When selecting a stucco contractor to work on your home, there are important factors to consider beyond just the price of the work. That’s because an improper stucco installation can lead to severe damage to your home over time, which, in turn, can result in extensive remediation that is both time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, it is important to ask pertinent questions that can help avoid a similar situation. Continuing the discussion, here are some questions that you must ask before hiring a stucco contractor or a stucco company in Calgary.

​A contractor's license serves as proof that the contractor has been approved by the province to perform work in that area. It also serves as proof that their work meets a minimum standard. Similarly, hiring an insured contractor helps safeguard yourself against possible liability resulting from job site accidents. 

​Warranties are important as they provide another level of protection that goes beyond what insurance can. If any part of the stucco installation is not done correctly or fails before the warranty is up, you will be protected. Additionally, there may also be separate warranties on the building materials used.

Experience matters when it comes to those who are going to be working on your home. Stucco is a building material that needs to be properly installed by experienced professionals. If not installed right, moisture can get trapped in your building’s wall, thereby leading to mould, mildew, and rot. If this happens, complete remediation of the wall will need to be performed.

Testimonials, reviews, and references are all great resources for learning about stucco contractors before you hire them. You can get an idea of the quality of work performed by the contractor through images in their portfolio or reviews on third-party sites such as Google. Additionally, seeing the contractor's work in person and speaking with prior clients can be helpful.

​Knowing the timeline of the project is important to understand how long your home will be in a construction zone and how disruptive the work will be. It’s important to ask this question because, depending on the project, certain parts of your property might be temporarily blocked off.

​The location of the contractor can have a major impact on the project. A local contractor will have knowledge about the specific threats stucco faces in your area, including average moisture levels, common pests, and previous improper stucco installations in your neighborhood. This knowledge can help tailor your stucco installation to the unique situations your home faces.

​If you are looking for a reputable stucco company in Calgary, we at Do-All Stucco & Stone would love to help. Call 403-588-5306 to discuss your requirement or to schedule an appointment. You can also email us at [email protected], and one of our representatives will get back to you shortly. 

​Gutters play the key role in keeping rainwater away from a home's foundation, but it's important to note that soffit and fascia, too, play a significant role there, and therefore, are as critical as the gutter. The soffit provides attic ventilation, while the fascia protects the roof's edge and wooden board from water damage and adds a polished look to the roof's edge. Before replacing your gutters, ensure the soffit and fascia are in good condition and replace them if necessary. Read on to learn when and why to replace soffit and fascia.

​Soffits and fascia are components of a roof system with specific functions. Soffits are placed beneath the eaves of the roof and against the siding to provide ventilation and prevent critters from entering, while fascia boards are installed horizontally at the edge of the roof to protect the home from weather elements and provide a finished look. Both can be made of wood, vinyl, aluminum, or PVC, with vinyl being a popular choice for soffits due to its low maintenance and ease of installation.

​The fascia board is a crucial component in the roofing system, serving as the support and attachment point for the gutters and soffit. Therefore, when installing new gutters, it is vital to ensure that the fascia board is in good condition and can withstand the added weight. This not only helps to prevent the gutters from falling off or becoming misaligned, but it also protects the home from moisture damage.
 
A damaged fascia board may not adequately support the weight of the gutters, which could result in the gutters sagging, separating from the fascia, or even falling off altogether. Additionally, a damaged fascia board can provide an opening for water to enter the home, causing moisture damage and leading to costly repairs in the future.
 
Therefore, it is essential to replace damaged fascia boards before installing new gutters to ensure the stability of the roofing system and protect the home from potential damage.

​Clean Gutters Regularly: Clean gutters using a hose or a plumbing snake/high-pressure water to remove debris like leaves, pine needles, and twigs. Clean twice a year, more frequently if you live near trees.
 
Install Gutter Covers/Helmet: Install covers or helmets to prevent debris clogging but regularly inspect, especially if you live in a tree-rich area. Covers/helmet types include snap-on front with drain cutout and flat perforated screens.
 
Hire a Pro: If gutter cleaning makes you anxious, find a reputable company by searching online or asking friends/family. Provide gutter-type information for assessment. Costs vary based on linear footage and home height. Shop around for the best deal.

Whether you are looking for an expert to maintain your gutter or install soffit and fascia in Wetaskiwin, Do-All Stucco & Stone has got you covered. To schedule an appointment, call 403-588-5306.

​Acrylic stucco or elastomeric or synthetic stucco is an alternative to traditional stucco. A significant difference between conventional and acrylic stucco is that traditional stucco absorbs water, whereas acrylic stucco repels it. Acrylic stucco is fire-resistant because of the inflammable materials it is composed of.
 
The ingredients of synthetic stucco include sand, polymers, and acrylic resin. It looks like gritty paint. The benefits of acrylic stucco far outweigh its benefits. The material is very flexible and is hence resistant to hairline cracks. Acrylic is usually applied in a sand float finish and can help enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space.
 
Here are some benefits of acrylic stucco. 

​Traditional stucco is known for its durability. It is resistant to mold, mildew, and rot. Stucco expands and contracts with the weather and is, therefore, more damage resistant than other siding materials. Enhanced with aggregate compound and ceramic, acrylic stucco is even more durable than its traditional counterpart. It is also lighter than conventional stucco. With proper care and maintenance, acrylic stucco can last a lifetime-50 years or more. Superior durability and strength=less frequent stucco repairs in Calgary, and more savings. 

The energy efficiency of acrylic stucco is one of the many reasons why stucco contractors in Olds prefer it to traditional material. The R-value of traditional stucco is .2, whereas the R-value of acrylic stucco can be as high as 5.6, depending on the thickness of the insulation board. Synthetic stucco is applied wet and hardens to a very dense solid once it dries. Installing acrylic stucco is a great way to improve your home’s insulation.

