Stucco is durable, versatile, and moisture and fire-resistant. No wonder it is one of the most popular siding materials. When installed correctly, stucco creates a smooth finish. Though very durable, stucco is not impervious to wear and tear. Over time, it could flake off or start losing its color. Considering that stucco affects the aesthetic appeal of homes, you should update your stucco at regular intervals.
 
Here are some effective ways to update stucco.

​Stucco can accumulate large amounts of dust, dirt, grime, and algae over time. Unclean stucco is not just an eyesore, and it is also highly susceptible to damage. To get rid of dirt and dust on your stucco, clean it thoroughly. Before you clean your stucco, inspect the surface for any chips and cracks. Repair minor cracks using acrylic exterior caulking. For large cracks and crevices, consult a professional. Finally, treat any mold growth with borax or bleach. 

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• Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing one cup of liquid bleach with one gallon of water. If you do not want to use bleach, an alternative cleaning solution to consider is a mixture of (½ cup) of borax and (two tablespoons) of dish soap.

• Using a garden hose, spray water on the surface of your stucco. Make sure you are using the lowest pressure setting on your power washer. Hold the washer at a 45-degree angle and stand at least two feet away from the stucco surface to avoid causing stucco damage.

• Fill a spray bottle with the cleaning solution and spray every section of the wall with it. Allow the solution to sit on your stucco for 10 minutes before proceeding to the next step.

• Using a soft bristle brush, scrub stubborn stains.

• Using your hose or power washer, rinse the stucco. Allow 24 hours for drying time

If stucco cleaning seems like a daunting task, hire an exterior stucco contractor near you for the job. 

​Adding color to stucco is a great way to refresh your home. Use paint specially made for stucco instead of regular house paint. Opt for a flat finish paint. Some colors are not compatible with older stucco and can cause damage if applied incorrectly. Consult a professional before using paint. 

​If you live in an old house, some old mortar may have cracked or started to crumble. If this Mortar still sticks together, replace it with a new Mortar. To make Mortar, mix Portland cement, sand, and water in a bucket. Using a trowel, apply the Mortar along the bottom of every crack and spread it with a putty knife. Wipe away any extra mortar with a damp rag.
 
Do-All Stucco & Stone is a trusted stucco contractor in Calgary. Our unparalleled ability to fix different types of stucco damage sets us apart from other stucco companies in Calgary. To schedule a repair, call 403-588-5306. 

Stucco is a cement-like construction material. Its ingredients include water, aggregates, and a binder. Stucco has been around for quite some time and continues to remain a popular choice for residential siding. It is applied to the exterior of homes in several layers about one inch thick. Depending on how it is applied, the texture of stucco can vary from smooth to textured. 

​Over time, stucco can crack and peel off of a wall. This is often caused by water damage. Water usually seeps into the wall beneath stucco through holes in it. Peeling stucco becomes an eyesore. If you fail to move swiftly to address the problem, you may end up with a costly repair, or worse, your stucco can fail prematurely.

​If a small portion of your stucco is peeling, you can try taking the DIY route; however, if you notice a large portion of the stucco peeling, reach out to a stucco contractor in Leduc for help. We’d advise you against fixing stucco problems yourself if you have little or no experience carrying out stucco repair in Wetaskiwin or do not have the right repair tools.
 
Here are the steps to repair peeling stucco. 

​Strike the loosest stucco pieces with the head of a hammer until they fall to the ground. Using the claw end of the hammer, pry away any damaged or peeling pieces that you can’t knock off. Be careful to avoid damaging any of the wood laths beneath your stucco. Do not stop until you have chipped away all the loose stucco from the edges of the affected area. 

​Clip the mesh around the edges of the hole using a pair of metal snips until you can remove an entire piece of it. Remove the mesh out of the hole to expose the wood laths underneath. Using a wire brush, get rid of loose stucco pieces stuck inside the hole. 

