Water - A Stucco Nemesis

All types of stucco applications are generally water safe. Thanks to its durable and resilient characteristics, Stucco can effectively keep water issues away. However, if you read about stucco and its weaknesses, you will probably keep on seeing issues on water and how it can severely damage your home’s exterior walls.

Water is a punishing natural element not only in stucco but also in many construction materials. Water from rainfall may even have an acidic composition which can aggravate the condition of your home’s exterior walls. Water can cause a lot of issues including mold build-up and even can lead to cracks and holes

Can I use water to clean my stucco?

While water is a clear issue for stucco, generally, water can be used for cleaning its surfaces. That is, your stucco should be properly sealed and waterproofed for you to be able to clean your home’s exterior walls properly and without damaging them.

Water is actually recommended for daily or weekly cleaning of the surface. It is the easiest, cheapest, and quickest way to keep your stucco walls clean. A water-pressured hose can effectively wash down dirt, bird, bats, and other insect wastes, and many more. So if you are using water to clean up your home’s exterior, you are doing a great job. Just make sure your stucco walls are properly sealed and waterproofed.

Properly sealing your Stucco

You may not know it but stucco is only water-repellent if it is properly sealed. Water-proof paints are used to seal stucco from water. Waterproofing solutions for your stucco are not only necessary but it is required to increase its water-repellent properties. There are two main ways on how to waterproof your stucco:

1. Waterproof paint – a specially designed paint that hardens like a rubber seals your stucco. There is numerous waterproof paint that is available in the market. However, there are brands that claim waterproof properties but perform very poorly. Make sure to only trust leading waterproof brands that are specially designed for stucco claddings and wall exteriors.

2. Sealant – a solution that usually looks transparent, sealants are a popular choice for when you want to maintain your stucco’s look. The sealant acts optimally when cured and dried properly. Usually, an optimal amount of sealant should be at least two coats applied on your stucco.

Effective Sealing Methods for Your Stucco

Stucco can be an ideal home exterior wall. Assuming that you have an excellent stucco contractor, you are guaranteed to have a stress-less home. You can enjoy the benefits of your stucco after making sure that proper application and installation are done. But sealing is a different story. Sealing stucco can improve its performance during the wet season. Make sure that your exterior walls are rain-proof and will definitely not absorb any moisture that will cause serious damage in the long run. Here are some of the methods on how to effectively seal your stucco:

Step 1 - Cleaning the stucco – dirt and grimes can eventually lead to rotting or weakening of surfaces. If not treated, your stucco may become brittle and cracks may manifest. Depending on your stucco finishes, the dirt ratio can vary. Rough surfaces are more prone to dirt build-up. Rinsing your exterior walls with water at least once or twice a week can keep all those dirt from building up.

Step 2 - Paint it with a waterproof solution – rubberized paint and sealing paints can help your stucco to maintain its water-repellent properties. While stucco is relatively waterproof, without any help from other solutions such as waterproof paint can eventually lead to water leaks. When applying waterproof paint, make sure that the surface of your stucco is dry and clean.

Step 3 - Apply sealant – after waterproofing your stucco, applying a clear water sealant improves its waterproof property and increases your stucco’s lifespan by up to five years. A separate sealant is effective after applying your waterproof paint. However, you have to make sure that your paint is settled, cured, and completely dried.

Water Damage Means Stucco Repair

The common mistake of homeowners is that when there is water damage in their stucco walls, they undermine the issue and let it sit there for months. Water damage, depending on the extent can cause your walls to break. Stucco repair includes resealing and applying waterproofing solutions for your stucco walls.

Orlando Stucco Repair Pros is one of the best stucco repair companies that offer water damage inspection and solutions. Let your local expert stucco repair team take care of your stucco walls’ damage and regain its beauty and optimal performance in just a matter of one day.