What Causes Stucco to Peel Off?

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. 

​Why Does Stucco Peel Off?

​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.

​How to Fix Peeling Stucco?

​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. 

Get Rid of Loose Chunks of 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. 

​Cut Away Any Metal Mesh

​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. 

​Add Builder’s Paper and Mesh

​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.

​Patch the Hole With Base Coats

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.