How to Repair Stucco Siding

Stucco is one of the most popular materials for siding. 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 try stucco repair on your own, you can use the following steps.

Remove Loose and Broken Pieces of Stucco

Put on eye protection and safety gloves. Then, use a hammer or chisel to remove the broken and loose pieces of stucco from the wall. Continue until the mesh underneath is revealed. When there are no more large pieces left, use a wire brush to remove small pieces stuck in the mesh.

Replace Metal Mesh If Needed

If the metal mesh is damaged or rusted, replace it before applying any stucco on top. Use metal snips to remove the mesh, then measure a new piece and cut it to fit the area. Use roofing nails to put mesh in place.

Mix Stucco

Using the manufacturer’s instructions of the product you bought, mix the stucco in a wheelbarrow or large bucket. Make sure you don’t make too big of a batch because in about 20 minutes, the stucco will begin to dry out, making it difficult to apply.

Apply 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 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 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

A stucco repair professional will know the most efficient ways to work with the material, so they can save time and money. On the other hand, a DIYer who doesn’t have experience repairing stucco may waste time and materials, as well as cause damage to the home.

Safety

A stucco repair contractor will be licensed and familiar with not only how to apply stucco properly, but also with building codes and other safety protocols. This knowledge can go a long way toward avoiding injuries, as well as home damage.

Appearance

The last thing you want is for your new patch of stucco to stick out like a sore thumb. An experienced professional will know how to mix the stucco to ensure the new patch best matches the rest of your home, which can save time and money on painting.

Durability

If you haven’t worked with stucco before, you may make mistakes that can cause it to break or crack, which puts you right back where you started. Hiring a contractor means having someone who knows how to properly apply the stucco to your home, and this will help it last much longer.

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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.

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