How to Repair Stucco

Stucco can endure for 100 years or more, but that doesn’t mean it is impervious. Cracks and holes that develop in the surface let in water that can quickly lead to further damage to the stucco and the underlying surfaces. Patches of stucco can also break free from the wood or metal lath is it adhered to, resulting in loose areas that can grow over time. In this way, small holes often turn into bigger ones, along with more moisture exposure and damage.

Areas of stucco that have come loose or completely fallen away must be repaired with a full restoration process of removing the loose material, installing new building paper and metal lath, and applying three coats of stucco repair mix. Alternatively, if the original stucco is 3/4-inch thick or less, you can apply a single layer of stucco patch (up to 3/4-inch thick) and trowel it to the desired finish.

While it’s possible to mix your own stucco using traditional recipes, using a good-quality premixed stucco repair mix ensures you get the right mix for the application. These products are blended for exceptional strength and bonding and can be applied and colored just like standard stucco. A quick-setting formula also dries much more quickly than traditional stucco, making the repair process considerably faster.

Remove the Loose Stucco

Remove all loose or otherwise damaged stucco in the repair area by tapping it with a hammer and a cold chisel. Break away the loose pieces until you reach solidly adhered stucco along the entire perimeter of the area. Be careful not to damage the underlying wood lath or sheathing.

If there is metal lath under the stucco, cut it out along the perimeter, using metal snips. Remove all nails or screws securing the lath, and remove the lath from the wall.

Add Building Paper

Cut two pieces of grade D building paper to fit the patch area. Each piece should cover all exposed wood materials to create an effective moisture barrier.

Staple the first piece of paper to the wood lath or plywood sheathing, as applicable. Staple the second piece of paper over the first.

Install Metal Lath

Cut a piece of galvanized metal mesh stucco lath, using metal snips. As with the building paper, the lath should match the repair area so there are no gaps between the lath and the edges of the original (well-adhered) stucco.

Position the lath over the building paper and fasten it with galvanized roofing nails. The nails must be long enough to penetrate 1 inch into the wood framing members behind the original lath or, if the wall has plywood sheathing, nails should penetrate the full depth of the sheathing.

Mix the First Batch of Stucco

Mix a batch of quick-setting repair stucco, following the manufacturer’s directions, using a drill and mixing paddle or, for large quantities, a mortar mixer.

Keep the mixed stucco in a shaded area, and be ready to apply it as soon as it is mixed. Quick-setting stucco typically has a working time of 45 minutes or less, so mix only as much as you can apply in that time.

Apply the Scratch Coat

Spray the edges of stucco around the patch area with water (to prevent premature drying of the new stucco). Scoop a fist-size amount of wet stucco onto a trowel, then sling the stucco onto the metal lath to embed the wet mix into the openings in the mesh. The stucco should be able to hold onto the mesh by itself.

Repeat the process to cover the entire patch area, then smooth the stucco into a flat, even layer that is within 1/2 inch of the original stucco surface. Carefully press and smooth the wet stucco along the edges of the patch to bond the new stucco with the old.

Scarify the scratch coat with a trowel or scarifier, then let the coat cure as directed the mix manufacturer. You may need to water-cure the stucco by spraying it with water periodically. Curing may take only one to two hours, depending on the conditions and the stucco product.

Apply the Brown Coat

Mix a batch of stucco for the second, or brown, coat. Trowel the stucco onto the patch surface in a smooth, even layer that is recessed 1/8 inch from the surrounding original stucco. Let the brown coat cure as directed, misting with water, as applicable.

Apply the Final Coat

Mix a batch of stucco for the final, or color, coat. This coat can be a standard or custom-order color to achieve the desired look. However, it is very difficult to color-match a patch so that is blends with the surrounding stucco; hiding a patch completely often requires painting or coating the entire wall with a compatible paint or pigmented coating.

Apply the final coat with a trowel so it is flush with the surrounding area. Texture the coat, if desired, to match the original finish. Let the stucco cure as directed.

This article was cross posted from thebalancesmb.com. Original post can be read in it’s entirety here.

Original post here: How to Repair Stucco

Repairing Stucco Walls

Image Credit: www.doityourself.com

Stucco as a siding material has a well-deserved reputation as a practical option. Just some of the reasons people like stucco walls are its minimal maintenance requirements, looks (many people prefer the appearance of stucco over vinyl siding because it gives a home a unique look), and great wind blocking and insulation value. However, since stucco is a cement mixture and is very hard, it can crack or even get a hole if hit with a heavy blow like a tree branch. Fortunately repairing stucco is a job a competent DIY’er can take on with confidence with quite likely the hardest part being color matching the old stucco and the repair. Here’s how to repair a stucco wall.

Stucco Cracks

Thin cracks are usually quite easy to repair and should be fixed before they become bigger. Often very fine cracks can be filled and hidden by a coat of exterior acrylic paint color matched to the original stucco color.

Cracks too thick to be filled with paint can usually be repaired with exterior latex (paintable) caulk. Choose a caulk close in color to the original stucco to fill the crack then allow it to dry before painting over the repair with color matching paint. Putting some sand on the caulk while it’s still wet can help it blend with the surrounding stucco and give it a rough surface similar to the original stucco.

Cracks too big to be fixed with caulk can be repaired using either premixed acrylic stucco patching compound available at home and hardware stores or mixing and applying the same stucco mix that was originally applied to the wall.

Stucco Holes

Repairing a hole in a stucco wall will require a little patience and some practice. The hardest part is probably going to be matching the appearance of the original stucco. Try mixing some small batches of stucco tinted to closely match the original. Applying the different batches to small boards will allow you to figure out which mixture comes closest to being a match.

After determining the proper stucco mixture the next step is preparing the damaged surface to accept the repair. Start by removing any loose pieces of stucco in the hole and it’s often a good idea to also remove some undamaged stucco around the hole to be sure you will be applying your repair to a solid wall. Use the blower outlet on a shop vacuum to get rid of any dust left behind.

If the underlying wire mesh or tar paper has been damaged you will need to get cut out the damaged area and install and firmly fasten new paper and mesh before you start.

Apply your patch in layers, first filling the hole about half full then allowing the stucco to partially dry before drawing horizontal lines in the moist repair with a pointed piece of metal. After the first layer has dried apply a second coat to within 1/8 inch of the surface and once again give it time to dry. Finish the repair by applying and texturing the final coat.

What You’ll Need

Yourself
Exterior latex paintable caulk
Paint
Sand
Stucco
Shop vacuum
Small wood boards
Paintbrush
Trowel
Gloves

NOTE: This article was cross posted from doityourself.com and the original can be read here.

