
In addition to improving your home’s structural soundness, stucco is a long-lasting and adaptable material. On the other hand, it is susceptible to wear and tear, such as cracks and chips, just like any other external finish. In order to keep your home’s curb appeal and prevent water damage, it is vital to address these issues through expert stucco repair.
However, it is essential to prepare your home beforehand to guarantee a smooth and effective restoration process when the experts come to restore your stucco. Preparing your home ahead of time can help you save time, money, and stress, and it includes preparing the workspace and knowing what to expect during the repair.
This article will walk you through the practical procedures of preparing your property for stucco repair for a perfect finish and long-lasting effects.
How to Prepare Your Home for Stucco
Proper preparation is required for a high-quality stucco finish with long-term durability. Plan the project diligently, taking into account the weather and your timetable. While these factors contribute to determining the cost to repair stucco, they also serve as a general reminder of what must be considered before initiating the process.
1. Check the weather forecast
When applying stucco, the ideal weather conditions are 50–60 degrees Fahrenheit with little wind. The stucco will cure correctly in mild, chilly conditions.
Put off the task until next week if the weather prediction calls for temperatures below 40 degrees or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. You should not use stucco that feels heated after mixing.
Cover the stucco mixture with a sheet to keep it from drying until the weather permits.
2. Plan Out Your Timeline
Your stucco installation will take at least one to two weeks, depending on the style of framing and the amount of stucco coats applied.
After prepping the surface for wood-framed and concrete board walls, apply three coats of stucco. The project typically takes two weeks or longer to allow cure time between coats. For masonry walls and poured concrete, you only need two coats, which may be completed in about a week.
3. Check local building codes
Before you begin your project, check your local building codes to ensure you meet your area’s wall assembly and moisture barrier standards.
The guidelines differ depending on your environment and the weather in your region.
Steps Involved: A Brief Guide
Step One: Lath (Waterproof)
Waterproofing your property is the most critical aspect of the stucco process. Stucco is only as effective as it protects against mold, leaks, and other problems. The stucco process should always start with lathing the walls.
What is the Lath for Stucco?
Lath is the initial phase in the cement stucco process. It comprises water-resistant paper, wire mesh, and other metal components used to prepare the area before applying the cement. Moreover, it adheres to your home’s walls and serves as the base for putting stucco.
How Long Does It Take to Lath?
The size of the project determines how much lathing your home will require. Although your contractor may give you a broad timetable, there are some crucial elements to consider, such as material availability, weather, and other installations that may conflict, such as windows or foam.
Step Two: Inspect the Lath
The lath inspection occurs only if permits were obtained for your stucco installation. When an inspector arrives at a building site, they examine to ensure that the staples, nails, black-resistant paper, and lath are all properly installed. This step is critical because if the lath is not properly installed and the scratch coat is applied, it is difficult to repair the lath. Although the inspection may prolong the project’s timeline, the workmanship and quality of the stucco will remain unchanged.
Step 3: Scratch Coat
What is a Scratch Coat?
The scratch coat is made of sand and cement. It is applied in lines on top of the lath. The scratch coat is applied in lines to ensure the brown coat adheres correctly. The scratch coat is then allowed to cure. Allowing the scratch coat to cure appropriately guarantees that the brown coat and the remaining stucco process comply correctly.
Step 4: Cure Time
Cure time is critical since it guarantees that the scratch coat dries and is ready for the next stage. It may malfunction if you do not leave enough time for the scratch coat to cure. The cure time will vary depending on the product being utilized.
Step 5: Brown coat
What exactly is a brown coat for stucco?
A brown coat is a thick covering made of sand and cement. The brown covering resembles cement. This is the final step in preparing the base for the stucco sand finish. If the stucco finish is smooth, it is time to apply poly prep.
Step 6: Cure Time
Once applied, the brown coat must cure to ensure adequate poly prep or color coat adhesion. For particular cure times, see your contractor or the manufacturer of the brown coat.
Step 7: Poly Prep (Smooth Stucco Applications Only)
What is Poly Prep?
The poly prep process involves both the poly prep and the fiberglass mesh. Poly prep is only required for new building stucco projects with a smooth finish. However, poly prep is needed for re-stucco regardless of the finish. Poly pretreatment is vital because it protects the stucco from huge or uneven cracks.
It is incredibly significant in the re-stucco process because it allows the new stucco to cling to the existing stucco. Besides, the fiberglass is only required for smooth stucco finishes. Also, you may combine crack isolation with polymer-containing cement to form poly prep.
Step 8: Paint Non-Stucco Surfaces
You or your contractor will now paint all non-stucco surfaces, which may include wood sidings, window frames, and other wood fixtures.
Step 9: Color Coat
What is a stucco-colored coat?
The color coat is the final stage of the stucco process. This stage sets the texture and color of the stucco. The color coat combines a stucco base, which defines texture, and a stucco color pack. Once the color coat is applied, the workers will clean up and finish the project.
In the end!
Stucco is an excellent exterior material that often requires little upkeep. You can enjoy the lovely exterior of your home for decades if you clean it occasionally and keep up with any cracks or chipping. For additional particular information, please see the product’s manufacturer’s instructions. It is usually advisable to contact a specialist before beginning any substantial repairs.