How to Repair Stucco Siding

Stucco is one of the most popular siding materials. It’s a long-lasting, versatile, and fire-resistant option for protecting the exterior of a home. It’s also low maintenance, but that doesn’t mean stucco siding requires absolutely no maintenance at all. Sometimes you may have to repair the stucco siding of your home, and when you do, you may consider doing the job yourself. Continue reading to find out more about stucco repair, as well as when you should hire a contractor to do this job.

How to Repair Stucco Siding

If you’re a DIYer who wants to repair stucco on your own, follow these steps:

Remove Loose and Broken Pieces of Stucco

Wear eye protection and safety gloves. Use a hammer or chisel to break and remove loose stucco pieces from the wall until you reveal the mesh underneath. Once you clear away all large pieces, scrub off any smaller pieces stuck in the mesh with a wire brush.

Replace Metal Mesh If Needed

Check the metal mesh for damage or rust. If it’s damaged, remove it with metal snips. Measure and cut a new piece, then secure it with roofing nails.

Mix Stucco

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix stucco in a wheelbarrow or large bucket. Avoid mixing a large batch because the stucco will start to dry out in about 20 minutes, making it hard to apply.

Apply the First Coat of Stucco

Use a masonry trowel to apply the first coat of stucco, which should be 1/4 of an inch, to the mesh. Once the mesh is completely covered, allow the stucco to sit for a few minutes to begin to dry. When the stucco looks dry, use the trowel to score the entire surface with X patterns, which will make it easier to apply the next coat. After that’s done, cover the area with plastic and hold it down with painter’s tape. Let the stucco cure for at least 24 hours, based on the instructions from the product manufacturer.

Apply a Second Coat of Stucco

Before beginning with the second coat of stucco, check to make sure the first is completely dry. When it is, make a new batch and apply a coat that is 3/8 of an inch, working from the bottom of the patch to the top. When you’re done with this layer, wait for it to begin to dry, and then use the trowel to smooth out the stucco. Cover the area back up and wait for it to dry again.

Apply a Third Coat of Stucco

Mix the last batch of stucco and apply it to the patch. Be sure to texture it so it’s even with the surrounding areas. Allow the stucco to cure for several days. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to know exactly how long to wait.

Paint If Needed

Keep in mind that the new patch you apply to your home is not going to match the existing stucco. The color changes with exposure to the elements over time. Weren’t able to get stucco that exactly matched what was already there? Now is the time to paint so you blend in the new patch with the rest of the wall. If your stucco repair job still doesn’t match and is in a highly visible spot, you may need to repaint the entire wall.

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Should I Hire a Professional for Stucco Repair?

Although this is a job you can do on your own, even a skilled DIYer should consider hiring a professional for stucco repair. The following are some reasons why.

Experience

Being experienced with DIY is not the same as being experienced as a professional. Working with stucco can be tricky, so if you’re not familiar with it, you may make mistakes that a professional would easily avoid. 

Efficiency

Stucco repair professionals use efficient techniques to work with the material, saving both time and money. In contrast, an inexperienced DIYer might waste time and materials and even cause damage to the home.

Safety

Licensed stucco repair contractors understand how to apply stucco correctly and follow building codes and safety protocols. Their expertise helps prevent injuries and avoid damage to the home.

Appearance

You don’t want your new stucco patch to look out of place. Experienced professionals mix stucco to blend seamlessly with the rest of your home, which reduces the need for extra painting.

This matters even more if the repair is on the front of your home or in a highly visible area.

Durability

Without experience, you might make mistakes that cause the stucco to crack or break, leading to more issues. By hiring a contractor, you ensure proper stucco application, which extends its lifespan.

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How Much Does Stucco Repair Cost?

The average cost for professional stucco repair is $1,411, but the price can range between $250 and $5,000, depending on the size of your home and how extensive the damage to the stucco is. Also, the type of stucco being used plays a factor in the price, with traditional stucco material costing $0.05 to $0.10 per square foot and synthetic stucco $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot.

To conclude the job, professionals will charge about $22 for finishing materials, as well as $300 to $500 for paint if needed. Labor costs will generally run between $60 and $120 per square foot, or $40-$50 per hour.