Original post here: Repairing Stucco Walls

3 Common Stucco Problems: How They Happen & How We Can Fix Them

Stucco homes are a bit of a conundrum. When stucco is done right, it can help make your home more energy efficient, fire retardant, and less susceptible to noise pollution. However, if a stucco exterior is poorly installed or not properly maintained, there are several serious issues which can arise and end up damaging your home. Most of the time, these issues are water related and have to do with excess moisture becoming trapped in your home. There are three very common issues which result from poor craftsmanship in the installation of stucco or poor maintenance practices:

Staining

If your stucco is untreated, rainfall can really take a toll on the exterior of your home. Rain brings with it a variety of contaminants which can become absorbed into the stucco and lead to stains. The rainwater can also wash contaminants from your roof and windows into your stucco. Over time, this leads to deposits of contaminants in your stucco as well as an overall deterioration of the stucco. The solution to this common problem involves a three step process. First, our stucco remediation team will use environmentally neutral protects to remove the contaminants. Next, we use a low pressure water spray to clean the stucco. Finally, after fixing the problem through these first two steps, we apply a water-resistant sealer to prevent these same problems from recurring in the future.

Cracking

There are two types of cracking problems in stucco homes – localized issues and more comprehensive ones. Localized cracking is normally due to water damage below the surface, while general cracking throughout the home may be a result of shotty workmanship when the stucco was installed. For the first issue, our stucco repair team will work to address joint work and install our coating system, which will greatly strengthen your stucco without changing its look. If the cracking is due to more serious flaws due to poor stucco installation, we recommend a full stucco replacement with our premium quality stucco system.

Mold

When dealing with issues of excess moisture and water retention, mold is always a concern. This issue is much more serious than the others, as it can hurt your home as well as your family. When this happens, the first step is to identify and eradicate the source of the trapped water. Next, we’ll remove the stucco affected by the excess moisture. We then identify the possible structural causes and our stucco remediation team works to fix them and remove rotting wood. Finally, we install our own stucco system and high-end water management system in order to prevent future problems.

Free Stucco Quotes

If you’re the owner of a stucco home and are struggling with moisture related issues, there is good news. Once you’ve identified the problems, our team of stucco repair experts can help you to address them. We won’t simply give you a surface level solution, but instead will work to get to the root cause of the issue. From there, we’ll go back and give your stucco system a complete overhaul – this time with premium quality craftsmanship you can trust to prevent any future issues.

NOTE:

This article was written by Gavin Semrow for airestoration.com and was reposted. Original post can be read here.

Original post here: 3 Common Stucco Problems: How They Happen & How We Can Fix Them

Stucco Installation on Block Wall

Concrete block makes an exceptional base for Portland cement-based plaster (stucco). The two materials are made from the same basic ingredients and are extremely compatible. Properly done, it’s a great combination.

Concrete block to receive stucco should have an open or coarse texture. This enables the stucco to interlock with the surface of the block providing a mechanical key bond. (Fig. 1)

In some parts of Florida the standard concrete block has a smooth texture. This type of block provides little mechanical bond for the stucco, but may still be considered an excellent base if suction bond can be developed.
Suction bond is the absorption of water and Portland cement from the mortar into the surface of the block. This bond creates a knitting effect at the interface of the stucco and block. (Fig. 2)

It is a relatively simple procedure to determine if a block wall will provide suction bond. Spray the block with water. If the water is absorbed into the block, suction bond is possible. However, if the water beads up as if on wax paper, suction bond will be negligible. If this condition occurs, the options are to use a dash bond coat, a bonding agent, or if absolutely necessary, a metal plaster base assembly.

Another consideration for suction bond is the absorption rate of the block. A block with a high absorption rate is capable of removing water too rapidly from the stucco mix. Since cement requires water for hydration, this “dry out” removes the necessary ingredient for proper strength gain in the stucco/block interface and good suction bond. This condition also can cause additional shrinkage and cracking. There is, however, a practical solution to this problem. By uniformly wetting the wall (Fig. 3) and waiting for the water to be absorbed prior to the application of stucco, the absorption rate can be controlled and the success of the suction bond can be ensured.

In a block wall that is to receive stucco, the joints are not tooled or struck; instead they are cut flush with the block.

Floating or sponging of mortar joints is prohibited as this practice reduces the mechanical keying required for good bond. The wall should be properly aligned to eliminate large variations in stucco thickness and plane tolerances as define in ACI 530 Chapter 3.

The wall should be inspected for suitability before plastering. The surface should be clean and free of form oil, loose block, efflorescence, mortar drippings, roof tar, etc. Cracks or voids in the mortar joints should be addressed prior to application of stucco.

The Bond

Bond adequacy must be determined before the scratch coat is applied. If a bond problem is suspected, don’t proceed. Consider the other options available:

1) Dash‐Bond Coat – A thick slurry of Portland cement and fine sand plus sufficient water that is dashed by hand or machine onto concrete, masonry, or older plaster surfaces to provide a mechanical bond for succeeding plaster.

2) Bonding Agents – There are several types and variations of these materials. Some are surface applied to the block prior to the application of the scratch coat, while others are integrally mixed into the stucco mortar. It is extremely important that the right bonding agent be used and that it be applied in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

3) Metal Plaster Base Assembly – A paper backed, self‐furring metal lath is recommended for this application and must be adequately anchored to the wall. The purpose for the paper is to make sure that there is a uniform un-bonded condition and that the stucco isn’t adhering to the block in some spots and not in others, a condition which promotes cracking. Where this method is chosen, control and expansion joints and there necessary plaster accessories must be included in the assembly and installed in accordance with ASTM C 1063.

Control Joints

Because stucco and concrete block are similar materials, properly applied and adequately bonded stucco need only be jointed at the control joints in the base wall. This is one of the greatest benefits of using block for a base.

If metal plaster base is used over a block wall, the same recommendations must be followed as with frame construction. Proper spacing of control joints should follow the guidelines established in ASTM C 1063, “Installation of Lathing and Furring for Portland Cement Based Plaster.”

Dissimilar Bases

In walls where block construction abuts another type of construction, the dissimilarity of the bases will cause a crack in the stucco. As a precaution, a control joint is recommended at the juncture of block and frame walls. This will pre‐align and hide the crack in a nice looking joint. (Fig. 4)

Where concrete and block abut, local experience has shown that placing strip lath over the joint and securing it to the concrete and the block, will minimize cracking. A more conservative design is to install a control joint over the juncture.

The Mix

The stucco mix is characteristic of the aggregates and materials available in each location. An experienced plasterer should know which materials work best and how to proportion them. Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations. The workability of the stucco mix is most important. It must be adhesive enough to stay on the trowel from the hawk to the wall. Plasticity also is needed for ease of troweling and manipulation and at the same time, it must have enough body cohesion to resist sagging. Above all, the mix must bond to the block.

Adequate mixing time is also very critical in achieving proper bond ‐ a minimum of five (5) minutes mixing time after introduction of the final ingredient should be allowed.

Coats And Thickness

For block wall construction, ASTM C 926, “Installation of Portland Cement Based Plaster” contains provisions for either a two‐coat or three‐coat application.

