Stucco is an extremely durable cement-like siding material used on the exterior of many homes. Though it’s very strong, it will sometimes need repairing due to minor cracks and holes. Whilst its a good idea to leave any major stucco repairs to a professional, you can fix minor holes and cracks yourself without needing years of experience of any special tools. 

The way in which you repair your stucco will depend on the type and scale of the damage/ hole that has occurred. Here is a step by step guide on how you can complete repairs as part of your own DIY project. We asked the experts at Stucco repair Calgary for their insights on this matter.

A small hole in your stucco is considered anything less than 6 inches wide. This can occur for a wide range of reasons and if left unrepaired can create a more significant problem. Here is how you can repair small holes. 

1. Begin by using a stiff brush to clean the hole. If the hole is too small for any brushes you have, make use of a nailset to scrape away all loose material. Once finished, blow out the dust, making sure your eyes are protected. 

2. After the hole has been cleaned, begin the application of a new patch of stucco patching compound using a putty knife. Make sure the hole is tightly packed to the surface and leave this to dry. 

3. Once stiff, begin applying a top coat of patching compound. Using your putty knife, blend the surface so that it matches the surface of your wall then let this layer dry. It’s as simple as that!

Cracks in stucco are very common and can occur due to a range of reasons. These include small earthquakes, storms and heavy winds. The repair technique used will depend on the size of the cracks themselves. Here is a guide on the different types of cracks and how you can repair them. 

Hairline cracks are extremely small and luckily, easy to fix. If they’re very thin, then a small coating of acrylic latex paint that matches your siding can be used. If they’re too wide to fill the crack, then you can use a latex caulking compound to complete the repair. Allow this to dry and finish off with acrylic latex paint. 

Wider cracks often begin as small ones that have not been repaired. As a result, rain and ice get into the crack causing the stucco to further crack. For such problems, apply an all-purpose filler designed for stucco repair. Make sure you follow the label directions when applying

Over time, your stucco can begin to look weathered and/or dirty. Unlike many other siding materials, you should avoid using standard house paint as your walls need to breathe. In such circumstances, you need to hire a professional to have your stucco  “re-dashed”. They will be able to provide you with a professional finish leaving your stucco looking as good as new.