How often should you paint exterior stucco?

Stucco is a popular exterior choice due to its durability. However, a stucco home will still need exterior maintenance. It is often recommended that stucco be painted every 5-10 years depending on its current condition.

How long does paint on stucco last?

Stucco is a durable and great-looking exterior finish, but it isn't invincible. Ideally, stucco should be painted every five to ten years. It's important to paint and perform other stucco maintenance on the right schedule to keep your home looking great and to prevent hairline cracks from growing larger.

How long does stucco exterior last?

Stucco is a very durable finish material with a typical life span of 50-80 years or more. Although it is one of the most durable surfaces available, it also features the lowest annual maintenance cost when compared to other siding materials. Stucco is a natural material consisting of an aggregate, a binder, and water.

How often should you reseal stucco?

If new, stucco can be sealed with a clear concrete/ masonry sealer, which will penetrate into the stucco and stop moisture entrance. These are typically silicone type sealers. While effective, these finishes will usually need to be redone every 4-5 years.

Why you should not paint stucco?

Stucco needs to breath – One of the main reasons you shouldn't coat your stucco with paint is because stucco is porous. This allows moisture that hits the surface to easily evaporate away. A coat of paint can harm that breathability.

4 Secret Painting Tips To Paint Stucco

Should you power wash stucco?

Yes, you can use a power washer or pressure washer to clean stucco. Just make sure to maintain a good distance between the nozzle and the surface, use the 1,500 PSI, and a 25- or 40-degree nozzle. Although, given the intensity of a power washer, seeking the help of a professional is always best.

Is it better to paint stucco or re stucco?

While it's cheaper than re-stuccoing, painting stucco can lead to a host of moisture problems down the line, since the majority of exterior paints are designed to form a non-breathable membrane through which water is unable to escape. Stucco typically lasts between 50 and 80 years.

How do you maintain exterior stucco?

Stucco walls can be washed and should be washed two to three times a year in order to maintain the finish coat's ability to shine and function the way it should. You can do this one of two different ways: using a garden hose or a pressure washer.

Is it hard to maintain stucco?

Stucco isn't delicate. Whether applied as exterior siding or as a finish for interior walls, the age-old material requires little in the way of ongoing maintenance. Occasional cleaning or patching may be necessary, but with the right combination of products and tools, any homeowner can get the job done.

How much does it cost to paint a stucco house?

The cost to paint a stucco house will average $4,500 for a 2,000-square-foot home with a new stucco exterior. Smaller houses may only cost $3,600 to paint. Larger houses could cost $7,200 or more. Depending on typical costs for your area and type of project, you might pay between $1.80 and $3.60 per square foot.

What is the main problem with stucco?

When a home's stucco doesn't have the necessary space or is below the grade, it can trap water and moisture leading to the formation of mold, rotting, cracking, and crumbling. Additionally, the stucco will begin to soak up even more moisture from the ground.

Does stucco need to be replaced?

Repair should generally only be done if the damage to your stucco is surface level. If there are small cracks, no mold or moisture present, and the stucco is relatively new, repair might be all you require.

Does stucco add value to a home?

Whether you're building a new home or simply renovating your existing one, stucco installation is something you should consider in your plans. Stucco is a durable and reliable siding material that can increase the value of your home.

How do you refresh stucco?

Power-washing can clean off the dirt and grime and refresh the look of dingy stucco, and painting can also refresh its look. But homeowners who find that their homes need to be power-washed frequently may want to consider a smoother stucco surface the next time they have exterior work done.

What type of exterior paint finish is best for stucco?

Acrylic Paint. The best exterior paint for stucco is 100% acrylic paint in most cases. Indeed, acrylic latex paint is both durable and flexible, maximizing stucco surface breathability.

Can you paint over exterior stucco?

Yes, you can paint over already painted stucco and it is usually easier than painting over a non painted stucco finish. You do not need primer, in most cases either and the paint will usually last for quite a while before needing another coat.

Should you seal stucco before painting?

New stucco should be sealed with a clear concrete masonry sealer, typically made of a silicone material. For older stucco that's already showing signs of cracking, waterproof elastomeric paints are an excellent choice to preserve and protect your stucco.

Do stucco homes need to be painted?

While stucco is a very durable surface, it will need to be repainted periodically – but not often. Proper application using high-quality paint can help your stucco last over 20 years without peeling or blistering, but its longevity also depends on environmental factors.

Why does stucco turn black?

The black stains you see could be an accumulation of the dead, dark-colored cells of the hardy algae Gloeocapsa magma, which feeds on the calcium carbonate in the unpainted stucco mixture. But it's easy to remove the black stains — whether they're mold, mildew or algae — with oxygen bleach.

Is Simple Green safe for stucco?

Simple Green House and Siding Cleaner is specially formulated to remove environmental pollution, dirt and grime from vinyl and aluminum siding, stucco, terra cotta roof tiles, and painted wood. It is also a perfect choice for use on shake, shingle or panel siding.

What does mold look like on stucco?

Identifying Exterior Mold on Stucco

Mold on exterior stucco looks pretty much like mold on anything else. It can present as green, dark brown or black patches and streaks, or fuzzy-looking stains. Check around your gutters, around windows and doors, and along the base of your walls.