Since a half inch of stucco thickness is sufficient for most block work, the two‐coat, “double‐back” application is recommended. With this method, the scratch coat is allowed to stiffen sufficiently to support the second coat which is then applied. The little or no delay between coats promotes complete curing, less shrinkage and improved bond. (Fig. 5)

In the three‐coat system the bond of the scratch coat to the block must carry the additional thickness and weight of the third coat. This system also has greater potential for shrinkage and cracking. If a three‐coat system is required and there is a question about the bond, or if extra thickness is required, use one of the methods prescribed in the section on Bond above.

The Application

Stucco should be applied with enough pressure to force the material into the surface of the block to ensure a mechanical key and section bond. Just spreading it on the wall may not be sufficient. A slicker should not be used to apply a base coat.

Also, enough material must be applied to obtain the specified thickness of the coat. It may take more than one pass to accomplish this. Adequate thickness is extremely important especially with the scratch coat – since a thin scratch coat is more susceptible to “dry out” and subsequent bond failure.

Curing

Proper curing is essential for the success of a good stucco job. The codes and standards are not very clear about what constitutes good curing. “Sufficient moisture and time between coats” is too vague to be very helpful. In most instances, moist curing such as a fog mist applied several times a day for the first two or three days should be adequate. The stucco should not be allowed to dry out during this period. Additional measures may be required during certain dry or windy seasons in Florida when weather conditions can have a greater impact upon the success of any stucco installation or even stucco repair job.

A Winning Combination

The outcome of a stucco job is dependent on the ability of the construction team to resolve potential problems. A discussion on bond potential and location of control joints between the architect and stucco contractor should be conducted before the job begins. The probability of a successful job will be greatly improved if the stucco contractor is consulted prior to the application of Portland cement plaster.

References
1. ASTM C 926, “Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster”, ASTM, 1916 Race St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
2. ASTM C 1063, “Standard Specification for Installation of Lathing and furring for Portland Cement-Based Plaster”, ASTM, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
3. Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual, EB-049 Portland Cement Association, 5420 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, IL 60077.
4. “Guide Specifications for Metal Lathing and Furring” Metal Lath/Steel Framing Association, 600 S. Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60605.

NOTE:
Original document was published on www.FLAPB.com and can be read in its entirety here.

Check out this informative video about stucco on block:

If you are looking for stucco installation contractors in Jacksonville FL are contact Stucco Repair Pros for a free stucco installation quote. Call our office at (904) 606-5353 to schedule your appointment. Or just fill out our stucco quote request form on this page.

This article was republished from http://www.StuccoRepairJacksonvilleFL.com via RSS.

8 Benefits of Finishing Your Home’s Exterior with Stucco

Your home is your castle. Its exterior is one of the first things you see, even if you are simply enjoying the sun in the backyard. As a visitor, or potential buyer, the exterior of your house or commercial building makes the first impression. The choice of your exterior siding is more than just first impressions. Your siding choice also affects your energy bills, the life of your residential or commercial property, its looks, resale potential and more.

Many homeowners choose a stucco finish for a distinct look and energy efficiency. After consultation with you, dedicated stucco contractors lay the Exterior Insulation and Finishing System (EIFS) Moisture Managed Stucco in multiple-layers over a wood framework, called a lath. This mixture of cement, lime and sand and water – known as stucco – is applied in a carefully calculated manner by your stucco contractor. This solution withstands the test of time on commercial or residential properties during intense summer or winter. In fact, stucco is one of the most common exterior finishing choices due to its low maintenance and high efficiency.

There are many reasons why people use stucco. Here we discuss a few:

1. Stucco Gives an Incredible Look

Stucco’s layered application creates a heavily textured surface, ideal for modern homes and businesses. There are many texture options that you can choose as homeowners or business-owners. Some of them include:

• Coarse
• Pebbled
• Raked
• Smooth
• Swirled

You can choose between concentrated, rough texture, sweeping, or smooth application to best complement the style of your property. Call us today at to discuss your requirements.

2. You Have Many Custom Options With Stucco

With any type of siding, you do not have very many color options. With stucco, however, specialized contractors can mix colors directly into the solution, allowing you to choose the perfect custom shade. And, while stucco doesn’t require painting over time, you can repaint it, should you ever want to.

Some people choose synthetic siding instead of the traditional stucco. This synthetic, known as EIFS, retains paint color even better than traditional stucco.

3. Stucco Offers Great Durability

Stucco is one of the most durable siding choices available in the market. With the right application that professional stucco contractors excel in, stucco can last over fifty years.

This is due in part to the fact that stucco expands and contracts as the temperature changes, which reduces the risk of cracking or crumbling.

4. Increase The Value Of Your Home

Once applied professional by your stucco contractors, stucco provides a concrete shell around your home. This hard, durable exterior has great appeal as well as these other value-increasing characteristics, such as:

• Energy Efficient
• Low maintenance
• Resistant to water damage

When you have your home appraised, these characteristics can add thousands of dollars to its market value.

5. Increased Home Efficiency

Stucco finishing can also save you money month to month on your energy bills. Stucco acts as an excellent insulation, with noticeable efficiency. This makes it easier to maintain a desired temperature in a stucco home or business, compared to properties with another kind of exterior, no matter what the weather looks like.

Stucco reduces your heating bills in the winter by reducing heat transfer through the walls. The expert stucco company will work with you to define the type of stucco you want in order to reach the best efficiency levels.

6. Quick Installation

Siding is one of the biggest home or commercial renovation project you can do. Fortunately, if you choose stucco siding, the process is fairly quick, efficient and very pleasing. Most applications take a few days—and that includes the drying time. This minimizes the disruption to your home or business routine during the renovation process.

7. Resistance To Decay

Once a stucco contractor performs the proper waterproofing, stucco is resistant to most kinds of decay. These include:

• Mildew
• Mold

Unlike many other kinds of siding, with correct installation, stucco also does not flake or crumble over time, and stucco experts will make sure of this. This makes it ideal for Canadian winter, spring, summer or autumn.

8. Stucco Offers Versatility

If you are renovating an existing house or upgrading your commercial property, stucco is the most efficient choice. This is because professional contractors can apply stucco over the concrete masonry or wood framing. If you are replacing siding, it is a fairly simple matter to put a lath in place and apply stucco over it. This versatile application, in addition to the visually pleasing options, makes stucco a wise choice for residential and commercial properties.

Whether you are building a new home from the ground up or looking to renovate your existing home, stucco finishing is a smart siding choice. Talk to your stucco experts, about the advantages of installing stucco on your property’s exterior.

This article was reposted from OntarioModernStucco.com and can be found here.

Check out this informative video from Portland Cement Association:

As always, if you need any stucco repair, stucco chimney repair, stucco crack repair or just notice any stucco damage on your home or place of business, please contact Stucco Repair Pros to schedule Free, No-Obligation stucco quote. You can call our local office at (904) 606-5353 and speak with our friendly staff.

This article was republished from http://www.StuccoRepairJacksonvilleFL.com via RSS.

Top Signs Stucco Repair Needed

Check out Stucco Repair Pros post on Google... Would you like to learn when it is time to call your favorite, reliable, professional, experienced stucco repair contractor (a.k.a. Stucco Repair Pros ;))? Follow this link to the article that talk s about it... We offer free stucco repair quotes in Jacksonville, FL area. Please call our office at (904) 606-5353 and let us know how we can help you.

