How Does Weather Affect Stucco?
Different types of weather and climates will affect your stucco, and affect how the stucco will need to be applied to your home and cared for. The good news is that stucco is unaffected by wind, unlike other forms of siding, and is very reliable in windy areas. Stucco also fares well in both hot and cold temperatures, although there are some effects that are worth considering for your stucco home.
Hot Weather
Stucco will shrink and expand with the shifting temperatures, but it still fares well with changing temperatures and can adapt particularly well to especially hot and dry areas. Stucco application in the heat can be tricky, but working with a professional will ease the problems you will have to work with throughout the process. The heat will likely affect the workability of the stucco and require more water to work with properly. It is important to ensure that the stucco is applied properly and with the right amount of water during hotter months, so as to ensure the stucco dries properly and will last the test of time.
Cold Weather
While the cold won’t do much to hurt stucco that has been applied, the increased precipitation such as snow, sleet and rain in the cold winter months may cause an issue for stucco that has not been properly layered. If your stucco has been saturated frequently, it is worth taking a look to ensure that no large cracks have formed, and if they are forming it is important to properly patch them to avoid any saturation underneath the surface of the stucco.
Stucco Maintenance Tips
As a homeowner, there are certain measures you can take to ensure that your stucco stands the test of time and avoids wear and tear.
Washing Stucco Walls
It is important to wash your stucco exterior at least once a year, but it is recommended that you do so 2 or 3 times a year. The stucco exterior can be washed using either a hose or a pressure washer to remove any dirt or debris build up.
Using a garden hose to wash the stucco exterior will work best on smooth or semi-smooth stucco surfaces to remove dirt and debris which are clinging to the surface. To get the best results with just a garden hose, using a brush with medium-stiff bristles to get to the depth of the dirt will help, but this is a more labor intensive process.
If you have experience using and access to a pressure washer, this is an excellent way to deep clean your stucco and remove all debris and dirt with a less labor intensive process. Using a 40 degree tip on your pressure washer and standing 1-3 feet from the stucco will garner the best results, and this will be a less time consuming process because you are using a more powerful dirt remover than your average garden hose.
Using Cleaning Agents on Stucco
If your stucco has stains that require more than just a power washer to remove, you can use different cleaning agents to assist in the removal process. For mild stains of dust and debris, using a dish soap with warm water will typically work. For mold and mildew stains, typically using a mixture of non-chlorine bleach and warm water will remove these quickly. Before using bleach on your stucco, make sure there are no plants or trees in the vicinity that could be harmed by using bleach. Additionally, for tougher stains you may notice on your stucco, there are specific stucco cleaners available at hardware stores which can assist in stain removal. Be sure to carefully read instructions when working with chemicals and wear gloves to protect your skin from any contact with harsh cleaning products.
Maintaining Stucco Color
Stucco color may fade over time when not cared for properly. The regular cleaning mentioned above is one of the best ways to maintain stucco color and avoid stains building up over time. You can also take care of your yard around your stucco in order to avoid direct contact between your stucco and any bare dirt that may accumulate in your yard or in your garden. Make sure to pay attention to any water around your home: water that bounces against your stucco repeatedly may begin to stain in a matter of weeks, so look for any storm drains or sprinklers that may be spraying in the same spot directly against your home.
If you are considering stucco siding due to its long lasting timeline and versatility for your home, contact Titan Stucco online to learn more.
