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How to Fix a Bad Stucco Job

Stucco is a building material made by mixing concrete, sand and lime with water. Cost effective and commonly used, it can last a long time if applied properly. However, if the builders applied it improperly, a bad stucco job can warp, crack and potentially damage your home. Fortunately, you can repair small cracks to keep your stucco looking good.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire brush
  • Wire mesh (optional)
  • Stucco patch mixture
  • Gloves
  • Primer (optional)
  • Paint (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Assess the extent of the damage. If the cracks are small and thin, you should be able to repair them yourself. However, extensive cracking and warping could indicate that moisture has gotten into the wood of the house, and will require professional repair.

    • 2

      Scrub the crack using the wire brush, ensuring that you remove all dirt and loose stucco chips. If necessary, add additional wire mesh underneath to ensure that the patch will stick. Use the hose to wet down the crack and the surrounding stucco, being careful not to get too much water in the crack.

    • 3

      Prepare your stucco patch mixture according to the package instructions. Put on gloves, and pack the mixture into the crack with your fingers, smoothing the edges over the existing stucco. Once filled, ensure that the texture matches the rest of the wall.

    • 4

      Let the patch dry according to the package directions. If desired, add primer and paint to match the rest of the wall.