Year of Home Improvement Splurge Spending

2018 - Year of Home Improvement Splurge Spending

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Data from around the industry indicates a gangbusters year for home improvement.

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All signs point to high(er) home improvement spending in 2018, with much of the money going to outdoor living enhancements and hiring professionals.

Indicator one: Americans have more disposable income.

In January, real disposable income increased 0.6 percent from the same time last year – the biggest rise in nearly three years, according to the National Association of Homebuilders. It should come as no surprise that personal consumption also rose in January: 2.7 percent year over year, to be exact.

One historical constant in the remodeling industry is that when disposable income rises, so do the amount of home improvement projects homeowners are willing to take on. We saw it clear as day between 2011 and 2013, when the economy was rapidly improving and home improvement spending increased by about $6 billion in two years.

Indicator two: Homeowners admit they’re going to spend more.

Fifty-eight percent of homeowners, in fact, admit to increased budgets for home improvement projects this year, with 45 percent of those planning to spend at least $5,000, and the number of homeowners planning to spend more than $35,000 doubling since last year, according to LightStream’s fifth annual Home Improvement Survey.

So what are they spending on?

By a double-digit margin, outdoor living projects (43 percent) were the most popular among the surveyed homeowners, with decks, patios, and landscaping ranking at the top of the popular projects list for the fifth year in a row. Bathroom and kitchen remodels, at 31 and 26%, respectively, were also common responses, as was home repairs, which 28% of homeowners are planning. Since 2017, repairs was the only of those four project types that saw a decrease in the number of homeowners planning to take them on.

Image courtesy LightStream

Another big finding from LightStream’s survey was that two-thirds of homeowners are planning to hire a professional for their projects. However, about half of those say that some of the work they’ll do themselves: all but the framing and structural work. The final third is the DIY group, which is largely made up of Millennials. Seventy percent of homeowners 18 to 34 do not plan to hire a professional. In the survey, young respondents explained their DIY inclinations, saying things like: “it’s more cost effective”; “(the work) gives me a sense of personal satisfaction”; and “I’ve done it before.”

The large number of DIYers does pose a problem for home improvement professionals, but it’s one likely not to be felt for a few years yet. For now, most homeowners are older. According to the National Multifamily Housing Council, the median homeowner age is currently 52, and 64 percent of homeowners are 45 or older.

2018 is the Year of Home Improvement Splurge Spending was originally posted on www.ProRemodeler.com and was written by James McClister who is managing editor for Professional Remodeler.

This article was originally posted on www.StuccoRepairJacksonvilleFL.com

Atlantic Beach FL Expansion

Stucco Repair Contractor Atlantic Beach FL Expansion

Stucco Repair Pros would like to inform residents of Atlantic Beach, FL that our quality stucco repair services are not available in their city. We have expanded our services to Atlantic Beach, Florida in October of 2017. We are republishing our press release on that matter below.

It is now possible to schedule Free Estimates appointments for residents and business owners of Atlantic Beach, FL by calling our Jacksonville office at (904) 606-5353 or simply filling out our Estimate Request form. One of our professional estimators will contact them to set up Free Quote.

NOTE: This Press Release was originally published on www.MarketersMedia.com/Atlantic-Beach-FL

Orange Park FL Expansion

Stucco Repair Contractor Orange Park FL Expansion

We would like to bring awareness to the fact that Stucco Repair Pros now offer services in Orange Park, Florida. Check out company’s Press Release which was issued at that time.
Free Estimate can now be scheduled for residential or commercial stucco repair by calling (904) 606-5353 or by simply filling out Estimate Request form on the right of this page. Our experienced estimator will be in touch with you ASAP to set up your no obligation FREE Quote.

NOTE: Above Press Release was first seen on www.MarketersMedia.com/Orange-Park-FL

Yearlong Guide To House Cleaning

Image Credit: www.trbimg.com

My wife loves to keep our home in the best shape possible. Countless hours are spent every year on keeping up with clutter, dust bunnies, kid’s toys, window cleaning, etc. Not mentioning kitchen and all the bathrooms in the house. And that is only our home interior. I take care of the outside of our home, and let me tell you… That job never ends either.

Last week she came across great article from The Washington Post written by Lindsey M. Roberts. This article talks about how home maintenance done on annual bases will help us prevent costly repairs that are completely avoidable. I will republish this article in it’s entirety below. It has nothing to do with stucco repair at all, I hope you find it useful. So here we go…

A Yearlong Guide To House Cleaning, Starting With The January De-Clutter

By Lindsey M. Roberts
The Washington Post

Prevention is the best medicine with your house, as well as your body. “We go for our annual checkups to our doctor and dentist, so why not do it for our home?” says Mike Holmes, host of HGTV’s “Holmes on Homes.”

Annual maintenance will help prevent you from having to make an avoidable, costly repair, he says. For a comprehensive list of important annual maintenance tasks, we consulted with Holmes and other home-maintenance, cleaning and organizing experts. Stick to this basic list each month and your house will run like a machine.

JANUARY

Clean kitchen light fixtures. Becky Rapinchuk, author of “Simply Clean: The Proven Method for Keeping Your Home Organized, Clean, and Beautiful in Just 10 Minutes a Day,” recommends using a microfiber cloth or duster on glass shades and fixtures.
Declutter. Examine every room and try to get at least three bags of stuff out of the house, says Jill Nystul of the lifestyle blog One Good Thing by Jillee.

FEBRUARY

Dust baseboards and vents. If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner with a hose and nozzle attachment, Rapinchuk suggests using a long-handled duster or a broom with a T-shirt secured over the bristles.
Clean light fixtures in the living and dining rooms. Take down chandeliers if you need to do a deep clean, and wash the parts in a solution of one part vinegar to three parts warm water, Nystul recommends.

MARCH

Wash and fluff pillows and bedding. Focus on bedding that doesn’t get washed every week, i.e., the down comforters, pillow shams and covers.
Turn, rotate and vacuum mattresses. Slowly use a regular vacuum or a mattress-specific vacuum such as the Raycop to get dust mites out of every nook and cranny, Rapinchuk says.
Test and replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.

APRIL

Get the HVAC system serviced. Holmes says to use a professional technician in the spring and fall to prepare for the most extreme seasons. “Part of their regular maintenance should be to vacuum any debris from the furnace blower,” he adds.
Clean gutters. Remove leaves and debris and make sure the downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation, Holmes says.
Check decks and wooden exterior features. Perform a visual inspection annually. Do a deep-cleaning with a power washer, followed by staining and sealing, every three years, Holmes says.

MAY

Review contents of your emergency kit. If you don’t have an emergency kit, create one with a flashlight, batteries, candles, matches, a battery-powered radio, nonperishable food, bottled water and a first-aid kit, Holmes suggests. Also consider a backup generator.
Clean light fixtures in the master bedroom.

