It is nearly impossible to escape homes with stucco exteriors when you live in an area like Cave Creek. The durable material is perfect for resisting the harsh rays of the sun that beat down tirelessly day after day. Unfortunately, even stucco has a breaking point and requires a new paint job. Before you slather on color of choice, though, the wall underneath is going to need some tender, loving care. In this article, our stucco professionals have lined out the process of repairing stucco exterior before painting. We have included how to identify issues and when it is better to just cut your losses. By the end of this article, you too can be a stucco pro! 

Identifying Issues

The first step to fixing anything is to identify what exactly is wrong. When it comes to stucco, there are a few key things to look for: cracking, molding, and discoloration. Each of these problems can vary in severity and likely has its own cause. For example, hairline cracks are typically caused by expected stresses around your house. Mold, on the other hand, grows when water gets behind the moisture-proof layer behind the stucco. Either way, you will want to identify the problems before moving forward.

Removing the Crumble

The next step is typically to remove any crumbling stucco or dust/dirt that is stuck to your house. This can be done with a broom against the surface most of the time. Other times, you may need to use a power washer to complete this step. Of course, be careful not to trap water behind your walls, which can lead to problems mentioned above. If there are any areas that are crumbling, chip away at the wall with a hammer and chisel until you can clean the metal mesh covering the lath underneath. 

Dealing with Cracks

Cracks come in many different shapes and sizes––and they definitely are not all made equally. Hairline cracks are expected when you have a stucco exterior. If you have cracks on the foam trim, though, this likely means that two pieces of stucco were improperly joined during installation. For smaller cracks that show no indication of a deeper problem, you can go ahead and fill in with a sand-textured acrylic caulk. Remember to wait a full 24 hours before painting the caulked area and to wear gloves!

When to Replace

While it is always best to take care of these issues as soon as you notice them, we know this can’t always be the case. If your stucco exterior is damaged to a point that it needs to be replaced, don’t worry! There are professionals out there that can take care of this for you in no time. The best companies will also provide a warranty with their work, so you don’t have to worry about repairing any of the above issues for three to seven years!

Contact CertaPro Painters

If you are looking for an expert painting company to repair your stucco on budget and within an allotted time frame, call CertaPro Painters! We have helped thousands of homeowners paint and maintain their stucco homes throughout the Cave Creek area. We offer power washing services and a free color consultation along with the rest of our residential services. To get started, call our team members at 602-277-4002 or fill out our free, no-obligation form! We look forward to working with you!