Stucco is a great material for creating the look of older buildings, and lucky for you, we’re Stucco Siding Pros. It can be applied in many different ways, depending on what you’re trying to achieve with your project and how much care/attention needs to be directed towards it over time- but no matter which way stucco takes its toll, this material will always involve some level of maintenance. Ivan’s painting is happy to take over your project, from power washing your exterior home’s walls to patching up cracks and a full repaint.
Stucco is a durable material that can withstand the beating sun, winter winds, and dirt by passing traffic. This is why many homes in the Coachella Valley Desert use this for their home. With exposure to the harsh desert elements and time always getting away from us, especially after the pandemic, your house may need some serious TLC; it’s not uncommon for minor repairs on siding every so often or even just an annual cleaning!
Stucco isn’t delicate. Whether applied as exterior siding or a finish for interior walls, the age-old material requires little in terms of maintenance and can last decades with occasional cleaning (or patching) necessary, but there are plenty of ways to keep it looking great! Here’s how you do that –
Cleaning Stucco
Regular Cleaning
Stucco is a porous material that absorbs dirt and stains. When used as a siding material or even just for garden wall finishes, stucco tends to get pretty dirty and requires more frequent cleaning. The good news? Cleaning this surface usually takes nothing more than water and elbow grease! The process doesn’t take long at all if you use either the spray nozzle on your hose (to rinse off dirt) or a low-setting power washer with water mixed in it from an external source such as plumbing fixtures nearby; however, this will depend upon where exactly these surfaces exist within relation one another so consult beforehand!
Ivan’s painting offers maintenance services such as power washing to give your home a good cleaning. Consistent maintenance is what keeps your paint looking fresh as well.
Heavy-Duty Cleaning
When you need to get rid of stubborn stains like blood, wine, or juice that won’t come out even when washing with soap and water—it may be time for something more powerful.
Experts recommend trisodium phosphate, also known as TSP (a chemical solution). Homeowners should take precautions before using this cleaner, so they don’t end up doing any harm! To clean stucco, ventilate the area by opening windows and running a fan while wearing protective eyewear. After it’s safe to proceed, combine TSP with water in a bucket; diluting 15-1 so you have enough for your project or use as needed (a little goes a long way). Apply brush on affected areas letting them dry before moving on to the next step. Many homeowners ask themselves, “Where do I start?” and “Can anyone clean my stucco home for me?”. That’s where we come in!
1. Once you have chosen your toolset, spray in a mist formation to ensure that the stucco is thoroughly saturated.
2. Next, switched to a more concentrated spray and cleaned from top-to-bottom. This way dirt higher on the wall doesn’t simply settle at the base!
3. After you spray, check your stucco for any lingering buildup and if there is still residue left behind by an old cleaning process. You can remove this stubborn grime with a brush made of stiff bristles that will not bend or break easily against the surface texture on these types buildings materials; just be mindful not to scrub too hard so as avoid grinding down at least some level!
4. Now, if you still have blemishes on your siding after following the steps above it is time for one more treatment. Apply diluted TSP ( described above ) directly with a pump sprayer or hose wand that has built-in soap reservoir and see those pesky marks disappear!
5. The last step in finishing your stucco project is to rinse the surface one more time. Make sure that all of the excess moisture from earlier has been rinsed away and then enjoy watching it shine!
Repairing Stucco
Stucco is a durable material that has the unique ability to be rigid while also being flexible. When you notice a small crack or gap in your stucco siding, it’s best to take swift action before any more damage can occur. These surface imperfections not only affect the look of our homes but also pose serious health risks like mold growth and pest infestations that we will do everything possible to avoid at all costs.
1. Start by clearing any loose or crumbling material away from and out of the crack, whether simply by using your hands or with a wire brush. At this point, remember to eliminate all chalk dirt oil that would inhibit the repair compound’s ability to stick properly to do its job better.
2. Next, if the crack you’re addressing isn’t already at least a quarter of an inch thick, use your chisel and hammer to widen it (and possibly make sure the edges are perpendicular).
3. We’ll assess the ambient conditions of the home we’re working on. If it’s especially hot (or if outdoors, particularly windy), we’ll pre-moisten stucco surrounding cracks before proceeding.
4. Mix the Stucco Patch! Just combine the ingredients in your chosen container, then use an old-fashioned hand mixer or drill-mounted pattern driver to blend it up for about 3 minutes until you have achieved that perfect peanut butter consistency.
5. And you’re ready to apply the patch. Just follow these steps: first, use a putty knife (or trowel) to press the material firmly into each crack; then, after completely filling up those pesky crevices, run over them with some flat boards so they don’t stick out too much anymore – Problem solved!
The next step depends on the texture of your existing stucco—and if you deem it necessary for this patch to feature the same as well. If there are any unique features or designs that need matching then we can do so with traditional plastering tools; however most times our customers just want their home to look perfect all around.
In the end, stucco doesn’t require much care. It’s best to inspect it periodically and clean or repair it as necessary but if you give this material some attention, then expect decades’ worth of beauty with weathertight performance!