JUNE

Get ducts and vents cleaned. Clean ducts will help with air quality and efficiency, Holmes says, adding, “Unless you have pets or suffer from major allergies, this isn’t a job you’ll need to do annually, but having the ducts cleaned every few years – or after a renovation – wouldn’t hurt.” Check dryer ducts, too.

Wash windows inside and out. Rapinchuk says her natural recipe for window cleaner works better than anything she has purchased. Mix four tablespoons of Castile soap, four tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and a half-gallon of warm water.

Check the attic. Make sure that there is sufficient insulation, that it is properly sealed with a vapor barrier, that vents are in good condition and that it’s well ventilated to let out moisture. “If your attic doesn’t have enough insulation, you could see instances of ice damming on your roof as heat escapes out of your home,” Holmes warns. “This can cause water to flow back toward your home.”
Clean light fixtures in other bedrooms.

JULY

Deep-clean the refrigerator and freezer. Consider containing and labeling items to make them more streamlined and attractive, Rapinchuk suggests, and don’t forget the pantry. Oh, and brush those refrigerator coils with a condenser coil brush.
Clean the dishwasher. Wipe down sides, check the trap at the bottom, and run an empty load with a cup or two of white vinegar in the bottom of the dishwasher, Rapinchuk says.
Dust ceilings, corners and ceiling fans. Try an extendible pole system with microfiber cloths.

AUGUST

Get an annual inspection of the chimney and fireplace. “When you use your fireplace, the chimney’s flue will begin to get coated with creosote – a highly combustible substance,” Holmes says. “A proper chimney cleaning will remove that creosote, lowering your risk of a chimney fire.” Get it done in August so the fireplace is ready to use when chilly weather sets in.
Touch up paint inside and out where needed. Summer can be a good time to paint before it’s too cold to leave doors open for off-gassing.
Clean light fixtures in living and dining rooms.

SEPTEMBER

Trim back overgrown and dead branches. Pay special attention to trees near your home and electrical wires, Holmes says.
Check caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors. If anything is missing or falling apart, replace it. “Use a rubberized caulking that can expand and contract with the home,” Holmes says, and look for leaks and openings around pipes and vents.
Clean light fixtures in the family room.
Wash and fluff pillows and bedding. Examine sofa pillows and throws for stains, too.
Turn, rotate and vacuum mattresses. Sprinkle a quarter-cup of baking soda that’s been mixed with an essential oil over the mattress. Let it sit for half an hour, and then vacuum it up, Rapinchuk recommends. If you don’t have a waterproof mattress cover, get one and launder it with your sheets occasionally.
Test and replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.

OCTOBER

Get the HVAC system serviced.
Vacuum or sweep the garage. This is a good time to wash, vacuum and declutter vehicles, too.
Service and winterize outdoor equipment. Test battery-operated snow equipment, Holmes says. Drain fuel or add antifreeze to lawn mowers, weed whackers and other machines not stored in a heated area.

NOVEMBER

Clean gutters
Shut down water for winter. Before the temperature drops, drain and put away hoses. Drain and shut off sprinkler systems and outdoor water taps – don’t forget the tap in your garage, if you have one. Drain the line by turning the inside water off first.
Vacuum the basement or storage area. Purge things you no longer use.
Dust baseboards and vents. Baby wipes work, Rapinchuk says, as do white foam erasing sponges or a mixture of warm water and Castile soap.
Clean master bedroom light fixtures.
Dust ceilings, corners and ceiling fans.

DECEMBER

Vacuum lampshades. You can also use a lint roller to remove dirt.
Assess holiday decorations before putting them away. Donate what you no longer use and throw away things that are broken.
Assess holiday decorations before putting them away. Donate what you no longer use and throw away things that are broken.
Clean light fixtures in the bedrooms.

MONTHLY

Vacuum baseboards.
Vacuum and spot-clean furniture.
Wash kitchen and bath mats.
Polish wood furniture.
Wipe switches, phones, computer keyboards and remotes. Use antibacterial dish soap and hot water, or an antibacterial spray such as the one Nystul makes, with a cup of water, a half-cup of white vinegar, and five drops each of wild orange, melaleuca and lavender essential oils.
Wipe down appliances. Rapinchuk likes microfiber window and glass cloths for this. “For non-stainless-steel appliances, I just recommend soap and water or your favorite all-purpose spray cleaners. They’re going to be easier to clean. For glass, you’ll want to use a cleaner.” And for stainless steel, she uses white vinegar and runs a microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain. She says olive or coconut oil can help get gunk off range hoods.

QUARTERLY

Spot-clean walls. Check for fingerprints, smudges and smears, and wash with a solution of a half-gallon of warm water to one or two drops of Castile or dish soap.
Change furnace filters. “You want to do this at least every three months – but I change mine every month during the winter . . . because we’re getting more use out of our systems,” Holmes says. Consider getting a programmable thermostat, too. “It helps keep the home more energy-efficient,” Holmes says.
Clean bathroom light fixtures and exhaust fans.
Clean and seal or polish hardwood floors.
Clean window treatments and blinds. “For blinds, I’ll start with a vacuum cleaner and run it all over the slats, and then flip them and run it over it again,” Rapinchuk says. “Then use that same attachment and just do the windowsills, too. You can then take a microfiber cloth or a sock and barely dampen it with rubbing alcohol and get a bit of that film off.” For draperies, she either uses her vacuum cleaner’s drapery setting and nozzle or takes them to a dry cleaner.
Clean the oven. Use the self-cleaning feature, and if that doesn’t do the trick, Nystul puts a pot of hot water on one rack and a cup of ammonia on another rack. She lets it sit overnight in a preheated (and turned-off) 150-degree oven, then scrubs away the softened grime.

Read original Lindsey M. Roberts’ article.
Copyright © 2018, Chicago Tribune.

CONCLUSION

Like I mentioned before, this article has nothing to do with stucco repair services, but I would like to include some stucco maintenance tips…
I can’t stress enough the importance of yearly stucco inspections and stucco maintenance. We have entire post dedicated to maintenance of your exterior stucco walls. You can read entire Exterior Stucco Maintenance article to learn what to do to keep your stucco in the best possible shape.
We recommend performing these inspections before Florida rainy seasons start. It would be a great idea to do it at the beginning of fall, September or October, when cooler temperatures come in. When structure cools down it contracts and stucco cracks appear to be bigger and it is always better to do stucco crack repair when they expand.
If you notice any stucco damage on your stucco wall like cracking, peeling, bulging, or anything else that does not look normal, please call our office right away at (904) 606-5353 to schedule a free estimate. It is very important to take care of these issues as soon as possible. By doing that you will possible prevent further damage that will be a lot more costly to take care of.
So now that we all have our home work (pun intended) for entire year let’s get to it.

Duval County

Stucco Repair Pros Duval County, FL Expansion

Stucco Repair Pros are now service entire Duval County, Florida. You can read company issued Press Release below.
You can schedule your free stucco repair estimate by calling (904) 606-5353 or by filling out Estimate Request form on this page. One of our experienced estimators will contact you ASAP to set up an appointment for FREE Quote.

