Stucco can last for a hundred years or more, However, this doesn’t mean that it is impervious to water. The holes and cracks that form on the surface can let in water, which could result in further destruction to the stucco as well as the surfaces beneath it. Stucco patches may also be able to separate the wooden or the metal lath that it is bonded to, creating small areas of looseness that may grow as time passes. This is why small holes usually turn into larger ones, and cause the exposure to moisture and further the possibility of damage.
A portion of stucco that has become loose or completely sunk away needs to be fixed with the full process of getting rid of the damaged material, then putting up new construction paper and lath, and then applying three coats with stucco repairs mix. If the original stucco is 3/4 inch in thickness, you may apply only one layer of stucco (up at 3/4″ thick) and then trowel it until the desired thickness.
Although it is you can mix stucco yourself according to the traditional methods, using a high-quality premixed stucco repair mix will ensure that you get the best mix for your application. These mixes are blended to give incredible strength and bonding. They can be used and colored in the same way as standard stucco. Quick-setting formulations also dry quicker than conventional stucco, which makes repairs much more efficient.
Get rid of the Loose Stucco
Take away all loose or damaged stucco from the area of repair using a tapping hammer as well as an ice chipper. Cut off the pieces that are loose until you have stucco that is solidly attached along the entire length of the repair area. Be cautious not to scratch the wood lath that is underneath or sheathing.
If there’s an aluminum lath beneath the stucco, you can cut it off around the perimeter with a metal snip. Remove any screws or nails holding the lath in place, and take the lath off the wall.
Add Building Paper
Two pieces should be cut of building paper to cover the patch. Each piece should be able to cover the wood material that is exposed in order to create a solid water barrier.
The first piece of paper to the plywood lath or wood sheathing, depending on the situation. Staple the second piece of paper on top of the first.
Install Metal Lath
Cut a piece of galvanized stucco mesh by using metal snips. Similar to the construction paper, the lath must be matched to the repair area so that there aren’t any gaps between the lath and edge of the initial (well-adhered) stucco.
Lay the lath on the paper that is used for building and secure it using Galvanized roof nails. The nails should be of sufficient length to penetrate 1 inch deep into the wood framing members that are behind the lath. Alternatively, when the wall is covered with plywood sheathing, the nails must be able to penetrate all the way through the sheathing.
Mix the first batch of Stucco
Mix an assortment of quick-setting repair stucco according to the instructions of the manufacturer, making use of the drilling machine with a mixing paddle, or for larger quantities mixing, use a mortar mixer.
Place the stucco you’ve mixed in a protected area and be prepared to apply it once it has been mixed. The stucco that is quick-setting typically will last approximately 45 minutes, therefore mix the amount you can apply in the time.
Put on the Scratch Coat
Spray the stucco’s edges around the patch with water (to avoid premature drying of the fresh stucco). Scoop a tiny amount of stucco that is wet onto a trowel, and then apply the stucco to the lath of metal to embed the wet mix inside the holes in the mesh. The stucco must be able to hold on to the mesh without assistance.
Repeat the process until you have covered the entire patch and then smooth the stucco to form an even, flat layer that is less than 1/2 inch from the original stucco’s surface. Press and smooth the stucco around areas of the patch in order to join the new stucco to the previous.
The scratch coat can be scared with an abrasive or a scarifier. Let the coat dry as instructed by the mix maker. You might need to water-cure this stucco using spraying regularly with water. Curing could take from 1 to 2 hours, subject to the condition and the stucco used.
Make sure to apply the Brown Coat
Mix together a batch of stucco to make your second coat, also known as a brown coat. Apply the stucco to the patch’s surface in a uniform, smooth layer, which is recessed by 1/8 inch away from the original stucco. Allow the brown coat to cure according to the instructions, and then mist with water as needed.
Apply the final coat
Mix together a batch of stucco to create that final or final color coat. The color can be either a standard color or a custom-order one to create the desired appearance. But, it’s extremely difficult to color match the patch to ensure it blends into the stucco. Hiding the entire patch is usually coating or painting the entire wall in a suitable paint or a pigmented coating.
The final coating should be applied using trowels to make it in line with the surrounding area. The coat can be textured as desired to match the finish of the initial. Allow the stain to cure in the manner specified.
