How long does stucco last?
Stucco is designed to last a lifetime. With proper installation and proper maintenance it will last 50 to 100 years. However, due to environmental wear and tear, stucco will age in its appearance. Therefore, you may wish to recoat your stucco every 25 years or so.
Can I paint my stucco?
Yes, if you have a standard stucco finish (as opposed to an acrylic finish) on your home, you can paint it with a latex paint. However, it might be easier to have your stucco refinished with a color coat.
Can I clean my stucco?
Yes, you can clean dirt and debris from your stucco using a pressure washer as long as the setting is not too high.
Why are there cracks in my stucco?
Cracks that appear on the surface of stucco walls are most often caused by conditions within the wall structure. These are structural or stress related and are usually the result of uncontrolled building movement, i.e. lumber expansion or contraction, bowing, twisting, warping, etc.; ground movement; soil expansion or contraction; or it can be substrate related. The O.S.B. substrate used today, even when gapped as recommended, can swell and/or shrink, causing pressure that transfers through to the stucco. Cracks are "stress" related energy.
The most common type of stress cracking can be found at the corners of windows and doors. When a solid substrate such as plywood or O.S.B. is used for shear, it is common to find cracks in the field areas as well. These surface cracks can be a cosmetic or aesthetic consideration; it does not indicate a sub-standard performance of the stucco skin.
Although stucco systems do crack, it does not mean that the stucco has failed or was installed incorrectly, it simply means that stresses from other sources are present, and have relieved themselves in the stucco membrane.
Why is my stucco leaking?
Stucco is a waterproof system and if installed correctly it does not "leak". The problem usually lies somewhere in the infrastructure of the home. Most often the leak is around a window or door and is due to improper installation of flashing. If you find that you have a leak, our experts will come and evaluate where the problem lies and suggest the best course of action to remedy the problem.