This Press Release was originally published on www.MarketersMedia.com/Duval-County-FL

Stucco Contractor Jacksonville FL

Stucco Repair Pros - Loading Stucco Contractor of Jacksonville FL are wanted to make sure everyone is aware of our service area.
Check out map:

Also check out our video on YouTube: Call our office to schedule free stucco repair Jacksonville FL estimate.

Stucco Repair Kits Resource Guide

Searching for Stucco Repair Kits?

If you are searching for stucco repair kits online you have a lot of options. In some of our recent posts, we have talked about some compelling reasons why fixing cracks in your stucco right away is always a great idea that will save you your hard earned cash. Sometimes residential stucco repair and even commercial stucco repair can be a simple project and it can be done by a DIY type homeowner or business owner themselves. They can save tons of money by not having to hire local professional stucco repair contractor. At least when it comes to minor stucco repair projects.

To get that done, sometimes all you need is some sealant and you’re on your way. We even went ahead and reviewed some of the top stucco repair caulk and sealants for you. But when that doesn’t get it done, sometimes you need to come into the job a little bit more…equipped.

How helpful are these kits?

Fortunately for all of you do-it-yourself types, both retailers and manufacturers have put together stucco repair kits for a more comprehensive approach solution. But how helpful are these kits? What are some of disadvantages to their employment.

This article on Doityourself.com does a good job briefly introducing the idea of personal stucco repair and  goes over how  stucco repair kits can be utilized:

Stucco repair is a project that can be done by a homeowner themselves so they can save a lot of money on yearly maintenance. Many homes are covered with a stucco siding and benefit from the many advantages it gives. Through the years of having a stucco siding, homeowners will notice that there is some continued maintenance to make sure that the stucco looks good and provides the adequate protection to the home’s inner shell.

“Having a well rounded tool kit will help greatly with many different types of home repair. A basic compliment of hand tools and power tools adds greatly to the amount of projects that can be performed and the level of success with each project. However, there are some specialty items that will help to do projects that can not be done with a basic tool set. One of the projects is that of stucco repair. While you may need some items such as a hammer, chisel, or brush, there are other tools that are essential to stucco repair.

There are many types of kits available, often varying by the brand of sealer used as well as the types of tools that are or could be included. Which kit you need generally depends on the type of job you’re facing.

To help us, TheStuccoGuy.com has this useful guide. It should help survey the types of kits that are available and where they may be found:

You can find a number of different stucco repair kits from leading home improvement stores like The Home Depot And Lowes, but do they really work and are all of them really an “all in one” type of solution for every type of stucco patch or crack?

I will reveal some of the advantages and disadvantages of these stucco kits, how to use them and where you can find them in this article, so you have a very thorough understanding of what to expect and how you can achieve professional results when doing these simple repairs. 

Stucco Repair Kits by Manufacturers

We also wanted to list just a few stucco repair kits that were mentioned in the articles we quoted above to get you started…

• Rapid Set Patch Compound
• Phenopatch Premixed Stucco Patch
• DAP Stucco Patch
• LaHabra Color Patches
• Quikrete Base Coat
• Quikrete 1 Coat Base
• Quikrete Pre-Mixed Stucco Patch
• Rapid Set Stucco Mix (video below)

Stucco Repair Tool Kits

Also, you would need a small arsenal of tools to perform those small stucco repair projects… So we will give you some ideas on those as well…

• Trowel
• Float
• Chisel
• Bucket and Flat Board
• Paint Cans or Stucco Pigment

All things considered, stucco repair tool-kits are useful to the extent that they conveniently include all the basic tools needed for a repair job. This is ideal for average consumers who may not have construction tools lying around the house.

However, for the aforementioned do-it-yourselfer’s who may already have the requisite tools, pre-assembled kits may prove a redundant and thus may be a waste of money. Which are you?

Need Further Help Wit Stucco Repair Project?

In one of our earlier posts we made sure you know How to Choose the Right Stucco Repair Contractors to help you with anything stucco repair related and who can tell you if you in fact need a professional stucco repair contractor.

In the case of any stucco repair project, whether it is for your home or your business, gets a little too much you can always call Stucco Repair Pros to take care of it for you. There is not a project that is too small or too big for us. You can contact us by simply filling out our Stucco Repair Estimate Request Form or calling our office at (904) 606-5353 and we will rush to your rescue… We promise!

Top Stucco Crack Repair Caulk and Sealants

Top Stucco Crack Repair Sealants

In recent posts, we’ve established that stucco crack repair in a timely fashion will save you money in the long run. Doing stucco crack repair before they create increasingly more serious issues is certainly important, but there’s a bit more to it. To do the job correctly the first time you have make sure you’re using a quality sealer.

Before we get into the minutiae of the caulk for stucco cracks world, this article form thestuccoguy.com gives us a quick background of cracks:

Many homes that have stucco as an exterior coating have cracking issues, but most of them can be repaired quite easily. There are different kind of cracks that appear and knowing how to go about fixing them is half the battle.

There are different kinds of cracks, distinguished mainly by their size and pattern on the wall itself. One can determine the cause of the crack by looking at the wall’s design, the size of the crack and the pattern.

These cracks are anywhere from 1/16 of an inch to 1/8 of an inch wide (typically) and are easily and effectively repaired using caulking and paint.

Fixing stucco cracks is not that difficult… But what’s the point of repairing cracks in stucco, only to have to repair the repair? Below we’ve compiled a quick list of the top three sealers. The criteria by which we rated sealers emphasized cost, availability, overall practicality, and of course amazon.com consumer reviews.

Stucco Crack Repair Sealants

Mor-Flexx Caulk
Mor-Flexx is elastomeric with powerful adhesion. This means it stretches and won’t tear, crack, or pull away. It Spans gaps up to 3″ wide with no slump. Textured and paintable, its easy to clean up with soap and water.

Through the Roof Sealant
Through the Roof is the clear, ultra-elastic sealant made to permanently stop and prevent roof leaks. It effectively seals around a variety of roof fixtures without the messy look of asphalt. Plus, Through the Roof won’t dry hard and crack like traditional asphalt repair products and lasts 20 times longer. It expands and contracts with temperature changes, leaving you with a stucco crack repair that sticks but won’t stick out. Lastly, in case you need to use it for surfaces other than stucco, it adheres to metal, plastics, asphalt, brick, ceramic tiles, concrete, stone, mortar, stucco, polyurethane, glass, terra cotta, cement, wood, cloth/canvas and polyisobutylene.

Red Devil 0646
Ideal for patching cracks in steps and sidewalks or repairing mortar between bricks, stone and cinder block. Red Devil’s 0646 has a textured finish that blends with stucco and provides excellent outdoor durability. Ideal for exterior stucco crack repair use, it is also easy to clean up with water.

