Tips from a Stucco Contractor on Repair Work
Stucco is a plaster which is used to finish homes worldwide, however, it is commonly used in warm and temperate climates, due to the fact it will help to keep a house cool. While traditional stucco is made using limestone and cared for with regular applications of whitewash usually does not crack, replica plaster made using sand and Portland cement will crack over time, which means a professional stucco contractor will need to be brought in. Sometimes, it is necessary to replace stucco when a window has been removed, for instance.
It can be easy to repair plaster, especially small cracks, however, it does call for a great deal of patience. The first thing you need to do when repairing stucco is to ensure there is no structural damage involved, more so after an earthquake. Long vertical cracks are a sure sign of structural damage, the same can be said for cracks around doors, foundations, and windows.
Should this be the case, you need to get a contractor to inspect your home to ensure it is safe to live inand to make any repairs to keep your home standing. However, when the crack is small, or you did it intentionally when making cosmetic changes, you can go and repair it.
Minor cracks can be repaired using caulk, you will need to pump it into the crack and smoothed it out manually, remember to wear rubber gloves in order to avoid getting it all over your hands. Then, wipe the excess caulk off using a damp cloth, and use sand on it so the texture blends in with the rest of the stucco, this will also allow paint to adhere to it so you can camouflage it further. However, when the crack is bigger, you need to patch it using a mixture of Portland cement and builders’ sand, which is mixed to a stiff but workable consistency.
If you live in or around the Colorado Springs, CO area and need a reliable stucco contractor, call Emerald Edge Construction LLC at (719) 661-2163 today.