Stucco Repair: When to DIY and When to Call a Professional
Posted on April 12, 2023
Stucco is a beautiful, durable exterior material popular for Northwest Florida residences and businesses. Though it withstands the elements well, you will see some wear over time. It is wise to repair hairline cracks and minor damage quickly so they don’t become major issues. When can you tackle these repair jobs yourself, and when is it time to call in the professionals?
Some common signs your stucco might need repair or replacement:
- Discoloration– Brown or rust-colored streaks, especially near windows or door areas, is a sign of water damage.
- Cracks- These should not be larger than ⅛ inch. Have a professional look at any larger cracks to inspect for damage.
- Bulging on walls, soft areas, loose spots, indentations, or crumbling stucco must be examined.
- Cracks/Bubbles– If cracks or bubbles run along the bottom of a wall, it could be a sign of poor drainage.
- Smells of mold or mildew– If your carpet is damp, look for water damage or a leak.
Minor damage: Some minor problems that occur often are hairline cracks. These can be taken care of by most homeowners without calling an expert. Suppose you are moderately skilled at handyman tasks around the home. In that case, you should be able to fix hairline cracks simply by purchasing a stucco repair kit and explicitly following the manufacturer’s instructions within a weekend.
More severe damage: However, if there are substantial or deep cracks, warping, or structural damage, an underlying issue, you must hire professionals. Only if you have solid masonry experience and experience with stucco repair yourself should you attempt to fix extensive damage.
The main issue of DIY stucco repair is the potential risks of worsening the problem. You could end up failing to fix the deep crack and, not only that, actually cause more damage to walls in the process, loosening more stucco and having it break loose. Afterward, you will be out the money you spent on supplies and the time you invested, plus you’ll still need to call in professionals to fix the old and new damage.
Contact the professionals at CertaPro Painters® of Northwest Florida for all your stucco repair needs.
