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.

How do you get black mold off stucco?

To remove mold from your stucco surface, mix 5 parts water to 1 part bleach and spray it directly on the moldy part of your stucco wall. Scrub the area with a sponge and rinse the bleach with a hose. Be sure to wear gloves when mixing and spraying bleach to protect your skin from dangerous and painful chemical burns.

What does stucco mold look like?

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.

Why does stucco discolor?

Typically, these discolorations are related to moisture making its way beneath the surface of the stucco. Moisture will wreak havoc on the exterior and foundation of your home, which can lead to thousands and tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

What is the black stuff on stucco?

If you see black stains on your stucco surface, it is likely the result of a certain type of algae growth. You can remove this type of stain using a combination of dish soap and water.

Why does stucco walls darken when wet? its porous Paint won't darken as its sealed

Should you power wash stucco?

Unfortunately, the textured surface of stucco is notorious for accumulating dust and dirt over time. This can turn a once-beautiful wall into a nightmare of dirt streaks and mildew growth. Luckily, the power of a pressure washer can blast the stains away and make your walls look new again.

How often should you replace stucco?

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 stucco be cleaned?

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.

How do you know if stucco is bad?

How do you know if water is behind stucco?

Stucco Siding and Water Leakage

You'll likely see staining around the corners of windows or doors, possibly dark spots where at the roofline, and even hairline cracks. All of these are indicators of possible water damage and are signs of where water runs on or behind the stucco.

What happens when water gets behind stucco?

Water damage for stucco siding is highly problematic, and, if left untreated, holds potential for mold. Water damage can also result in cracks around windows and doors. Crumbling stucco and soft spots or indentations can be indications of very serious water damage.

Does wet and forget work on stucco?

Wet & Forget Xtreme Reach™ Hose End is an easy spray-and-leave outdoor cleaner that stamps out unsightly mold and mildew stains on brick and stucco – no scrubbing required!

Does painting stucco cause mold?

Prolonged Moisture

Prolonged moisture can cause mold to stain the stucco surface. New paint will not be able to bond to the surface resulting in flaking or peeling. Over time, stucco will fade and become discolored from atmospheric soil and mildew.

How do you clean stucco without a power washer?

Does mold armor work on stucco?

Great for use as a vinyl, brick, stucco, aluminum, concrete, painted wood, trim, PVC, plastic, masonry, gutter and siding cleaner. To use as mold remover or mildew remover, spray surrounding plants with water before and after use.

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.

Will bleach discolor stucco?

Bleach should not ruin stucco. Over time, stucco can appear dirty or stained as it is constantly exposed to the elements. There are many options available for cleaning stucco, but stucco can easily be damaged by certain cleaning methods.

Should stucco be sealed?

Sealing your stucco is a great way to prevent water absorption. 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.

Is it better to repair or replace stucco?

Stucco repair is often quicker, simpler and considered a short-term solution. Conversely, stucco replacement is more laborious but often considered a long-term strategy to deal with several occurrences of short-term incidents.

Does stucco need maintenance?

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.

Can you're stucco over old stucco?

Loose or chipping paint can reduce the bonding power of a new coat of stucco, so it should be removed by sandblasting. If the painted surface is in very good condition, you can apply stucco directly over it, as long as you use a bonder.

How often do you have to paint a stucco house?

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.

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.

Can you soft wash stucco?

Soft washing your stucco home is the best way to remove dirt. Compared with surfaces like concrete, stucco is a fairly delicate material and can be damaged with high pressure washing. When we soft wash stucco, we rely on a custom chemical solution that is plant and animal safe.