Stucco is a popular exterior siding material composed of cement, water, and sand. It is durable and long-lasting, but like any material, it will eventually need to be painted to maintain its appearance. But how often does stucco need to be painted? See how often you should before you reach out for any stucco painting in Calgary.

Frequency of Stucco Painting in Calgary – Key Factors

Location of Stucco

The frequency at which stucco is painted depends on a few factors. One of the most important factors is the climate in which the stucco is located. Stucco may need to be painted more frequently in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity levels. That is because the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes can cause cracks in the stucco, leading to water damage if not addressed. Considering Calgary’s unpredictable weather patterns, your stucco could use a repaint from all the wear and tear of the seasons.

The Quality of Paint

Another factor that can impact the frequency of stucco painting is the quality of the paint used. Higher-quality paints last longer and require less maintenance, so if you use high-quality paint on your stucco, you may be able to go longer between painting. Similarly, if you use a lower quality paint, you may need to paint more frequently to maintain the same appearance level.

Age of Stucco

The age of the stucco can also affect how often it needs to be painted. New stucco will likely not need to be painted for several years, as it will still have a fresh, clean appearance. On the other hand, older stucco may need to be painted more frequently as it begins to show signs of wear and tear.

How Often Should Stucco Be Painted?

Generally, you should expect to paint your stucco every 5-10 years. However, this can vary depending on the factors mentioned above – which may require you to paint it again more often. If you are still determining how often your stucco needs to be painted, consulting with a professional painter or contractor is a good idea. Experts can assess your stucco’s condition and recommend how often you should paint it.

Plus, when it is time to paint your stucco, it is important to choose high-quality paint and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application if you’re DIYing. It will help to ensure that the paint adheres properly to the stucco and provides long-lasting protection.

In summary, the frequency at which stucco needs to be painted depends on several factors, including climate, paint quality, and the age of the stucco. Properly maintaining your stucco can keep it looking beautiful and protect it from damage.

Golden Trowel Stucco has been providing Calgary homes and commercial properties with top-quality stucco services. For the past 20 years, we have been the number one stucco contractors in the Calgary and Greater Calgary area. We can completely change your property for the better with our stucco services, including stucco installations, stucco and exterior painting, and stucco repairs in Calgary. We’re flexible and ready to help you when you need it. Call us on 403-891-5343 anytime.

Hanging holiday lights on stucco can be trickier than putting them on other surfaces, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s possible to get them on easily and safely. For homes with stucco in Calgary, here are some tips on hanging your lights this holiday season!

Tips On Hanging Holiday Lights on Homes with Stucco in Calgary

Use Plastic Light Clips

Want to ensure you protect your stucco while trying to get into the holiday spirit with lights? Try using plastic light clips to help hang your holiday lights. These specially designed clips can be easily attached to stucco without damaging the surface. They come in various sizes and shapes to fit holiday lights and stucco textures. So, you don’t need to worry about looking all over for what works with stucco in Calgary.

Avoid Using Nails Or Screws

Nails and screws can damage the stucco, especially if you are not careful. For those inexperienced with stucco, using nails and screws without properly drilling them creates said damage (e.g. significant cracks). Again, you don’t want to accidentally cause damage to your stucco because you tried putting on holiday lights with nails or screws. Instead, opt for the plastic light clips mentioned above or adhesive strips that can hold the lights securely without damaging the stucco.

Plan Out Your Design

Before you start hanging the lights, it’s a good idea to plan your design. It will help you avoid unnecessary holes in the stucco. After all, you don’t want to end up having to ask for stucco repair in Calgary as a holiday gift. By being mindful of how you lay out everything, you can ensure that your lights are evenly spaced and look good.

Use A Ladder

Depending on your home’s height, you may need to use a ladder to reach the higher areas. Make sure the ladder is sturdy and securely placed before climbing up.

Start At The Top

When hanging the lights, starting at the top and working your way down is best. It will help you avoid tangles or knots in the lights and make it easier to distribute them along the stucco evenly.

Use Zip Ties

Zip ties are a great way to secure the lights to the stucco home. Attach the zip tie to the plastic light clip and the light string. Why is doing this important? Well, it will help keep the lights in place and prevent them from falling off the stucco. From there, you can rest assured they shall stay in place.

Be Careful When Plugging In The Lights

When plugging in the lights, make sure to avoid overloading the outlets. It can cause a fire hazard and potentially damage the lights. It’s best to use a surge protector and avoid plugging in too many lights into one outlet. Even homes without stucco should adhere to such rules.

Following these tips, you can easily and safely hang holiday lights on stucco. Just remember to take your time and be careful – your home will shine brightly in no time. Happy holidays!

You can find plenty of homes with stucco in Calgary. The popularity of stucco usage for houses is well-deserved. Unlike any other material, it provides durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. With the simple combination of aggregates, a binder, and water to make stucco, you might not realise different types exist. Learn everything about different stucco types and see which can provide the best for you!

Understanding the Various Types of Stucco in Calgary

When it comes to finding stucco in Calgary, you can expect two main types that exist. They are hard coat systems and external insulation and finishing systems (EIFS). Both look the same at first glance, but they are quite different.

Hard Coat Systems (Traditional Stucco)

In the past, stucco was made from sand, lime, and water. Fast-forward to today, traditional stucco in Calgary is mixed with cement. However, it’s rather versatile since other materials are used in it. For instance, those wanting to mold their stucco better can stick to lime as a core ingredient. As a result, you can easily make your exterior look smoothed out or roughened. Alternatively, if your aim is strength, sometimes traditional stucco can include glass fibres and acrylics for better reinforcement. When done right by a professional, traditional stucco can last for decades if properly maintained.

EIFS (Synthetic Stucco)

External insulation and finishing systems (EIFS) completely differ from traditional stucco. This type of stucco is also called synthetic stucco since it’s made of thinner layers of modified materials. Typically, the first layer is made of polystyrene foam board, a fibreglass mesh, and a finishing coat of acrylic resin. This stucco has garnered popularity for the unique benefits that it provides.

Here are a few examples of what synthetic stucco provides:

Resistant to water: With acrylic resin present, it’s a great water barrier since it’s designed to keep water on the outside. If you’re concerned about water damage, synthetic stucco prevents it. So, you won’t need to worry about paying for any potential water repair damages in the future.
Easier application: The beauty of synthetic stucco is its ease of application for various reasons. With it, you don’t need to worry about waiting too long for it to dry since it does so quickly. Also, applying it over a foam board is possible if you want to do something other than mesh. Once it finishes drying, you can expect it to come out rather evenly.
Better movement: Another added benefit is how acrylic resin helps to give the stucco some more movement. What this does is make it less prone to cracking and breaking. Perfect if you wish to create protection from the elements.
Great insulation properties: Calgary is no stranger to cold weather. It’s why many invest in trying to keep warm during winter months by adding more insulation. With synthetic stucco, you can rest assured you will stay warm as it has the highest R-value for stucco. As a result, you can expect to get better insulation than what you had before.