To most homeowners and commercial building owners, stucco is an immensely preferred choice for the sidings or the topmost layer of the construction exterior. A well-maintained stucco work can last up to 50 years, making it an incredibly durable masonry material that can withstand extreme weather changes for its ability to expand and contract. Available in diverse colors and textures, stucco is popular for its versatility, strength, and exquisite architectural curb appeal.
However, even the toughest of materials cannot hold out against the test of time! Your stucco will either require a repair or remediation based on the type and severity of the damage. Before we delve into the topic, let us learn about stucco issues.
Common Stucco Problems
To get the most out of the beautifully crafted stucco work, proper maintenance and care are elementary requirements. Cleaning stucco with a brush or power washing at least once a year is mandatory. Also, remove stains, efflorescence, and mold as they corrode the surface.
So, the common signs of damage in stucco demanding the intervention of a stucco repair contractor are:
- Cracks – Hairline, spider, or diagonal cracks, you can spot them easily on any stucco since they occur due to multiple reasons. Water issues or temperature differences, several factors are responsible for stucco cracks.
- Stains – Primarily brown or yellow stains appear due to water seepage. It is a major waterproofing issue.
- Molds – Black spots on stucco are molds that breed on wet surfaces. Apart from being unsightly, it also induces an unhealthy environment.
- Efflorescence – It is again a common sign of waterproofing failure where water penetrating deeper layers evaporates and leaves salt crystals behind.
- Chipping or Crumbling – Ageing, natural weather elements, and temperature fluctuations result in the weakening of stucco adhesion.
How much should stucco repair cost? The expenses of fixing your stucco depend extensively on the area and extent of damage and the type of solution offered. Solutions comprise repair and remediation.
What is Stucco Repair?
Stucco repair is a less invasive solution to fixing stucco damage. It focuses on damages at the surface level. In other words, repair does not aim at solving the underlying issue or the cause of damage. According to the top stucco contractors, the repair process involves identifying specific damage instances, fixing the issues, and replacing damaged stucco with a new one.
Stucco repair is an easier and faster method to fix the damage and does not demand extensive labor. For property owners seeking cost-effective solutions, stucco repair can be an ideal alternative. However, it offers only a temporary fix and may not be applicable if you want long-lasting results.
If you are wondering how much are stucco repairs, it largely depends on the size of the project. Stucco repair can range between $8 to $20 per square foot, depending on the material used, project site, and labor charges.
What is Stucco Remediation?
Stucco remediation is a much more complicated and extensive process. Here the underlying cause of the damage is recognized and resolved. Thus, it digs deeper into the problem and fixes it from the root. Instead of dealing only with cosmetic solutions, it assigns to internal structural issues that result in exterior consequences. It is like curing the disease instead of treating only the symptoms.
Remediation offers a permanent solution and long-lasting results. When coming to how much should stucco repair costs, let us tell you, remediation will be more expensive. Here the old stucco is entirely removed, and underlying defects or structural damages are fixed. Installation of a new stucco layer is done to promote better strength, durability, and curb appeal.
You will need highly skilled and experienced professionals to execute a stucco remediation project. With greater complexities come bigger challenges! So, always get your remediation job only from an expert.
Conclusion
Choosing between repair and remediation can be tricky. However, understand your requirements and discuss your budget with the contractor to receive the most appropriate solution. Examine the problems thoroughly before concluding. Unfortunately, your stucco will also experience some extent of damage when you need to hire a stucco repair contractor Bronx.
