrylic based sealant.
- Cut in the paint using a soft-bristle brush.
- Spray the stucco wall with paint.
What is the lifespan of stucco?
50-80 years
Stucco is a very durable finish material with a typical life span of 50-80 years or more. Although it is one of the most durable surfaces available, it also features the lowest annual maintenance cost when compared to other siding materials. Stucco is a natural material consisting of an aggregate, a binder, and water.
Should you pressure wash a stucco house?
Yes, you can use a power washer or pressure washer to clean stucco. Just make sure to maintain a good distance between the nozzle and the surface, use the 1,500 PSI, and a 25- or 40-degree nozzle. Although, given the intensity of a power washer, seeking the help of a professional is always best.
Can water go through stucco?
Despite what many people think about stucco walls, stucco walls are not water-resistant. As a matter of fact water actually absorbs into the stucco. In most cases, the problem with water leaking through stucco is that the building envelope has been breached.
Can black mold grow on stucco?
Because of stucco’s non-absorbent surface, when mold grows on stucco it will generally grow directly on the surface. There must be two important factors involved for the mold to be able to grow, these are water, and organic materials, which feed the mold.
How do you clean dirty exterior stucco?
To clean stucco, mix equal parts bleach and water. Apply the mixture to the surface and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it down with clean water.
How long will a stucco house last?
Is it safe to power wash a stucco house?