​Cut a piece of grade-D builder’s paper with a utility knife so that it fits snugly inside the hole, and its edges meet the edge of the old stucco. Attach the builder’s paper to the wood lath using roofing nails. Add another layer of the builder’s paper. Next, cut a piece of galvanized metal lath to fit the hole.

Mix a batch of stucco in your wheelbarrow and sling scoops of stucco onto the galvanized metal lath until it is completely covered. Using a finishing trowel, smooth the base layer out. When stucco isn’t shiny anymore, scratch the surface with a trowel. Cover the base layer with plastic and add a second layer. Remove the plastic after three days and mist the second coat. Finally, apply the finish coat using a brick trowel.
 
Do-All Stucco & Stone is a renowned stucco contractor in Leduc and Wetaskiwin. Our stucco experts have years of experience remediating different types of stucco. To learn more, call 403-588-5306.

​Summer heat can take its toll on your stucco. High humidity levels during summers can damage your foundation and lead to mold growth. In addition, moisture that builds up in and behind your stucco can lead to water damage and even dry rot.
 
Every individual with a stucco home should make summertime stucco maintenance a priority. Regular maintenance keeps your stucco looking its best, addresses current problems, and prevents future issues, helping extend the stucco lifespan. 

​Here are some of our top summertime stucco maintenance tips. 

​As your stucco comes in contact with dirt and concrete, it can absorb moisture. To prevent wicking from occurring, clean your stucco regularly. 

Spray water on your stucco using a garden hose to loosen up stains and dirt. Scrub stains with a bristle brush. Allow your stucco time to dry. Once it has completely dried, rinse the surface one last time. For stubborn stains, use a mixture of dish soap and water or bleach solution or TSP solution.
 
If you want to use a pressure washer instead of a garden hose, ensure the nozzle is at a 40-degree angle. Stand 12-24 inches away from the wall you want to clean. The pressure on your power washer should be between 1,500 psi and 2,800 psi.
 
*A Word of Caution: Take the proper precautions when using TSP. Wear gloves, eyeglasses, and a long-sleeve shirt. Test the solution on a small area of your stucco to check if it damages the color in any way. 

Like other materials, stucco can crack over time. Stucco cracks can lead to moisture problems in summer. Regularly inspect your stucco for cracks. Repair hairline cracks immediately or they may get worse over time. If your house is old, consider applying elastomeric paint to your stucco to cover hairline cracks. The elastomeric coating protects stucco from damage by sealing cracks. If the cracks in your stucco are larger than ⅛ of an inch, seek help from a stucco contractor in Olds.

​Do not delay repairs. Not only are stucco cracks unsightly, but they can also affect the structural integrity of your stucco. If you ignore cracks, they will continue to widen. Plus, mold and mildew can grow in them. 

​If you can’t remember the last time you applied a stucco sealer to your stucco, seal it this summer. Sealing your stucco is a great way to prevent moisture intrusion – one of the most common stucco problems in summer. Stucco contractors in Olds usually use a clear masonry sealer that penetrates the stucco pores and prevents any moisture from getting in.
 
Do-All Stucco & Stone is a renowned stucco contractor in Olds. Our stucco technicians have spent years studying different stucco application and remediation methods. Their expertise enables them to come up with cost-effective solutions to stucco problems. To schedule stucco repair in Olds, call 403-588-5306. 

​Exterior insulation and finish system or EIFS is a non-load-bearing wall cladding system that provides exterior building surfaces with an insulated, water-resistant surface. Its durability and ability to insulate buildings completely make it the perfect choice for residential and commercial projects.
 
Here are some benefits of EIFS.

​EIFS is designed to resist cracking and fading. It is flexible and can thus resist damage caused by expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Most systems are formulated with 100 percent acrylic binder, significantly improving their ability to resist chalking and discoloration.
 
As a result, they tend to retain their original color and appearance for years. Since the color is integral to the finish coat, it remains consistent even if the surface is scratched. EIFS is also mold- and mildew-resistant. It is very easy to maintain. If the surface of your system gets soiled, all you need to do is hose it down to get rid of accumulated dirt. 

