How Long Does It Take for Stucco to Dry?

As mentioned, stucco is a durable siding material that is composed of Portland cement, limestone, sand, and water. It has the texture of plaster and is applied to homes in a layering system. Stucco can be used on the exterior or interior of a home and is commonly used in the southern half of the U.S. due to its durability in extreme heat. Stucco is versatile in texture and color: once dried, it can be painted any color, but it can also be treated throughout the layering process to add a neutral color to the siding. It can also be textured throughout the process, adding a different element to the home. Stucco can stand the test of time, often lasting more than 50 years with proper maintenance. Stucco is applied in a layering process on the exterior of the home, specifically in three layers. The main layer of stucco is called a scratch coat. This is the base layer of the application process, where the mixture will be applied in a thick layer to the home with a trowel or a sprayer. A scarifier rake will then be used to scrape harsh vertical lines into the cement for grip, which is why it is referred to as a “scratch coat.” The next layer will be the brown coat, or earth color coat. This coat will have a much smoother surface; it will be gritty to the touch but flatter than the scratch coat. The brown coat acts as an ideal base for the final coat, so it is important to have a uniform application of the brown coat to provide an ideal base. The final layer is the finishing coat. The finishing coat, or stucco coat, can be painted or shaded depending on the homeowner’s choice. It can also have texture added to it. Each layer of stucco requires adequate drying time before adding the next layer. When the three layers are applied, stucco will take up to 90 days to fully dry and cure. After these 90 days, it is safe to pressure wash or clean your stucco, but prior to the 90 day point, even if the stucco feels firm to the touch, it is safe to assume it is not yet fully dried and cured. Weather conditions will affect how long stucco takes to dry and cure, as well as other factors. The brown coat requires a certain amount of water to ensure it is properly mixed and will dry and cure adequately. It will also need to be mixed for the same amount of time as the stucco is to ensure that the coats are identical and will dry in the same amount of time. The moisture level of the stucco mixture and the humidity in the air around the time of stucco application will affect how quickly stucco siding dries. If it is an extremely humid climate with a lot of moisture in the air, it will inevitably take longer for stucco to dry. Working with a professional, many will choose their installation timeline based on the weather, especially for those who live in areas with more humid seasons. The outside air also plays a part in how quickly the stucco will dry. Since humidity makes stucco dry slower, it may seem like an extremely dry climate would work perfectly for stucco installation, but this is not the case. The dryer the air, the more it may pull moisture from the stucco, causing a fragile installation. To combat this, stucco is often misted throughout the drying process to assist with any naturally lost moisture. Stucco will dry best in an atmosphere that is cloudy, cool, and slightly damp but not extremely humid. Stucco can dry well in a wide temperature range, generally between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In Arizona, where it tends to be dry and hot in the summers, the ideal installation will usually occur in the fall and winter months. The cost of stucco ranges depending on the area of residence, accessibility of your home, and other factors, but generally, it will range in price from $6 to $12 per square foot. Stucco will stand the test of time with proper care and maintenance. Understanding the recommended maintenance for your home will only benefit you in the long run and keep your stucco looking like new. Stucco is extremely durable and water resistant, but tectonic movements, extreme heat, or other natural causes can make small or large cracks and holes form in your stucco. Noticing these quickly is the key to avoiding any issues, so the first recommendation for maintaining your stucco is to conduct regular checks of your home. Taking a look at your siding every once in a while to make sure there are no cracks or holes will save you in the long run. If you notice any cracks or holes, taking action as quickly as possible will help you avoid any water damage to your siding. Cracks smaller than 1/8 inch in size can easily be fixed with a patching kit. Larger cracks should be checked out by a professional, who will provide a cost estimate and ensure the crack is patched and the patch is color matched to your home. The team of Phoenix stucco contractors at Titan Stucco can work with you to ensure a quality application of your stucco siding, as well as offer maintenance solutions to guarantee your stucco stands the test of time. To learn more about our stucco process, contact the team today!