Stucco repairs are generally required around electrical fixtures, on or near sinks, countertops, baseboards, walls, fireplaces, and others exposed to moisture. Because stucco is a naturally occurring material (basically made of cement and sand), almost everything can be fixed by replacing just one layer. In many cases, this isn’t even necessary, and stucco contractors can do the job well. However, there are instances where it might be needed to repair everything, including the moldings and stucco.
Stucco Repair Jacksonville FL, typically refers to removing damaged stucco from joints, flashing, windows, and other areas of moisture intrusion and replacing it with new stucco in its stead. Stucco is a flexible substance with good insulating properties, reducing air infiltration and providing sound insulation against external noise sources. Stucco also provides a smooth surface that resists stucco shrinkage and expansion during seasons of high humidity. Stucco usually costs less than other forms of repair. Still, the costs vary greatly depending on the extent of the damage, such as the degree of moisture intrusion and the location of the affected structure.
Compared to a full stucco repairs job, stucco repair isn’t actually a long-term option. Although exterior stucco siding will probably never need to be replaced, the problem is often caused by a slow deterioration of the underlying material. If the underlying structure is sound, the stucco may begin to chip away from the pressure of wind and expanding and contracting with the seasons. If the home or building in question sits across a large area of land, the repair may be simpler than if it were just one story. However, exterior stucco repairs should still be done in a timely fashion, since failure to do so could result in buckling of the whole structure and possibly cause more damage.
Interior stucco damage often isn’t something you can see immediately. Instead, you will see fine hairline cracks that run along the surface of the house, where water can expand to the point that the integrity of the structure can be compromised. If these hairline cracks widen and spread, they can eventually become larger hairline cracks which may spread from one area of the house to another and finally into large holes. While this type of damage may not cause any real structural harm to your home, it can still cause devaluation of your property. Interior stucco repairs for these types of issues vary depending on the location and depth of the damage.
One thing you might notice on houses that are more than 50 years old is a buildup of mineral deposits along the walls, ceilings, and floors. Paint is not exactly a “green” product and although some people believe it is, there are chemicals that are used during the manufacturing process that can contribute to damage of all sorts. A quick remedy for this is to use caulk around windows and on the siding of the house itself. Caulk helps to seal up the cracks, and it also adds a layer of protection against further mineral build-up. It’s a pretty affordable way to go about repairing small cracks in the walls. If the cracks are deeper or have started to spread, it’s important to contact a professional stucco repair contractor for complete coverage.
Even if the cracks are small and don’t seem to be threatening the structure of your home at all, they can still escalate. When this happens, it’s sometimes tempting to try to repair the damage yourself. Often, however, the damage is beyond repair, and additional work isn’t necessarily going to make it better. Contacting stucco contractors is one of the best ways to ensure that the extent of damage is addressed and the problem fixed. This can help you save money in the long run, as it can help prevent additional structural damage from occurring.
Stucco is often used in structures when a surface needs to be protected from the elements, but doesn’t have to be impervious to mold or other environmental damage. In cases like these, the stucco repair process becomes even more important. In order to ensure that the exterior remains safe and that small cracks don’t spread, the entire stucco system must be evaluated. Some companies offer their clients a comprehensive assessment that includes determining what corrective actions need to be taken to protect the structure against mold, weather, insect damage, deterioration, cracking, and more. These inspections can help ensure that the exterior is kept free of any dangerous conditions that could lead to mold buildup.
It’s important to remember that in most cases, the majority of stucco damage is not serious enough to require large structural repairs. Small cracks should be repaired in order to prevent further damage and ensure the structure’s integrity. Whether the damage is from a single event or if it’s a regular occurrence, contact a qualified stucco repair service to get an estimate on how much it will cost to repair the damage and make the structure as good as new.