Stucco Repair Orlando, FL

​Long known for its ready availability, versatile appearance and durability, stucco remains a popular exterior finish for many buildings, from residential to commercial. When properly afixed, stucco can last for about 100 years or even more, but that doesn't mean it is impenetrable. At times, repair of the stucco is needed.
 
Holes and cracks that form in the surface can allow water pass through it, further leading to more harm on the stucco and the surfaces underneath. Stucco patches can also break loose from the metal or wood lath, leading to prone areas that can get worse over time. Due to this, small holes lead to larger holes, and then more exposure to water and damage.
 
Managing moisture is a big priority in stucco installation, since water is one of the main culprits in deterioration of plastered walls - it can result to rot and rust. Stucco that has completely fallen must be repaired by fully removing and restoring the loose material, fixing new metal lath and building paper, and installing three coats of a repair mix. Additionally, if the stucco is less thick, one stucco patch layer can be repaired to a desired finish.

Stucco Repair in Orlando

Even though it is possible for your old stucco to be mixed with traditional recipes, we make use of a quality premixed stucco to ensure the right mix. We blend these products to produce a high quality finish. Our stucco contractors can fix your damaged stucco by following these standard procedures.

Removal of Loose Material

We begin by getting rid of the loose or spoiled stucco along the repair area by making use of a cold chisel or a hammer to tap it. The loose pieces are broken until we reach the hard stucco on the entire area. We carefully do this to avoid damaging the underlying sheathing or wood lath.

​If we discover a metal lath underneath the stucco, we make use of metal snips to cut it along the perimeter, and remove all screws or nails holding the lath, before detaching it from the wall.

Addition of Building Paper

​Our team perfectly cuts a grade D building paper that can fit into the patch area. Every piece is cut so as it can surround the wood materials that are exposed to create a good moisture barrier. We then attach the first building paper to the wood lath as applicable, before stapling the next wood on the first.

Installation of Metal Lath

​We make use of metal snips to slice a metal mesh stucco that is has been galvanized. Just as we added the building paper, we match the lath with the damaged part and ensure that no gaps exist between it and the original stucco material. We place the lath on the paper, then use galvanized roofing nails to fasten it. We ensure the nails are long so they can pass through the framing members of the wood.

Mixing of First Batch

Following manufacturer's direction we prepare the repair stucco by using a mixing paddle and drill, or for larger quantities, we make use of a mortar mixer. After mixing, we place the stucco in an area that is shaded, and apply it immediately. The typical working time of quick setting stucco is 45 minutes or less, therefore, we mix only the quantity we're going to make use of at that time.

Fix the Scratch & Brown Coats

​Next, our stucco repair in Orlando water the edges of the stucco around the patched area to prevent it from drying prematurely. By scooping some wet stucco on a trowel, we place it on the lath and embed it into the mesh openings. After that, we carefully smooth it along the edges to properly bond to the old stucco. Depending o the conditions of the stucco product, we may make use of water to periodically spray it.

To have a brown or second coat, we combine some stucco by applying it to the patch surface in a layer recessed from the original stucco. We allow the coat to cure directly, and mist where applicable with some water.

Applying the Final Coat

​To have a final coat in a major stucco repair, we mix another batch of stucco. The final layer can be as a custom-order or standard color to have the desired appearance. Because it is hard to color match a patch to blend with the surrounding, our professionals at Orlando Stucco Contractors have the required experience to apply the last coat so it can give a perfect finish.