Can Stucco Be Repaired? Commercial Stucco Contractors Have the Answer

In Kansas City, stucco is a highly popular siding material for both commercial and residential buildings. Stucco works well for many applications thanks to its affordability, longevity, and environmental resistance.

However, although stucco can last up to 50 years in ideal conditions, it can also get damaged. But when stucco is damaged, can it be repaired, or must it be replaced? Generally, stucco can be repaired, but the answer depends on a few unique factors. If you have a commercial building with stucco siding, here’s what you need to know about repairing and maintaining this material.

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Types of Stucco Damage

Before you can start working on repairing stucco, it’s crucial to know the type and extent of the damage. Here’s a rundown of the different ways stucco can get damaged over time, including from regular wear and tear.

Cracks

Cracks can develop in stucco for many reasons. However, most building owners tend to ignore cracks until they become a huge problem. For example, a hairline crack may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can turn into an expensive ordeal later on.

The main problem with cracks in stucco siding is that they allow water to seep into the material. Over time, the water starts wearing away the stucco, leading to longer, wider cracks. In extreme cases, the entire surface may need to be replaced.

Ideally, you can repair a hairline crack immediately to seal the stucco and prevent further damage.

Crumbling

Usually, stucco doesn’t crumble unless it’s been neglected for a long time. Sometimes, accidental damage can break the surface, and over time, cracks start to expand, creating crumbling sections of the stucco.

Unlike cracks, any crumbling section must be replaced, not repaired. If the section is relatively small, you might be able to repair just that portion and not the entire wall. However, if the crumbling is extensive (or led to mold damage behind the stucco), you’ll have to remove and replace the whole thing.

Stains

Part of what makes stucco such a popular siding material is that it looks so bright and cheerful. However, the brilliance of stucco can get stained easily from various sources like:

Dirt
Mold
Grease
Efflorescence (crystalized residue)
Rust

Usually, you can clean these stains without having to repair or replace any stucco material. However, if left untreated, the stain can seep into the stucco, making it impossible to clean. Also, if mold causes the stain, it could reflect other damage inside the material, meaning you must replace the entire section.

Mold or Pest Infestation

Because stucco is so porous, it can act as a sponge when it gets wet. Over time, the water inside the stucco can attract mold, leading to extensive growth and mold damage.

Ideally, if mold does take root in your stucco siding, you can notice it immediately and clean it out. However, sometimes, the mold may develop on the inside, forcing you to remove and replace entire sections of the siding.

Another potential problem is that some pests can find a home in the stucco. The longer these pests stay in the siding, the more damage they cause. Some common pests include wasps, rats, mice, and even birds.

Can Stucco Be Repaired? When to Call Stucco Repair Contractors

repaired-stucco As a rule, repairing anything is much more affordable than replacing it. When it comes to stucco siding, several factors will determine whether the material is repairable or must be removed and replaced. Let’s break down each factor and how it can impact the total cost of the project.

Type of Damage

Typically, cracks are relatively easy to repair in stucco, provided that they’re small and thin enough to prevent too much seepage. The sooner you can repair a crack, the better.

Other types of damage, such as crumbling or poor installation, are impossible to fix. Instead, you’ll have to remove the entire section (sometimes the whole wall) and reinstall the new stucco.

Type of Stucco and Finish

Traditional stucco uses lime, sand, water, and cement. While this option is common and affordable, it’s also more susceptible to mold and water damage. Synthetic stucco is more water-resistant, but it’s also more expensive to install, particularly for larger buildings.

The finish of your stucco can also affect its repairability. Stucco finishes can vary greatly, from Santa Barbara to cat face to lace to smooth. Smooth stucco is easier to repair because you don’t have to match a particular finish. However, if your stucco has complex detailing, it’s harder to repair. In this case, the repaired section has to match, otherwise it’ll create a patchy appearance to the siding.

Age and Condition of the Building

When cared for properly, stucco can easily last up to 50 years. When considering repairs on your siding, you must consider the building’s age. For example, if the stucco hasn’t been replaced in over 30 years, it may be time to reinstall new siding altogether.

If you repair old stucco, it can be a little like a game of whack-a-mole. As you repair one section, another gets damaged, and so on. In this case, it’s more cost-effective to replace the entire thing at once rather than piece by piece.

Call Luke Kush for Stucco Installation and Repair

Stucco looks fantastic and is highly weather-resistant. As a Kansas City building owner, you can greatly improve the look of your property by installing stucco siding.

If you currently have stucco, Luke Kush offers repair and maintenance services. Proactive upkeep ensures your stucco will last as long as possible and look incredible the whole time. Don’t wait for cracks and stains to worsen. Instead, call us and we can take care of your building.

Luke Kush also offers commercial painting services if you want to transform your stucco into an even more impressive sight.

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