If your New Jersey stucco home has sustained damage, there are two different ways to fix it: repair or remediation. While both options are viable, one comes with more risks than the other. Damaged stucco could be a sign that your stucco is failing and that you’re at risk of a structural failure. It’s important to know whether your stucco is damaged or deteriorating so you can make the right repairs.
Repair
If minor cosmetic damage is causing your home’s stucco to look damaged, you may want to consider stucco repair. When stucco damage is confined to the finish coat, the homeowner can remove the damaged finish, patch the damaged areas, and then apply a new finish coat. A repair can usually be completed in a few days or weeks. If your issues are minor or purely cosmetic, stucco repair may prove to be an effective solution.
You might have noticed some water damage on your stucco. Stucco is a popular choice for the exterior of homes because it is a solid material that is not easily damaged or broken. That is why you need to know how to spot stucco damage and repair it. Luckily, most stucco damage is easy to identify. The most common stucco damage is water damage. Check for cracks, mold, billowing, and large chunks of stucco missing from your exterior walls.
While repairing stucco is often much cheaper than remediation, the major issue with this option is that it fails to solve the underlying issues. The underlying issues are typically a major cause of stucco damage. As noted above, when the underlying issues aren’t addressed it can lead to a bevy of more significant and expensive problems in the future.
If your stucco issues run deeper than a few cracks or fading, you may want to consider stucco remediation. Stucco remediation involves a more in-depth process of testing and determining the cause of the stucco’s issues. Once the cause is determined, the appropriate steps to rectify the situation are identified. Although stucco remediation is more expensive, it’s the better long term choice for your home.
Remediation
The purpose of stucco remediation is to identify stucco issues, such as mold or water damage, and to correct them. During this process, the stucco is stripped down to the substrate and a new stucco system is applied. If your stucco is experiencing issues, stucco remediation could be a great long-term solution that prevents further problems. However, stucco remediation is more expensive than stucco repair and could add up to $10,000 to your project cost.
Because a remediation also involves removing the damaged stucco, it is important to remove it properly. The stucco should be removed in small sections, and each section should be tested to ensure that the stucco is structurally sound. If there are any areas of concern, the drywall behind the stucco should be removed as well.
Stucco is water resistant, but it’s not waterproof. This means that a layer of waterproofing or a water resistant barrier is suggested. The most common water resistant barrier is EIFS. This type of waterproofing is typically installed by a professional stucco contractor. The materials and installation cost are built into the stucco estimate and are typically included in the project cost.
Some homeowners opt for a paint-based waterproofing option. While this option exists, it’s not recommended. Paint-based waterproofing is not as effective as EIFS. Another consideration is that paint-based waterproofing can be damaged during the stucco installation process. This can lead to water damage in the home.
How long does stucco repair take?
Stucco repair or replacement can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the size of the project. A typical stucco repair requires about 2-3 days for the application and another 2-3 days for the drying process. However, if your project is larger, you could have to wait 2-3 weeks for the stucco to dry.
How much does it cost?
The cost of stucco repair or replacement depends on the size of the project and the materials used. The average stucco repair costs between $5,000 to $10,000, while stucco replacement can cost from $15,000 to $20,000 or more. Stucco replacement is more expensive because it requires removing all the old stucco and starting over.
address the moisture problem. If you hire a skilled stucco contractor to repair your home, he will address the moisture problem.
Common causes of stucco damage:
Water Penetration- Water damage causes the wood to rot and the stucco to crumble, causing major issues in your home’s structure and integrity.
UV Damage- Over time, fading and discoloring is caused from the sun’s UV rays constantly wearing down the stucco paint. This can easily be remedied by applying a new layer of stucco paint.
Moisture- Moisture can cause mold and mildew to accumulate on the stucco.
Installation- Improper installation can cause cracks, which causes more problems in the future.
Wind- Strong winds can crack your stucco from flying debris such as dirt, rocks, and items around your house.
Animal Damage- Animals can damage your stucco by burrowing through it, such as bird nesting, squirrels, and more.
Cracking is most commonly the result of improper installation or the use of low quality stucco. The cracks are most commonly found around doors and windows. If the cracks are smaller than ¼ of an inch, they should be properly sealed with a repair. However, if the cracks are larger than ¼ of an inch, you should consider remediation.
While the most common stucco damage you’ll see are cracks, chips, and darkened or discolored spots, there are many other warning signs you should be aware of. For starters, if you notice water stains on your interior walls or ceilings, you may be dealing with stucco damage. Also look at your ceilings and check for buckling or sagging. Both are signs that your stucco is starting to fail.
In addition to looking for physical signs inside and outside your home, you should watch out for warning signs like your doors and windows sticking. If you’re having trouble opening or closing your doors or windows, that could mean you could have stucco damage. Stucco damage can cause many issues for your home and should be treated as soon as possible. Consider getting a stucco inspection from a licensed stucco contractor if you notice any damages listed above to your home.
Why choose ZD Stucco Repair?
We are a trusted advisor and provider of residential exterior remodeling and renovation projects in New Jersey. Our mission is to serve homeowners, our employees, our partners, our local community, and people in need around the world. We do this by committing to deliver the highest quality home exterior remodeling and renovation services with honesty, transparency, dedication, passion, and value.
We are a trusted advisor and provider of residential exterior remodeling and renovation projects in New Jersey. Our mission is to serve homeowners, our employees, our partners, and our local community. We do this by committing to deliver the highest quality home exterior remodeling and renovation services with honesty, transparency, dedication, passion, and value.
If you need a stucco contractor in New Jersey, contact ZD Stucco Repair today.
