Do you own a home in the San Diego area? Does the exterior of that home need repair or are you thinking of updating the exterior to make it more aesthetically pleasing and to increase resale value? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it may be time to reach out to a local stucco company. Whether your home’s exterior is currently stucco or you want to install stucco over your current exterior, you need an expert to take care of your home’s needs.
Here are four signs you need to hire a stucco company and how to choose the best one for your home.
What is Stucco?
Stucco, which has long been a popular exterior finish for homes in the Southwest, is a mixture of sand, lime, water, and cement. The word ‘stucco’ is Italian for plaster—which is essentially what stucco is. Stucco can be applied over wood or masonry frames on the exterior of homes to provide stability, durability, and a finished appearance. Stucco can also be used indoors as a decorative element.
Signs You Need to Call a Stucco Company
Not sure if you need to call a stucco company for your home’s exterior? Here are four signs it is likely time to reach out.
1. Your Stucco Exterior Has Cracks
If your stucco exterior has developed cracks, it’s usually a sign that it was not installed properly or due to moisture. It’s vital to get the cracks repaired to prevent more moisture from seeping into the exterior and causing mold growth. Getting cracks fixed will also prolong the lifespan of your exterior and prevent any further damage.
2. It’s Been a While Since You’ve Had Any Maintenance Performed
If you’ve not had your stucco exterior looked at by a professional for a few years, it might be time. Stucco should be regularly cleaned, caulking should be applied where needed, and a visual inspection to identify potential issues should be performed. You can also have your stucco exterior repainted at this time if you want a fresh look.
3. You Are a New Owner of a Stucco Home and Don’t Know the Maintenance History
If you’ve purchased a home with a stucco exterior and are unsure of the last time it’s been looked at by a professional stucco company, set up an appointment as soon as possible. Not only will the company be able to tell you if any repairs are needed, but forming a relationship with a quality company will also be a valuable resource for you as a homeowner.
4. You’re Ready to Upgrade Your Exterior
New stucco can be applied over old stucco or various other rigid materials to refresh the look of your home and provide upgraded protection. If you’re considering adding stucco, reach out to an experienced stucco company for professional advice.
Why is Stucco Popular in San Diego?
Stucco is a popular exterior in San Diego and many other Southwestern areas due to its versatility, durability, and appearance. It’s also very energy efficient, which enhances its appeal in desert communities where retaining warmth or heat—depending on the season—is important. The appearance of stucco also fits in well with the Southwestern aesthetic—another reason why it has been popular in this area of the country since the 1970s.
How is Stucco Installed?
To install stucco, a professional company will cover the exterior of your home with a bonding agent or vapor barrier before applying a heavy wire mesh. The first layer of stucco, a scratch coat, can then be applied followed by a leveling layer. The final layer, a finish coat, will then be applied followed by an optional finish or texture coat. Once all the coats have been applied, you can then paint the stucco or you can leave it as-is.
How is Stucco Repaired?
One benefit of stucco is that it is easy to repair by professionals who have experience. To repair stucco, a pro stucco company will remove any broken or loose pieces, replace metal mesh if needed, then apply coats of stucco in the same order as if they were newly installing it.
If stucco damage is limited to cracks or small holes, a repair company may be able to skip many of the above steps and simply clean the area, fill in the cracks or holes with stucco patching material, wait for the area to dry, then paint to match the rest of the home’s exterior.
Call A Stucco Expert Today
Stucco homes are iconic in the Southwest. If you currently have a stucco home and need maintenance or if you’re considering adding stucco to your current home, reach out to a professional company for expert guidance and to ensure your stucco project is as seamless as possible.
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