Exterior stucco that is used today dates back to late 1870's. It is typically made of Portland cement, lime and sand. Because it is:

• It is cost-effective
• It's easy to apply
• It is flexible when it's wet and rigid when it hardens
• Paintable
• Attractive from the aesthetic perspective
• Durable
• Low maintenance
• Fire retardant
• Can withstand all weather conditions

STUCCO LASTS HOW LONG?

Stucco can be applied to almost any exterior surface and once dry, it will last for up to 50 year with minimal stucco house care and repair. Because it protects your home for many decades, it's also aesthetically pleasing. Cleaning your stucco coating regularly is the best way to keep it in good condition.

HOW TO CLEAN STUCCO

Stucco can get dirty just like everything else outside. The surface can become dull from dirt and dust. Regular cleaning of stucco will help keep it looking good and prevent its colour from fading. There are many ways to wash exterior stucco.

PRESSURE WASHER

A pressure washer is the best and fastest way to clean exterior stucco walls. You can quickly remove dirt and grime from stucco walls using a pressure washer that has a range of 1,500 psi up to 2,800 PSI.

It is best to use a 40-degree angle nozzle when pressure washing stucco exteriors. Also, be sure to follow the instructions of your washer for distance. The pressure will be higher if you are closer to the walls, while further away will allow you to cover more area. The pressure can cause damage to stucco if you stand too close.

GARDEN HOSE

A garden hose can also be used to clean stucco. The water isn't as powerful as a pressure washer and it doesn't have the same force. A garden hose can be used to clean loose dirt, but it will not remove embedded dust or give a deep clean.

Attaching a brush to your garden hose will remove dirt and grime.

CLEANING SOLUTIONS & WATER

Although manual washing walls with a brush can be effective, it is the most labor-intensive and time-consuming method of cleaning stucco. To wash outside walls, use a medium-hard to rigid bristle brush, with soap and water, bleach and water, or other all-purpose cleaners.

Stucco cleaners can also be purchased. Spray tops can be attached to the garden hose to make it easy and quick to use. Washing agents are best used for spot or general cleaning of stucco.

STUCCO REPAIR

Exterior stucco can be used as an exterior coating and requires very little maintenance. Your stucco's lifespan will be extended and maintained for many years by taking care of it. As with any product, stucco is susceptible to cracking or breaking apart over time. You should inspect stucco regularly and fix any small problems before they become major issues.

REPAIR CRACKS IN YOUR STUCCO

Stucco will crack over time. You can repair small, hairline cracks in stucco by applying caulking on the affected stucco. Caulking should only be used on stucco surfaces.

PATCH REPAIRS

You can use stucco patches to repair stucco that has fallen off larger pieces. You can find a variety of products that are designed to be used by homeowners. The smaller areas can be repaired by most homeowners. If a greater amount of stucco is damaged than you would like, it is advised that you contact a professional for any repairs.

PREVENT FADING PAINT

Stucco can also be tinted to any shade or colour you like before it's applied to your home. Regular maintenance of stucco will protect it from discoloring over time. Stucco cleaning is a process that removes dirt from exterior stucco to prolong its life span.

You can protect your stucco from wind, dirt and water by planting shrubs or other outdoor fixtures.

To ensure that the paint adheres to exterior stucco when you are painting it, clean the area thoroughly before you apply a coat. Use exterior paint that is specifically designed for stucco.