​In summer, conditioned air can escape through your walls. When this happens, your cooling system is forced to work harder and longer than usual. An overworked system consumes more energy and can also develop problems more frequently.
 
EIFS can help improve the energy efficiency of your home by reducing air infiltration by up to as much as 55 percent compared to brick or wood. Combined with standard cavity insulation, it can increase the R-value of your home from R-11 to R-16. A study conducted to determine the amount of energy savings associated with EIFS found that in one building, EIFS helped reduce energy use by 45 percent over a period of one year. 

​EIFS is more moisture-resistant than many other popular siding materials, such as brick and cementitious fiberboard, also known as fiber cement siding. EIFS should be installed correctly and detailed properly for it to be effective. Improper installation can lead to moisture problems that can damage your EIFS. When installing EIFS, check the flashing to ensure it is intact, or moisture damage can occur. 

EIFS has passed several fire resistance tests, including Ignitability (NFPA 268), Fire Resistance (ASTM E 119), and Intermediate Multi-Story Fire Test (NFPA 285 (UBC 26-N)). Researchers studied the ability of EIFS to:

• Prevent flames from spreading within the combustible core or panel components from one story to the next, and
• Stop flames from laterally spreading from the origin of the fire to adjacent spaces. 

​EIFS may resemble stucco or stone, but is much more versatile. It comes in a variety of colors and textures. A skilled EIFS contractor near you can customize your EIFS to create columns, arches, keystones, cornerstones, and cornices that can improve the architectural character of your home.
 
Do-All Stucco & Stone is one of the most trusted EIFS contractors near you. Our EIFS technicians bring decades of combined experience to the table. With their trained eyes, they notice problems that amateurs often miss when installing, maintaining, and remediating EIFS. To make your first appointment, call 403-588-5306. 

There are several reasons why homeowners install stucco siding. It can boost the curb appeal of a property by giving it a distinctive look and is moisture- and fire-resistant. When installed properly, stucco can last a lifetime.
 
Like other types of house siding, the color of stucco can fade over time. Painting old, fading stucco siding is one of the most cost-effective ways to restore the material to its former glory.
 
Here are some benefits of stucco painting in Airdrie.

​After a downpour, your stucco may absorb water and turn darker. Stucco painting in Red Deer is a great way to seal the material, so that moisture won’t penetrate it. A quality paint can keep your stucco from fading even when it rains heavily, and prevent unsightly damp spots. Use an exterior painting system developed especially for the stucco siding to make your stucco even more weather-resistant. 

​UV rays can alter the shape of your stucco and negatively affect its functionality. If severe UV damage occurs to your stucco, you may have to replace it sooner than expected. A quality paint can help keep your walls and stucco insulated by deflecting UV rays. If you, like many homeowners, consider Wetaskiwin stucco painting an unnecessary expense, wait till your stucco fails prematurely. 

​A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for your stucco. It can improve the appearance of your exterior walls, helping keep your house looking its best for years.
 
You can paint stucco in various colors to suit your taste and style preferences and complement your outdoor living space. You can use a bold or bright color, a darker hue, or a traditional earth tone; your choice!
 
Depending on the type and age of your stucco, your stucco contractor may recommend a flat, eggshell, or satin paint finish and elastomeric coating known for its ability to stretch to prevent damage caused by temperature fluctuations. 

​Do you notice water stains running in vertical lines on your stucco? Paint it! A good paint can hide existing stains and also prevent future stains. 

​Hairline cracks in your stucco do not just look unsightly, they can also impact its durability and strength. The sooner you paint your stucco, the better. If damaged stucco is left unpainted, chunks of the material may pop out, leading to a costly repair. High-quality paint can fill stucco cracks to prevent further damage.
 
If your stucco has larger cracks, your contractor will fill them with exterior caulk or masonry patching before painting the material. This is done to ensure that stucco cracks blend with the paint color.
 
Do-All Stucco & Stone is a renowned stucco contractor in Red Deer. Our stucco technicians have hands-on experience installing, repairing, and remediating different types of stucco. To request a quote, call 403-588-5306.