Acrylic stucco is available in a range of vibrant colors. Whether you want to decorate with neutral palettes or choose dark colors for your walls, you will find a stucco color that complements your design. Stucco color does not darken after drying, so you can achieve your desired look. Also, acrylic stucco does not fade and hence, does not need to be repainted.

Acrylic stucco is virtually maintenance-free. It does not crack or peel easily. Because it repels water, acrylic stucco is more water resistant than traditional stucco. Synthetic stucco does not weather easily, even when humidity levels are higher than usual.

You can choose almost any finish for your acrylic stucco. You can create the rough texture of traditional stucco or a smooth texture. If you want to change the look of your stucco,  add texture to it by installing stone veneer over the stucco.
 
*Note: When installing stone veneer, remember that it is solely used for decorative purposes and is not supposed to provide structural support.
 
Whether you want to have stucco installed or remodeled, Do-All Stucco & Stone can help. Our stucco experts have years of experience giving homes a facelift with aesthetically pleasing stucco. To request an estimate, call 403-588-5306. 

Over time, holes can develop in your stucco. If ignored, stucco holes can cause irreversible damage to your stucco, and you may have to replace it sooner than you expected. Premature stucco failure can lead to water damage and dry rot. Before things go south, repair stucco holes.
 
To help you fix stucco holes effectively, we have put together a brief guide to stucco repair. Take a look.

You will need a putty knife, a brush, a hammer, a mason's chisel, a ladder, a wire bristled brush, a plaster finishing trowel, acrylic latex paint, premixed stucco or stucco patching compound, and finishing tools, including a whisk, a trowel, a sponge and a piece of board. Before starting to repair holes and cracks, cover your eyes and put on work gloves.

To repair a hole, first, clean it with your brush. Clean out the dust using a blower. Using a putty knife, apply a layer of premixed stucco or stucco patching compound to the hole. Be sure to tightly pack the compound into the hole. Allow it to dry completely. Once the compound has dried completely and is hard to the touch, apply a new coat of the patching compound over the old one. Using a suitable finishing tool, finish the surface, so it blends with the rest of the wall.

To repair cracks in your stucco, apply a coat of the premixed stucco patching material to them. Using the wire bristled brush, add texture to patches. Once the patching material dries, apply a layer of acrylic latex paint over it.

While you can try to fix minor holes and cracks in your stucco, major stucco repairs in Olds should be left to an expert. Repairing gaping stucco holes requires expertise. If you try to fix large holes or cracks or a damaged stucco section, it is highly likely that you will make a costly mistake that can damage your stucco. As a result, you may end up spending more than you would have had you hired a professional.
 
Instead of taking the DIY route, reach out to an exterior stucco contractor near you. An experienced stucco contractor knows their stuff. They follow stucco repair best practices. Their deep knowledge of stucco repair methods and techniques enables them to do things right the first time.
 
When used improperly, some stucco repair tools can do more harm than good. A stucco repair expert knows the right way to use stucco repair equipment. They have an eye for details and can identify any underlying stucco issues when fixing holes and cracks. A stucco contractor has the expertise to ensure a flawless stucco finish.
 
Do-All Stucco & Stone is a leasing stucco contractor in Olds. Whether you want to install a new stucco or have an existing stucco maintained, we have got you covered. To make an appointment, call 403-588-5306.

​Whether you want to install stucco or maintain it, hire a stucco contractor for the job. An experienced stucco contractor in Airdrie brings specialized skills to the table. They know their stuff. A professional uses time-tested method to ensure stucco adheres properly and lasts years.
 
All stucco contractors are not created equal. Many contractors make tall claims, but fail to fulfill their promises. When looking for a stucco contractor, steer clear of self-proclaimed experts who lack the knowledge to install and maintain stucco properly.
 
Ask the contractor you are considering these questions to determine if they deserve your trust. 

​To earn their license, stucco contractors must demonstrate their expertise and pass skill assessment tests. Licensed contractors are expected to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date. When you hire a licensed stucco contractor, you can rest assured that the professional has the ability required to manage your project from start to finish.
 
Make sure the contractor you are considering is insured. If you hire an uninsured contractor and someone on their team gets injured while working on your property, you may be held liable for damages. When you hire an insured contractor, on the other hand, their insurance provider, not you, pays treatment costs if someone on the contractor’s team meets with an accident and sustains injuries while working on your property. 

​You will want to hire a contractor who has first-hand experience of stucco remediation and installation, instead of a newcomer. Cracking, crumbling, rotting…an experienced contractor has seen it all and can come up with cost-effective and long-term solutions to stucco problems. 

​A reputable stucco contractor with a proven track record of excellence will be more than happy to provide client references. If a contractor does not provide client references after your repeated requests, walk away. Do not take everything that a contractor claims on face value. Once a contractor provides you their reference list, call up their customers. Ask them if
 

• They’re satisfied with the end result
• The project was delivered on-time and on-budget. If not, why?
• The contractor used sub-contractors. How was their experience working with them?
• The contractor provided them with an estimate and explained all the costs to them
• The contractor’s crew cleaned the site after work 

​Different warranties cover different things. Instead of assuming things, take the time to understand what your warrant does and doesn’t cover. Find out what can void your warranty.  

​Ask your stucco contractor to explain the stucco remediation process they follow so you can undertake the necessary preparations.
 
Do-All Stucco & Stone is committed to helping homeowners maintain their stucco in tip top shape all year round. Our experts know the ins and outs of repairing soffit & fascia in Leduc. To schedule stucco maintenance, call 403-588-5306.