Getting to Know Stucco
Stucco is a relatively low-maintenance home exterior type, but it still requires some attention from time to time. With some effort, you can keep it in great shape and look good as ever. Neglecting it may need you to call for a stucco repair professional for some help eventually. Here are the fundamentals of cleaning and maintaining your stucco exterior to avoid such.
Common Problems With Stucco
About once per year, inspect for damage and do a thorough cleaning. Cracks or breakage can occur, and it’s best to catch these damages early while they’re still easy to repair. Yearly cleaning will keep dirt from collecting heavily in spongy openings. Do these inspections in areas with certain types of weather or other contributing circumstances more often. For instance, a stucco house next to a dirt road could need cleaning more frequently than most.
Another vital thing to look for during these inspections is openings where moisture might have settled in and caused mold. Apply some bleach to the affected area and let it sit. Rinse, and the mold should be gone. If not, try applying more and using a soft brush. If it’s still there, it has probably been there for too long. You will require a stucco repair service.
Maintaining Stucco
To thoroughly clean exterior stucco, you’ll usually need a garden hose. You can also use pressure washing equipment if available. Spray down the base of the wall along the ground until dirt starts to wash away. Work your way upward with the hose, bottom to top, until you’ve covered the entire wall. Ensure any dirt running off has been entirely rinsed from the wall’s surface. For your basic annual cleaning, this will often be sufficient.
Look for any damage that might need repairing. You can usually fill small cracks with caulk; larger ones need to be well cleaned out and filled with a mortar mix. Some types of damage will require the help of a professional. Vertical cracks can mean problems with your foundation, so call an expert if you find any of these. Water damage, excessive mold, termites, or severe structural damage are also jobs for professionals.
Follow these fundamentals to prolong the life of stucco! If you’re not confident in getting DIY done, contact professionals. Quintana Stucco Contractor is a reputable stucco repair professional you can call in Aztec, NM. Reach out by calling (505) 225-2879 now!