Tips for maintaining and fixing your stucco

1. Clean out damaged stucco

1. Wearing safety googles, clean out the old damaged stucco with a wire brush ;
2. Using a hammer and cold chisel, undercut the edges of the opening to make it wider inside at the base than on the surface ;
3. Brush out any loose material, then wet the area with a sponge.

2. Replace the stucco

1. Use a trowel to pack stucco into the opening, overfilling it slightly ;
2. Let the stucco dry for 15 minutes or as directed ;
3. Then smooth the stucco and scrape off any excess.

3. Getting a great finish

1. Further smooth the surface with the trowel, smoothing out the edges to blend with the surrounding surface ;
2. Use a whisk broom or trowel to give the patch a matching texture ;
3. Cure the stucco by wetting it with a fine spray from a garden hose once each morning and evening for the next three days.

4. Tips for extending the longevity of your stucco

• For a longer lasting finish, paint faded and cracked stucco.

• Fill cracks with a paintable exterior caulk; if they are wide or deep, use premixed stucco repair compound.

• Clean the surface thoroughly; if you use a power washer, hold it three feet away from the surface to avoid crumbling the stucco.

• Apply two coats of high-quality acrylic latex. Apply the paint with a thick-napped roller, and use a masonry brush to get into crevices. Work the first coat into the stucco by rolling or brushing in several directions.

• If the stucco on your house tends to crack, use elastomeric paint, a paint that has a special coating that makes it thicker, tougher, and more pliable.

• Preventing moisture from sneaking behind stucco is the most important step you can take to prolong the life of your stucco.

• Replace damaged or missing flashings around chimneys, vents, and other roof openings.

• Check windows and doors — especially along the tops — to make certain they’re properly flashed to keep water out.

• Repair any surface cracks or damaged areas immediately.