The seamless stucco covering your house looked bulletproof, like a sidewalk. This was the perfect foil to the harsh coastal weather. However, beneath the lush ivy cloak, the cement shell revealed cracks and buckles that indicated water had penetrated the wood lath.

If properly installed, stucco (a lime-based plaster or cement-based cladding) can last 100 years. It is best to get repairs done immediately if there are any cracks or blisters.

Directions:

• Combine the dry ingredients with a mortar hone and place them in a wheelbarrow.
• The acrylic bonding agent should be added to the mix. Next, add water a little at a time until the mix has the consistency of buttercream frosting.
• Too much water will cause it to become loose and unusable.
• After adding water, the mixture can be used for between 30 to 90 minutes until it begins to harden.

Weather Check

Wet stucco may be destroyed by freezing temperatures. Do not attempt any repair if nighttime temperatures drop below 40 degrees. Also, hot, dry, and windy weather can make it difficult for the mix to cure properly. The shade is best for stucco because it won’t dry quickly. Protect the stucco by covering it with plastic sheets between coats.

Work Safely

Wet cement’s alkalis can cause burns. Wear gloves when handling fresh stucco. You can wash any spillages off your skin by keeping a bucket full of water near you.

Don't forget to finish it.

No patch, no matter how skillfully textured it may be, will match the color surrounding it. Apply a pigmented coating to the entire surface. This thick, spray-on acrylic elastomer was applied to the patch. It bridged and sealed hairline cracks. Concrete paints and stains, mineral paints, lime wash, and “fog coatings” of pigmented concrete are all acceptable options. Whatever coating you choose, be sure it’s alkaline-resistant and permeable water vapor. If it isn’t, it will quickly peel off.

Steps for repairing stucco:

• Step 1: Discard loose stucco
• Step 2: Chip Away at The Edges
• Step 3: Cover Exposed Lath
• Step 4: Add Mesh
• Step 5: Mix The Concrete
• Step 6: Sling It
• Step 7: Scratch It
• Step 8: Apply the second coat
• Step 9: Get the Finish Coat
• Step 10: Wait To Paint

Let the patch dry for one week before painting the rest. The patch will be invisible under a layer of thick-bodied acrylic elastomer.