How Long Does Stucco Last?
When considering the exterior of your home, you have quite a few choices for materials, like siding and stucco. How long does stucco last? You can expect 20 to 50 years of performance from the material. With trustworthy stucco repair in Tucson, you can extend the lifespan of your home’s exterior even further.
Estimating How Long Stucco Lasts
If you have concerns over the length of time that the stucco will last on your home, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional for a stucco inspection. The inspector can give you advice on the condition of your stucco and whether you need any repairs.
How long does stucco last when you take care of it properly? When you perform regular maintenance, you potentially can increase your stucco’s durability to 75 years or more. Some of the best ways to ensure a long-lasting stucco installation include:
- Use a qualified stucco installer
- Use a high-quality bonding agent
- Perform annual inspections
- Regularly clean the stucco
- Apply a fresh coat of paint every few years
- Address any problems like discoloration or cracks promptly
If you take these steps, you should receive the maximum level of performance when determining how long stucco lasts.
Why Do Stucco Cracks Reduce Longevity?
Although you might think a few tiny cracks add some character to your stucco installation, cracks are a clear sign that you need to take maintenance and repair steps.
Issues With Freezing and Thawing
As cracks appear in the material, moisture potentially will collect inside the crack. Stucco has a porous design, so moisture can penetrate it normally. A crack provides another avenue for moisture to work its way into the material. Eventually, if you have a freeze-thaw cycle, the expansion of the frozen water inside the stucco makes cracks increase in size.
How long does stucco last when it has major cracks? You may eventually see entire sections of the stucco flake away or fall off the house when cracks widen. Larger cracks allow more moisture to penetrate the stucco layers, speeding up the damage that the freeze-thaw cycle causes.
Issues With Mold and Mildew
Even though Tucson rarely experiences freezing temperatures, cracks that allow moisture to penetrate the stucco can cause issues. As moisture accumulates in the stucco installation, it may allow mold and mildew to grow. This may create discoloration in the stucco.
Although it’s tempting to simply paint over the discoloration to make it disappear, you should have an inspection done first. If water penetration, mold, and mildew are causing the discoloration, you should schedule repairs to correct the underlying problem. A fresh coat of paint alone won’t fix the issue.
Key Items You May Find During a Stucco Inspection
When you want to be sure your stucco lasts as long as possible, regular inspections are important. Try to schedule inspections annually to give your stucco the attention it deserves. Some of the issues you may notice during inspections include:
- Hairline cracks: If you or the inspector see hairline cracks, these are not a sign of major damage, but you should have them repaired. Usually, using a patching compound with a putty knife will do the trick on hairline cracks.
- Dirt buildup: If you see dirt building up on the stucco, you should wash it with a mild cleaner. You can wash the stucco with a low-pressure washer or garden hose and spray nozzle. Too much water pressure can damage the stucco, though.
- Larger cracks: Larger cracks may require hiring a repair professional who can ensure the repair goes smoothly and keep any further water out of the crack.
- Discoloration: Any areas of the stucco that have discoloration or that may appear to have mold need a close inspection. Such areas may need repair to fix moisture issues.
- Flaking stucco: How long does stucco last when pieces are flaking off? Large chunks of stucco flaking or falling off the house is a sign that you may need a major repair or replacement.
How Long Does Stucco Last? Let Goodwin & Sons Painting Care for Your Stucco
Whether you need painting for your stucco, stucco maintenance, or another task on your home’s exterior, Goodwin & Sons Painting is ready to help. We perform stucco preservation tasks and repair cracks in stucco, too, helping you gain the longest possible lifespan from your stucco siding.
We answer the question “How long does stucco last?” by taking steps to ensure the maximum stucco lifespan for you. Call us today at (520) 990-2445.