Stucco gives you an exterior finish that can last for years. But as with anything else, it can get bad with time. Learn more in this Calgary stucco repair guide.

Many homeowners prefer stucco because it doesn’t cost much to maintain, and it has aesthetic appeal.

Also, it’s among the most versatile and lasting exterior finishes.

But just like everything else, regardless of how strong it is, it can deteriorate over time.

So, a stucco repair will be necessary to restore its original attraction.

You want a trusted hand, like AB Stucco, to handle the restoration for you.

AB Stucco, we’re based in Calgary. This means we understand the challenges of the local weather conditions.

We understand the importance of maintaining the integrity and appearance of your property.

We wrote this article to serve as a complete guide to help you understand everything about Calgary stucco repair, even if you plan to DIY or seek professional assistance.

Keep reading!

DIY Stucco Repair versus Professional Services

Stucco is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and lime. It gives your home a textured and attractive finish.

As we’ve mentioned, it’s strong, but over time, poor installation, bad weather conditions, or age can cause cracks and damage.

Minor cracks may not initially pose a threat.

But they can cause the intrusion of moisture, encouraging mold growth and damage to the structure.

This is why it’s necessary to act sooner to have Calgary stucco restoration.

If we’re talking about small, superficial cracks, it’s best to go for a DIY stucco repair to save costs.

If you have the right tools, like a complete tutorial, a stucco repair kit, a utility knife, and a caulking gun, you can do the minor repairs well.

But we recommend calling our professional exterior stucco contractors for larger, deep-set cracks or swelling stucco.

As experts, we can precisely identify the primary issues causing damage and implement effective solutions, ensuring a lasting repair.

How to Maintain Different Stucco Conditions

Factors like time, weather exposure, and sometimes misguided repairs cause a lot of historic stucco surfaces to develop issues that require specialist attention.

1. Cracks and Fractures

Hairline cracks are typically caused by natural settlement, thermal expansion, or long-term weathering.

If left unaddressed, they can allow moisture to enter the structure, potentially leading to more severe internal damage.

So, cracks should be inspected to determine whether they are stable or progressing.

It’s easy to repair stable hairline cracks using a fine lime-based filler that blends with the existing color.

If you’re addressing wider or structural cracks, add support behind the render and gradually apply a compatible lime mortar.

2. Delamination and Swelling

You know stucco has detached from behind the wall when it swells or sounds hollow when tapped.

The primary cause of this is water infiltration and the two layers not gumming together.

This can be traced back to the improper materials used in past repairs.

So, carefully remove loose areas to prevent further detachment.

The substance under should be checked, cleaned, and, if necessary, evened out.

Then, apply new lime-based stucco in layers. Ensure to use old methods to guarantee proper bonding.

3. Staining and Surface Discolouration

When you notice stains, particularly from leaking gutters, algae, or pollution, they are a sign of moisture problems within the render.

They also affect the building’s appearance.

You can use gentle methods like low-pressure steam or approved cleaning solutions to clean the surface.

While you do this, you must detect and resolve the source of moisture to prevent it from happening again.

4. Spalling and Flaking

Spalling happens when water enters the stucco and then freezes. Then, the bulging ice makes the surface crack and break apart.

This typically occurs when hard, cement-based renders shut out moisture.

You can resolve this by carefully removing all the affected material. Also, assess the underlying wall for dampness.

At AB Stucco, we use a breathable, lime-based stucco for repairs because it allows moisture to evaporate.

We know better not to use modern cement renders. They worsen the problem by sealing moisture into the building material.

5. Incompatible Past Repairs

Using modern, cement-based materials or plastic paints often does more harm than good.

These materials aren’t bad in themselves. But they are too stiff and impermeable for historic buildings, which causes cracking, dampness, and faster decay.

We know how these inappropriate materials can damage the underlying structure, so we gently remove them.

Once removed, we reinstate the stucco using traditional lime mixes, applied by our experienced craftsmen who understand how to work with historic materials.

Finishes should be breathable. Our Calgary stucco painting services can make it worth it.

6. Fading or Deteriorated Finishes

Over time, weather exposure or the use of unfitting materials in previous renovations can cause paint finishes to fade, peel, or become patchy.

So, before repainting, ensure that the surface is cleaned and stable.

At AB Stucco, we exclusively use breathable finishes, such as limewash or mineral paint, for repainting.

This allows moisture to escape from the building material.

Remove any current non-breathable coatings where possible so that vapour can escape.

How to Choose a Good Calgary Stucco Repair Service

No games, but the plain truth. If you have extensive or complex stucco damage, hiring a stucco repair professional is the wise choice.

Here are some pointers that can help you choose the right service provider:

• Experience: The number of years of experience in stucco repair is important. More experience typically means they have a more comprehensive understanding of various stucco types and their corresponding damage patterns.
• License and Insurance:The company must be licensed and insured. This protects you from possible accident liabilities when the repair is ongoing.
• Customer Reviews:Check online reviews to see what their customers are saying about the company’s service quality and professionalism.
• Get Quote:Get multiple quotes and compare them to determine the average cost of stucco repair. This will help you avoid overpaying.

How Much Does Stucco Repair Cost?

One important aspect of stucco repair is knowing the costs that come with it.

Typically, homeowners spend between $500 and $800 on stucco repair.

However, this price can change based on the level of the damage and what your preferred Calgary parging contractors charge.

Minor DIY repairs can cost about $10 to $30.

In all you do, don’t delay the necessary stucco repairs; otherwise, you risk more severe structural issues and ever-increasing repair costs in the long run.

So, it’s important to take immediate action once you detect stucco damage.

Conclusion

Calgary stucco repair may seem intimidating at first.

But the knowledge we’ve shared in this article can help you restore your stucco surfaces to their original beauty and structural integrity.

You also need the right tools, and if required, the help of professionals, like us.

At AB Stucco, we know that the key to a successful Calgary stucco restoration lies in early detection, prompt action, and careful execution of the repair process.

Rest assured, we use the best materials, the most skilled craftsmen, and maintain the highest standards of craft.

Want a solution? Get in touch with us now!