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Published
5/24/2013 12:00:00 AM
If you’re fortunate
enough to live in a house with a stucco exterior, you know that
texture is one of stucco’s most outstanding aesthetic features.
However, it’s that same appealing texture that makes maintenance a
little more challenging than with wood, aluminum or vinyl siding.
Stucco’s rigid finish tends to crack slightly over time due
temperature swings. Dirt, bits of leaves, mold, pollen and
environmental pollutants find countless crevices to settle into,
potentially staining, discoloring or even damaging the stucco.
A Homeowner’s Checklist
Look for:
Take action:
Dirt and leaves on exterior walls
Wash away these mold carriers
Cracks in the surface of the walls
Clean and dry the area, then fill in
Openings where surfaces join
(trim, windows, doors)
Clean and dry the area, then fill in
Clogged roof gutters
Clean out so rain does not run down wall
Damaged flashings around doors, windows or chimneys
Repair or replace to create a tight seal
Groundwork for an
exciting new color
Even with recommended,
regular light-duty maintenance, the time will come when you’ll want
to refresh or change the color of your stucco, and the possibilities
are inspiring! Earth tones, bright colors, fresh white – make the
choice that suits your personal style.
But first make sure the
stucco is ready to receive its beautiful new color. At the very least
this would involve cleaning the damaged areas, removing loose stucco
materials, and sealing minor stucco cracks with a high-quality,
textured, elastomeric caulk to match the existing stucco texture.
More severe stucco damage may require removing larger sections of the
stucco and repairing the substrate before repainting.
If you’re interested
in recapturing the original beauty of your stucco, don’t hesitate
to give CertaPro Painters a call at 1-800-462-3782 for a free, no-obligation
estimate.
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