Dealing With Hail Damage To Stucco
Posted on: 16 September 2022
As a siding material, stucco acts as a weatherproof outer skin to protect a building from weather-induced damage.
While it can withstand light to moderate weather conditions, large or high-impact hail can damage it, allowing water to seep into your house. If not addressed for a long time, water penetration through the exterior walls of your home can encourage mold and rot, leading to expensive repair and remediation costs.
If you suspect or have seen the signs of hail damage to your house after a recent hail storm, you should fix it to restore the protection that the stucco provides. Here is what a typical stucco repair job should involve.
Stucco Inspection
Hail damage is not always easy to see. Sometimes, you need a trained eye to spot the less noticeable damage that the storm may have caused.
The first step in any stucco repair process is conducting a full inspection of the stucco to determine the extent of damage suffered. Hail damage can take many forms, including:
- Dings
- Dents
- Cracking
- Chipping
- Holes
- Discoloration
The repair process for damaged stucco will depend on the type and extent of damage discovered during the inspection.
Stucco Repairs
There are two main ways to repair stucco damaged by hail — patching and resurfacing. Each repair process is used under different circumstances, as explained below:
Patching
Patching is ideal when the damage is minor and isolated to a few sections of your exterior walls. It involves applying one or more layers of stucco patch over the damaged areas and trowelling it into the desired finish. Stucco blended just like the original stucco mix should be used for patching. The color of the stucco patch should be as close as possible to the original to achieve a uniform appearance.
Resurfacing
When the damage to stucco after a hail storm is extensive, your house exterior will most likely require resurfacing. Stucco resurfacing involves rebuilding the surface to make it more weather-resistant and long-lasting. It gives your house exterior a more beautiful and seamless look than a patching repair job, increasing curb appeal.
If left unrepaired, damaged stucco will leave your house exposed to inclement weather, increasing the chance of water damage and related problems in your home. To minimize this risk, you should have a professional inspect your home and perform the necessary repairs.
Ensuring timely intervention will help you prevent costly problems down the road.
Contact a professional for more info.
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