The Underrated Importance of Stucco Repair
Essential Tips:
Stucco is widely used in exterior finishes on residential and commercial buildings from years. You can use this material both for functional and decorative needs. However the stucco damage and its repair are often ignored by homeowners leading to severe consequences. In such condition it will become necessary for building owners to take help from stucco repair Vancouver bc.
Today, we are here to discuss everything about stucco repair, common stucco issues and how timely repair can enhance the life of stucco and thus providing desired safety to your building. Hence before quickly looking for ‘stucco repair companies near me’ let’s know more about stucco repair work.
Why stucco repair is essential
- Commercial or residential stucco works as an insulating layer on the exterior wall of your building.
- It protects underlying building structure and retains the beauty of the building.
- This material may get cracks or minor damage due to weather conditions and other environmental factors.
- If this condition is ignored, water can seep through these cracks resulting in molds on the stucco surface.
Protecting the structure:
- Delay in residential stucco repair will result in water damage.
- Stucco works as an insulating layer for your building to protect the internal material of the building like wood, steel, etc. from external weather and environmental conditions.
- Stucco damage or cracks can result in the formation of mold, rust, or mildew on its surface that may compromise the building’s integrity.
- If left untreated, these minor stucco cracks may require extensive repair over time.
Retain the beauty of building:
- Along with the functionality, stucco also gives an eye-catchy look to the building.
- However, after a few years, stucco may get some cracks, discoloration, or stains.
- This will make your building look unattractive and you will lose its original beauty.
- By immediately availing the services of stucco repair Surrey, you will not only give the building its original look back, but also increase its value.
Minimize energy loss:
Being an excellent insulator, stucco gives its contribution to save energy by maintaining indoor temperature. Cracks and holes can impact the insulating property of stucco, leading to energy loss. For instance, stucco damage can cause air leakage that can have an impact on heating or cooling cost, as your HVAC system may need to work for longer duration to maintain indoor temperature. By timely availing the services of stucco repair Kelowna you will retain the building insulation and will keep your energy bills in check.
Common stucco problems and their signs you must keep a check on:
To keep your stucco in good condition, it is firstly important to know their common sign of damage that will indicate you to take action.
Cracks in the stucco:
Stucco is prone to cracks after a long duration. These cracks may arrive due to natural settling of building, moisture intrusion, change in temperature and inefficient insulation. Although some cracks in stucco are normal, but you must take actions against long and deep cracks that can allow moisture to enter in the internal structure of the building and lead to trouble like mold growth and structural decay.
Water damage and stains:
Water damage is another sign that needs your attention. If you stucco contains water stains or bubbling sign, then this may be due to water seepage into the walls. Repair it immediately to avoid serious mold and mildew problems. You must address water damage problem in its beginning stage to avoid long-term consequences.
Chipping and peeling issues:
Although, stucco is designed to work for longer duration, but with time its skin may peel off or chip, especially in extreme weather condition. These not only disturb the appearance of the building, but also unhide the underlying material and make them prone to further damage. With immediate repairing, you can retain the structural integrity of stucco and make it appealing for the people.
Popping or loose stucco:
With time your stucco may become loose or pop off in patches. This happens when your building expands or contracts due to improper installation or moisture infilteration. Your immediate attention is required in such condition as it may expose building areas and make them vulnerable to water damage or other environmental aspects. Also loose stucco may fall from the building and may result in safety hazard.
Dry or powdery stucco:
Your stucco may become powdery and this will reduce its strength, and will no longer work as a protective layer. This condition may arise due to prolonged exposure to sun, poor maintenance or improper stucco installation. If your stucco has become powdery or has started to crumble, you must contact stucco repair contractors for help.
The consequences of delaying stucco repair:
While it may seem to be insignificant for you to repair minor cracks in stucco, but addressing them then and there can avoid major problems down the line. The longer you delay the work, the costlier it will be in later stages.
Increased water damage:
As discussed earlier, stucco cracks can let water seep inside the building causing further damage. It will also result in mold and weakening of foundation. Addressing cracks in their nascent stage can make you avoid future troubles.
Higher energy costs:
Damaged stucco can disturb the building insulation, which may result in heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Decreased property value:
Damaged stucco will be less appealing for the potential buyers. Hence if you plan to resell your home, you must address stucco issues to increase the market value of the building.
Safety Hazards:
Loose or chipped stucco can be a safety hazard, especially if large pieces start falling from the building. These pieces can fall on vehicles or on people passing in the vicinity. Stucco repair can address these issues and can maintain the safety.
How professionals do stucco repair work:
Stucco repair work can be challenging based on the damage extent. Below are some steps which stucco repair contractors usually follow during stucco repair:
Assess the damaged area:
Your hired stucco repair Kelowna team will check the extent of damage in stucco. They will look for water stains, cracks, and other visible deterioration signs.
Prepare the surface:
Before application of any preparing material, the complete area should be cleaned and prepped. This may include removal of loose stucco, sanding the cracks edges, and ensuring that the surface is free from dust and debris.
Apply repair material:
In case of minor cracks, a repair compound can be used to fill the gap. While for larger gaps, the professionals may apply another layer of stucco to refinish the surface. This work requires utmost precision, as the final work should match with the existing building exterior.
Seal the stucco:
After work completion, stucco repair Surrey will seal the stucco to avoid future damage. High-quality sealant will be moisture-resistant to increase stucco life.
Conclusion
Stucco repair is an important task that comes in building maintenance and should never be ignored. Addressing issues like water damage, cracks, peeling can retain the building integrity, enhance its efficiency and maintain its aesthetic appeal. Although you can address the minor stucco repair by yourself, but for major damage you must hire professionals to get the repair work done with utmost precision.
By taking proactive steps in stucco repair you can avoid costly repairs and improve the life of your building. For any further assistance on stucco work, you can always look for ‘stucco repair companies near me’ to find out skilled professionals for your help.
