Stucco Resurfacing Vs. Stucco Repair: Which Do You Need?

If you own a home with a stucco exterior, you know how important it is to maintain the look and quality of your stucco finish. Whether your stucco has just started showing signs of wear and tear, or you have substantial damage, it's time to consider whether you need a stucco repair or stucco resurfacing. Both types of stucco service serve different purposes, and making the right decision is critically important to ensure your stucco lasts a long time. In this blog post, we'll explain the differences between stucco repair and stucco resurfacing to help you decide which service you need.

Stucco Repair

Stucco repair is a process of fixing damaged stucco. This is a necessary service when you have cracks, holes, or other problems that are affecting the quality of your stucco exterior. Some common types of stucco damage include water damage, foundation movement, and high-impact events like hail that can crack and chip stucco. Stucco repair involves remedying the problem and returning the stucco to its original state. This means that the repair will be blended to match the color and texture of the existing stucco.

Stucco repair is most likely recommended when damage is minimal and is isolated to a specific area on the exterior wall. A professional stucco repair service provider will inspect the affected area to determine whether the damage is repairable or whether stucco replacement is necessary. Repairs are completed by first cutting out the damaged area and then filling it with new stucco. Once the fresh stucco has been applied, it will be carefully blended in to match the surrounding stucco texture and color.

Stucco Resurfacing

Stucco resurfacing is the process of laying a new coat of stucco over an existing one. This is a popular choice when you want to update your home's exterior, or when you have significant damage that requires more than a stucco repair. Stucco resurfacing provides a fresh, new look to the exterior wall while improving its durability.

The main advantage of stucco resurfacing over repair is that it completely covers up any cosmetic problems like cracks, small holes, and imperfections in the existing stucco. Since a new layer of stucco is applied, your home's exterior will look brand new. Similarly, if you want to change the color or texture of your stucco, stucco resurfacing will allow you to do it.

Since stucco resurfacing involves applying a new layer of stucco over an existing one, the stucco contractor will first inspect the existing stucco to determine whether resurfacing is possible. If the existing stucco has significant damage or the surface is not smooth, stucco resurfacing may not be possible. Once it is determined that resurfacing will work, the contractor will then lay a new coat of stucco over the old one.

Stucco Maintenance

Regardless of whether you choose stucco resurfacing or stucco repair, proper maintenance is essential to keep your stucco surface looking great. Regular inspections and cleaning can help prevent cracks or damages from spreading and save you money in the long run. Clean the stucco surface twice a year with soap and water to remove dirt and debris, and keep an eye on sidewalks or splashback gutters that may be causing damage to the stucco surface.

Stucco repair and stucco resurfacing are two different services that offer unique benefits to homeowners who want to maintain or enhance the quality and appearance of their stucco exterior. The main point to remember is that stucco repair is best when damage is minimal and localized. Stucco resurfacing is ideal when you require an update to your home's exterior appearance or when there are significant problems that require more work than just repairing damage. Ultimately, the needs of your home and what best fits your budget, design goals, and long-term plans will determine which type of service is right for you.

For more information, call Stucco Done Right LLC. We’ll be happy to help you.