Now that you have a snapshot of what type of sealers to choose from for fixing cracks in stucco, below is a quick video tutorial to give you some sense for how to do this yourself and what stucco crack repair caulk to use. Sometimes, when it is a small and simple stucco crack repair, you can do it without hiring commercial stucco repair or residential stucco repair contractors:

Any remodel, stucco patch or any other stucco repair job is only as strong as its weakest element. There is little point in being frugal with your stucco repairs, only to compromise on quality and cost yourself more money down the line. By using a top rated sealer, and by adhering (pun intended) to a sound exterior stucco repair process, you can eliminate the need for stucco repair contractors, appointment windows, and have more time for other home renovations.

There are situations when you can not and should not do needed repairs yourself. For those times we wrote an article that talks about How to Choose the Right Stucco Repair Contractors. We think it will be great help to you and will shed a lot of light on how to hire the best stucco repair company for your project.

Also, please do not forget about maintenance for your stucco house. This article gives you some Exterior Stucco Maintenance Tips. And if you are not sure if you actually need to call stucco repair contractor to check out the condition of your home’s stucco exterior in this article we go through Exterior Stucco Maintenance Tips.

Stucco Repair Pros of www.StuccoRepairJacksonvilleFL.com will be very excited to help you with any of your stucco crack repair projects or any other stucco repair needs you have. Please call our office at (904) 606-5353 to schedule a free quote or you can simply fill out our Estimate Request form on top right of this page. We will be very excited  to help you.

Professional Stucco Crack Repair Saves You Money

Stucco Crack Repair Services Will Save You Money.

Stucco crack repair… As you may already know when it comes to siding a house, stucco is nationally one of the most popular choices among homeowners. One of the hallmark features of stucco that delineates it from, say, wood or panel siding is that stucco is a continuous plaster covering the entire surface of a structure rather than a series of joined, prefabricated segments.

This unsurprisingly gives stucco a few distinct advantages. For example, since the surface of the house is seamless layer of plaster, it eliminates any ‘weak points’ usually created along the seam of siding segments. Additionally, stucco is much less susceptible to mold and fire issues.

For stucco to do its job, however, it has to be properly maintained. This means addressing any stucco cracks or other stucco damage that could happen along the way.

How Stucco Cracks Happen

In the following article Kevin Hughes of Performance Painting Contractors, Inc. details how cracks can happen and the problems that untreated damage can cause. He writes…

Though cracks in stucco can occur due to different factors, including wrong mix proportions, insufficient mixing, poor workmanship, seismic movement and seasonal changes, two leading causes of cracks in stucco are the house settling process and shrinkage-induced stresses, which typically occur during the drying period. Now that you know why stucco cracks, let’s find out how serious a stucco crack can be.

Hairline cracks aren’t as serious as deep cracks. However, they can provide a pathway for moisture and water to enter into a wall system. Once moisture or water gets inside a wall, it will inevitably cause further damage. As an example, water that gets behind stucco will soften the material it comes in contact with, eventually causing stucco to break away and fall off in sheets. Moisture and water trapped inside walls can lead to additional problems, such as paint failure, wood rot, mold growth, musty smell, swollen drywall and irreparable damage.

You can read his article about how serious are stucco cracks in it’s entirety .

Stucco Crack Repair Vs. Stucco Replacement

Considering the potential problems stucco cracks can lead to, you are left with two real choices of action: replace or repair stucco. Though complete replacement has it’s advantageous, it tends to be the more costly route and may not always be necessary.

In this article, guys at Nolan Painting talk about stucco crack repair versus stucco replacement:

If you already have plaster or stucco on your walls, removing it entirely can actually be more costly than simply calling in the professionals for repair. Even after you take off the surface layer, you’re then faced with the cost of installing an entirely new interior surface. If your home already has plaster or stucco, quality care and upkeep are investments that just make sense.

Read full article about stucco repairing vs. replacing stucco.

Repairing Stucco Cracks

So you know stucco cracks should be addressed sooner rather than later and you’ve decided to repair it. Now what? Well, your course of action depends on the type of damage you’re dealing with. While deep cracks and other significant damage should generally be handled by professionals, hairline cracks can make a great do-it-yourself project.
In the following article, The Stucco Guy outlines how to properly identify and fix hairline cracks in your stucco and the supplies you need to do so:

Many homes that have stucco as an exterior coating have cracking issues, but most of them can be repaired quite easily. There are different kind of cracks that appear and knowing how to go about fixing them is half the battle.

There are different kinds of cracks, distinguished mainly by their size and pattern on the wall itself. One can determine the cause of the crack by looking at the wall’s design, the size of the crack and the pattern.

Complete article about stucco repair.

As you may already very well know stucco provides homeowners with many great benefits, but to do so, it must be properly maintained. Regardless of the reason, stucco cracks and other stucco damage will happen to every home sooner or later. By hiring  professional stucco repair contractors to perform stucco repair services to take care of an affected region in a timely fashion, homeowners can save time, money, and any future damage that stucco cracks can create.

Stucco Repair Pros of www.StuccoRepairJacksonvilleFL.com will be excited to take care of any of your stucco crack repair or any other stucco repair projects for you. Please call our office at (904) 606-5353 to schedule a no-obligation quote or you can simply fill out our Estimate Request form on top right.. We will be more than happy to help.

Learn More About Stucco Repair Pros

You can always learn about our Residential Stucco Repair service as well as our Commercial Stucco Repair services.

Stucco Repair Jacksonville FL Contractors (904) 606-5353

Watch on YouTube here: Stucco Repair Jacksonville FL Contractors (904) 606-5353
Via https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS3AX7C84Eys6B0pawfQ6qA/videos

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Exterior Stucco Maintenance Tips

Looking for easy to follow exterior stucco maintenance tips? Stucco is trendy external surface for the home because of its look, resilience and simple preservation methods. For some years now a large number of people building their homes in Jacksonville, FL go for the option of exterior stucco surface. When stucco installation contractors do their job properly stucco can stay up to 50 years costing homeowners very minimal yearly maintenance.

Although it requires minimal upkeep and repairs, the homeowners still have a role to play as they are encouraged to examine it frequently. The good news however is that stucco can be kept in good shape with small effort on your part and minimal stucco repair costs. You can always get more additional information on exterior stucco repair or restoration contractors can be found by visiting www.StuccoRepairJacksonvilleFL.com

Below are some guidelines on the nitty-gritty of washing and preserving your stucco exterior. You can also find some tips and tricks by checking out this stucco care manual.

Or take a look at this exterior stucco maintenance video:

From its description, stucco siding is a solid exterior layer that consolidates any type of building material. This exterior siding absorbs a considerable measure of stains and waste. Get tips on how to wash stucco and also eliminate corrosion.

While it does not need extreme preservation, stucco however require extra consideration compared to vinyl siding. One of the basic forms of maintenance is running a monthly check on the external surface of the home for splits or cracks or any other stucco problems. And if you reside in a place where natural disaster like earthquake is pertinent ensure you check the stucco after every incident. It is also important to attend to small maintenance as required because waiting for too long can make the situation a lot worse and can cause even more unnecessary stucco repair issues which could be prevented.

