Care and Maintenance Practices for Stucco Siding

Care and Maintenance Practices for Stucco Siding

October 12, 2020

From energy efficiency to appearance, stucco has a number of advantages over other siding materials. One of its often-overlooked qualities, though, is the fact that it’s so low maintenance. Stucco requires very little care to look its best. That said, it’s not maintenance free. This post will cover everything you need to know about stucco maintenance and care in Bluffton, SC.

Cleaning

The number one maintenance item for stucco is cleaning. Stucco is a porous material, which means it can absorb stains. Fortunately, all it takes to clean stucco is water from a garden hose or a power washer. If you do use a power washer to clean your siding, be sure to turn it to the lowest setting. A powerful stream of water could actually damage your stucco, necessitating repairs.

If you notice mold or mildew while cleaning your home, we advise calling a professional to inspect it. Mold could be the result of excess moisture or another issue going on behind your siding, so it’s a good idea to have it looked at by a pro.

Sealing

As we just mentioned, stucco is a porous material, so stucco maintenance and care in Bluffton, SC needs to include sealing it. A proper sealant will prevent any moisture from penetrating the actual stucco or damaging the substrate behind it. Stucco should be sealed when first installed, but that sealant will wear off over time. Experts recommend sealing your siding every five years for best results.

You could potentially seal your siding by yourself, but we always tell our customers to hire a professional instead. Professional-grade sealants are much better quality than you’ll find at the hardware store, and pros have the best techniques to ensure the sealant stays on for as long as possible.

Painting

Along with keeping your stucco sealed, it’s also recommended that you paint it every five to 10 years. A fresh coat of paint boosts your home’s appearance and adds another layer of protection against the elements. A nice coat of paint goes a long way in terms of maintaining your home’s exterior value in Bluffton, SC.

Repairs

Stucco can weaken over time due to the elements, particularly if it’s installed poorly. As you can imagine, weakened stucco is susceptible to some catastrophic damage. Cracks and holes are two of the most common types of damage we see with stucco siding, and they need to be addressed right away. Hairline cracks and holes can start small, but they’ll quickly grow larger unless they’re patched as soon as possible.

We recommend walking around your house every now and then to check for any signs of damage. You can fix small cracks and holes by yourself using materials from the hardware store, but for more extensive damage, be sure to hire the professionals. A professional stucco contractor will ensure the damage is fully repaired and won’t be an issue in the future.

We’re the team to maintain your stucco

If you need some professional help maintaining or repairing your stucco siding, look no further than Spring Construction. We’re the best in the area when it comes to maintaining your home’s exterior value in Bluffton, SC!

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