Some Facts About Stucco
Stucco siding became popular in the twentieth century and is often found in Mission style and Spanish and Mediterranean style homes. Old stucco was made from the composition of lime, sand, and water. Today, stucco is made of white cement, sand, and water. White cement was added to the composition of this mortar to increase its durability and lessen the need for stucco repair. As a building material, stucco provides a durable, attractive, and weather-resistant surface. Even though stucco is a durable substance, its main advantage is an aesthetic one. In comparison to brick and vinyl, stucco wanes in its average life warranty of 15 years. The process of laying stucco is labor-intensive and also will cost more in comparison to installing vinyl or a fiber-cement siding. Several layers of sand and lime mixture must be applied with proper drying time allotted before a final color coat can be applied. When choosing this siding for your home, it is important to use a professional who is known to reduce the chances of your home requiring stucco repair in the future.
The Cost To Install Stucco
Stucco siding can vary in price and there are many factors that can affect the overall price. This is why you absolutely have to reach out to professional near you for a FREE Estimate.
However, based on national averages, you can expect to budget anywhere between $5 to $9.58 per square foot. For an average home of roughly 1,500 square feet, you should be budgeting in the region of $11 000 for new stucco installation.
Stucco Repair Costs
Stucco repairs cost can also vary widely in costs depending on the severity and type of damage required. On the other hand, you could do a small DIY fix for as little as $40 – $50.
However, based on national averages, expect to budget anywhere from $8 to as high as $50 per square foot. The only way to get a more accurate idea is to have a professional assessment done at your home or business. Nevertheless, expect to budget anywhere between $480 to $1600 on stucco repairs.
Telling Signs of Stucco Repair
The main culprit of the need for stucco repair is usually water infiltration. A good visual inspection of the interior and exterior of your home will let you know if your home needs any stucco repair.
Take a good look at the interior of your walls. If you see any water spots, this can be an indication that your stucco is in need of repair. Black streaking around windows, light fixtures, shutters, and doors could be another indication. Sometimes the sealants around your windows will have black streaks or begin to wear.
Also, bubbles or cracks are a visible sign that there has been water damage. Make sure to see if your kick-out is missing. This is the flashing where the roof meets the wall of the house. A kick-out is a type of flashing installed at the intersection of where the roofline meets a house wall. Its main function is to divert water into the gutter and away from the wall of the house.
Repairing Stucco
The extent of the damage will determine whether you can do the stucco repair yourself or employ a professional. A simple crack is easy to repair. You will just need to fill the crack with a masonry caulk and smooth out the caulk with a trowel. Once the caulk is tried, then paint the wall. A small hole is also an easy repair. You can purchase a premixed stucco compound to do the repair. Add the compound to the wall and then smooth it out. After the compound dries, you can then paint and match the original color. However, extensive cracks or holes which span a large surface of any wall will need a professional to repair the stucco covering. In this case, it is wise to use the expertise of a professional. Most homeowners have limited knowledge in construction and are unable to repair the problem completely.