Maintenance Tips

Should I have my stucco home painted?
EIFS does not require painting. If you’d like to change the color, use a top-of-the-line latex acrylic paint. Hardcoat Stucco can also be painted to change the color using an elastomeric paint. This paint will bridge most hairline cracks.

Matching your stucco color: This is very hard to do since stucco fades a bit from the sun. Try different colors until you find one that works.

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What do I need to know about making repairs to stucco?
Cracks: Cracks are common in Hardcoat Stucco surfaces. The manuals say hairline cracks do not need to be sealed—water usually does not penetrate these and sealing often brings unwanted visual attention to the cracks. If the look of hairline cracks bothers you, painting will fill these. Cracks from the width of a credit card up to 1/8th inch will require a brushable elastomeric sealant. Wider cracks and holes call for professional repair.

Ripples/Bulges: Sometimes your home will show a wave, bulge or ripple in the stucco siding. This could be a purely cosmetic condition or could be a sign the system is failing. Consult a professional stucco contractor or inspector to diagnose the situation.

Wood replacement: In replacing rotten trim or sills, be sure to prime the wood well on all sides before installing it. Avoid finger-jointed wood. Consider using a synthetic wood product for replacement. And seal it well!

Ladders: Be careful using ladders against your stucco. EIFS will dent if the ladder has sharp edges.

Do not use: GEOCEL products to repair EIFS stucco-- it will melt the Styrofoam underlayment. Do not use paint thinner, solvents, solvent-based cleaners or mineral spirits on EIFS Do not use abrasive, hard-bristle bushes.

Temperature: Do not repair stucco if temperature falls below 40 degrees. Review product specifications to confirm this and other possible application do’s and don’ts.

Keep heat away from stucco: Be sure your grill and your chimera are well away from your stucco exterior – your stucco's insulation board may melt and/or crack if the heat source is too close.

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What should I do about removing mold from the exterior of my stucco home?

Even if there’s just a bit of green -- Clean! Gentle pressure and the right cleaning solutions can make your stucco home sparkle – without damaging the stucco surface or forcing water behind the sheathing. Use only a company that knows how to clean stucco! “Mild” pressurized cold water (under 600 psi) is best. Instead of harmful acidic cleaners (bleach), look for Enviro Klean EIFS Cleaner (manufactured by Prosoco, Lawrenceville KS 1-800-255-4255.) If you know what type of EIFS you have (Parex, Sto, Dryvit, etc.), the company’s website may have other cleaning product suggestions. Click here for a downloadable .pdf on cleaning or finishing Dryvit.

What should I do to prevent mold growth inside my home?

The following is a list of steps to help you minimize mold growth in any home:

• Most importantly, stop water intrusion. Repair all leaks.
• After a leak, remove all water or mold damaged wood, wallpaper, carpet etc. (Depending on the type of mold and the extent of the infestation, this may need to be performed by a mold remediation professional).
• Control your home's humidity via an air conditioner and/or dehumidifier (keep between 40 and 50 percent)
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation. Is the HVAC operating properly? Can you increase air flow by rearranging furniture? Is the clothes dryer properly vented to the outside?

How do I hang shutters, a hose wheel, etc. on a stucco wall?
For Hardcoat Stucco, use a hammer drill to drill into the stucco with a ¼ inch bill bit. Carefully blow out the dirt (turkey baster is good for this) and squirt in a small amount of silicone caulk. Insert a ¼ inch plastic anchor and tap snugly into hole. Use matching screw to hang item. For EIFS, call a stucco contractor for help.

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What do I need to know about window replacement?
If your windows need replacing, be sure to choose top quality windows with AAMA certification since they are often the culprit in creating moisture issues. Be sure to select windows that don't leak, especially in the lower corners. Ask for a demonstration before buying!

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How do I Upgrade My Stucco Home?

Your stucco inspector will give you’re a list of recommended repairs in their inspection report. Whether Hardcoat or EIFS, all stucco homes should have the stucco terminated 6-8 inches above grade to eliminate termite issues.

Sealant installed around windows, doors, other through-wall penetrations

Kickout flashing installed at all roof/wall intersections

Flashing installed and sealed at all decks

EIFS termination minimun 8"" (203 mm) above grade

NOTE: It is recommended that all trim be painted before the Dow sealant is applied since it is not paintable.

EIFS homes require additional modifications, including;

• Sealing of all exterior wall penetrations (using the Dow 795 recommended sealant)
• Adding kickout flashings at roof terminations, and deck flashings as needed.

When these upgrades are done by a professional stucco modification company, the change is not that noticeable! A modified stucco home is the sign of a well-maintained stucco home!

Click here to watch a demonstration of repairs done to a poorly maintained stucco home.

Click here to get the names and numbers of reputable companies.

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