 Cleaning Stucco External Siding Seasonally

It is advised to clean exterior stucco wall seasonally. This maintenance or cleaning should start at the lower part of the home then gradually aloft with a garden hose and then rinse dirt and waste downwards. Bristle brush can also be used during this cleaning to wipe obstinate dirt like bird dung and other biologically affixed stains. Complete the process by washing from top downwards.

Detergent can be used when cleaning tough discoloration. The challenge however is in the means of totally washing detergent off the corners or hidden places that constitute the exterior of the stucco wall.

Remnant of soaps can end up attracting stains which are noticeable often times in specific parts of the home walls where stains seems to build up faster compared to other areas.

An annual check on the external part of the stucco is recommended. Once this thorough check has been carried out, it is further advised to do a detailed wash. During the checks, make sure you look out specifically for stucco cracks or breakages because identifying these cracks at an early time will aid avoidance of more damage and unnecessary calls to your local stucco repair contractors. Repairing these small instances at an early stage is a lot less costly compared to fixing it when much more damage has been done. Any stucco installation contractor can tell you that.

By washing your external stucco annually, you will prevent stains from building up in its absorbent gap.

However those residing in areas with diverse climate and causative circumstances are encouraged to examine their outer stucco surface more than once annually. This is applicable to home owners living close to or on unpaved or dirt roads.

Yet another thing to check for when examining your outer surface is the presence of holes that can aid moisture and mold entry. Identifying these places early will make it easy to remove them. To remove mold, a measure of bleach is required to be applied on the surface and left for a few minutes. Rinse off the bleach afterwards and mold would have been removed. If this method fails, put some more bleach on the surface and scrub gently with a brush to get rid of mold. If mold still doesn’t leave after this, the expertise of a stucco repair contractor should be sought as mold might have been there for too long.

Sometimes, you will encounter challenges that you can’t mend yourself when washing or repairing your exterior stucco. Do not depend on DIY recommendations when you encounter bigger problems. A lot of times these recommendations will not work and might cause a much bigger problem. Instead seek professional assistance.

We are excited to tell you that we are one of the top stucco repair contractors in Jacksonville, FL area. We take care of all residential stucco repair issues as well as commercial stucco repair needs. You can reach out to us any time you require assistance with unsolvable stucco repair problems. It is not a big deal; just call us at (904) 606-5353 or visit our website at www.StuccoRepairJacksonvilleFL.com

External stucco siding apart from making your home looking great is also a convenient option for your home’s external surface. With the above mentioned guidelines it won’t be difficult to maintain.

For more stucco maintenance and repair articles you can always visit our stucco maintenance and repair blog.

Exterior Stucco Repair Needed – Top Signs

 

Stucco homes all through Jacksonville FL are always being influenced by our environment. Sometimes damage can be caused due to careless building practices of a exterior stucco installer as well as lack of maintenance or poor maintenance practices. Either way more or more families are finding damage to the exterior stucco of their homes. When it is appropriately installed, stucco is one the most reliable and versatile building materials around. But if it is not correctly installed, left unsealed or untreated it can be a nightmare for the owners of a home.

There are a lot of caution signs demonstrating the requirement for residential stucco repair or remediation in Jacksonville FL area. You have probably heard about some terrible incidents from a friend or a neighbor whose house has been affected by stucco damage. Any stucco property owner ought to be familiar with these signs so that they can look after their house as well as keep an eye out for exterior stucco damage sings.

Three of the most frequent and familiar signs of stucco damages are given below:

Efflorescence

This alarming sign might be hard to spot as most of the time efflorescence is seen even in big stucco homes. Physically, it shows up as a deposit of white salt in the outside of the stucco. The deposits begin where the stucco comes in contact with the soil or dirt, or where there is a significant concentration of water held in the stucco. As water gets absorbed into the stucco, it in the end drives away and leaves the deposits of salt behind.

Gaps around the doors and windows

Hole or gap in between the doors and windows are usually the aftereffects of reprehensible installation at the time of the building of the home. This can be the shortcoming of either the stucco installer or the doors and windows installer. These areas are regularly the source of actual stucco-related issues.

Straining or discoloration at missing kick-out areas

This sort of staining happens as there is a very high concentration of water that is not being directed away from the zones where rooftop lines meet the walls of the stucco. In many cases, this kind of staining is a pointer of the most actual hidden exterior stucco damages.
In case you have found any of the above alarming indications of stucco damage, it is pivotal that you contact a stucco repair contractor in Jacksonville FL. An ideal approach to correct a spoiled stucco home is to go about as quickly as could reasonably be expected to improve the issue and prevent any future problems.

Contact Stucco Repair Expert for the Stucco Remediation of Jacksonville Fl

At Stucco Repair Jacksonville FL, our stucco repair and maintenance experts use a variety of ways to deal with stucco repair by deciding and determining the fundamental reason for any particular issue. Some stucco repair companies may only repair the issue at the surface because they want to finish the project quickly. As we all know it is very important to find out the main cause of the problem so we can fix it and to prevent any stucco cracks in near future. We also take care of commercial stucco repair issues.

Contact stucco repair experts at (904) 606-5353 today to rescue your exterior stucco home at a very reasonable stucco repair cost!

The post Exterior Stucco Repair Needed – Top Signs appeared first on .

DIY Exterior Stucco Repair

How to repair stucco?

Stucco is made up of an aggregate, a binder and water, which is used as a decorative coating for walls and ceilings and even as a sculptural and artistic material in architecture. It is used to cover less visually appealing construction material like metal. Concrete, clay or brick, etc. Making simple repair in stucco is not a difficult job. Read more to know more! 

If stucco is in good shape, it is one of the most attractive construction material. It is relatively reasonable, looks good and last for years. Stucco is very strong and therefore stands up well to create an effect. But, it is brittle and therefore can crack or break off in chunks. Repairing it is very important because even a crack in a home’s stucco exterior can cause moisture and the deterioration of exterior walls. 
Stucco Repair Video:

Below are the DIY tips to repair stucco. Have a look and try them yourself to repair the cracks or holes in your stucco.

1. Match colors:  Over the years, the stucco on your walls looses its color, so probably your new patch won’t match it. For this, you can buy a coloring pigment to add to your stucco mix to match it with the existing color. Now, mix small batches of stucco and add some pigment to the mixture. Put it on a piece of cardboard and let it dry. You will have to try different amounts of pigment till you get the desired color.

2.Prepare the surface: It is important to prepare the surface on which the stucco is to be applied. Therefore, chip away the loose pieces of the old stucco using a mason’s chisel and hammer.

3.Repair the mesh: To repair the damaged wire mesh under the stucco, cut a new piece to fit into the opening and fasten it in place with galvanized nails.

4.Apply the Stucco:Mix a batch of stucco patching compound and fill it in the opening of the wire mesh using a trowel.

5.Finish the surface: Slide a piece of board to set and smooth the patch surface level with the surrounding wall. Try to match the pattern of the surrounding wall using your “finishing” tool, while your new stucco is still slightly moist.

 DIY steps to Stucco Repair was originally posted on fortunerestorations.blogspot.com