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.

Every year, some homeowners go all out for Halloween. From carving pumpkins to hanging spooky decorations, there’s no shortage of ways to get into the season’s spirit. But for homes with stucco in Calgary, it can pose the question of how to decorate your Halloween decorations. After all, stucco is a bit delicate, and you want to protect your walls.

Never fear! You’re covered. With these tips, you’ll be able to decorate your home for Halloween without damaging your stucco and have a spooktacular time doing it!

Putting Halloween Decorations on Homes with Stucco in Calgary

If you’re lucky enough to live in a home with beautiful stucco walls, you know that they can be challenging to decorate. Stucco is a delicate material, and it’s easy to damage if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s so important to take extra care when putting up holiday decorations-especially if those decorations are made of metal or plastic, which can easily scratch or chip the surface of your stucco.

Stucco is a type of wall finish made of aggregate, a binder, and water. It is usually textured and can be found on the exterior of many homes. Stucco can be tricky when decorating because it could be a smoother surface. The decorations can also look less than perfect if they are not placed correctly. However, with these tips, you can put Halloween decor on stucco without any problems properly!

Use Painter’s Tape

There’s no doubt that stucco walls can be a tricky surface to work with when it comes to decorating for the holidays. While some might try using nails or hammers to hang decorations on their stucco walls, those methods can easily damage the wall and even cause unsightly holes. Instead, the easiest and most foolproof way to decorate your stucco walls is with painter’s tape. With just a few pieces of tough, long-lasting tape, you can easily secure your decorations in place without any risk of damage to your walls. And when Halloween is finally over, peel off the tape and enjoy your beautifully decorated home without worrying about repair or repair costs.

Hang Fabric

Hanging fabric is a great way to add beauty and creative flair to your home while also avoiding the damage caused by heavier decorations. Unlike other materials, fabrics like burlap and felt are lightweight but durable, making them ideal for use on stucco walls. And if you’re worried about the fabric blowing away in the wind, simply weigh it down using heavy objects like pebbles or stones. With a little creativity and forethought, you can transform your stucco walls into stunning displays that look great and keep your home safe from damage. After all, why settle for plain old walls when you can have beautiful hanging fabrics instead? So what is stopping you? Start decorating!

Use Command Strips

Command strips are another great option for hanging Halloween decorations on walls. They come in various sizes and are specifically designed not to damage delicate surfaces like stucco. Plus, they’re super easy to use! Just follow the instructions on the package and enjoy your securely hung decorations.

Go For Stickers

If all else fails, stickers are always an option – and some great Halloween-themed ones are out there! Remember to use stickers made for indoor use; outdoor stickers will eventually peel away from your walls, taking bits of stucco with them.

There are plenty of homes with stucco in Calgary. You can see why it’s a popular material since it’s quite durable. However, there are ways for it to start peeling off. If your house is made with stucco material, it would be in your best interest to learn about what can cause this issue. Find out how here.

Understanding the Causes Behind Stucco in Calgary to Peel Off

What is Stucco?

Before we understand what causes stucco to start peeling, it’s important first to know the makeup of stucco. Alternatively known as plaster, stucco comprises three basic materials – aggregates, a binder, and water. In construction, it’s generally applied wet before hardening into a dense solid. Its strength makes it a popular construction material for decorative coating for walls, ceilings, exterior walls, and even more creative uses for architectural sculptures.

How Could Stucco Begin to Peel Off?

Even the most durable construction material has its Achilles heel – stucco is no different. That’s why it’s important to understand what could cause stucco to start peeling off. Once you know, you can effectively prevent or catch the issue and call a professional for stucco repair.

For the most part, the main culprit behind stucco peeling can be summed up to one main cause – water damage.

Yet, you might wonder how water can create this issue. Often than not, it stems from water seeping into the water underneath the stucco. How can this occur? Easily from ice-damming. If you’re unfamiliar with ice-damming, it forms after heavy snowfall.

With how Calgary winters can be, you want to look out for this. All the snow collected on your roof warms up from the heat in your home. The melted snow then goes down before freezing again at the edge of your roof – creating a pile of ice. That’s where peeling can start in your stucco.

How to Fix Peeling Stucco?

Thankfully, it is possible to fix peeling stucco. However, a few steps must be taken to achieve that.

These include the following:

Removing loose stucco
Adding builder’s paper & mesh
Patching it up with base coats
Applying a finishing coat

If you’re into DIY, it’s possible to fix small stucco peeling. However, if you notice a lot of stucco peeling, it’s best not to do it yourself. With so much peeling, it can easily get overwhelming. Furthermore, the pressure can make concentrating hard, resulting in a poor job. You risk making things worse – especially if you have never done it. A bad job can result in paying more for repairs than you would have hoped in saving costs through DIYing.

If you have a lot of stucco peeling, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. In this way, you can ensure the peeling is fixed properly. Plus, reaching out to one can help you better understand ways to prevent this from occurring again in the future.

One of the most appealing aspects of stucco in Calgary is how easy it is to maintain. By simply inspecting your siding a couple of times a year and giving it a good scrub when it starts to look grubby, you can feel confident that your stucco will last for decades.

However, the beautiful texture of stucco makes washing it with a cloth and bucket seem a bit unreasonable. But are you able to pressure wash stucco? Or will that risk damage to the exterior of your home?

Below, let’s explore how you can safely wash your stucco in Calgary.

How To Pressure Wash Stucco

Fortunately, you can absolutely pressure wash stucco! This allows you to blast away all the dirt and debris that can build up on your exterior and leave it looking like new.

However, pressure washers do have a bit of force to them, so there are a few things to consider to ensure you’re not damaging your stucco in the process.

Check For Cracks

As the temperatures change, stucco has a tendency to expand and contract in response. This can result in chipping and cracking. While this is completely normal and often not terribly noticeable, it is recommended that you inspect your walls a couple of times a year. This allows you to catch any small fractures and patch them before they expand.

Stucco is also incredibly porous and absorbs any moisture it comes in contact with. If there are any cracks in your stucco, you risk them expanding if you attempt to pressure wash prior to repairing them.

Fortunately, the process of filling cracks is relatively straightforward. Simply ensure the caulking has dried completely before you wash the exterior.

Scrub Heavy Stains

With a scrub brush and some detergent, take the time to scrub any heavy stains that may take a little more effort to remove. You should ultimately use the pressure washer to rinse away loose debris, rather than to tackle stubborn spots, to ensure your stucco isn’t put under too much pressure.

Time To Pressure Wash

When spraying your stucco, ensure your nozzle is set to a low-pressure spray and that you are hitting the wall at a 45-degree angle while standing a few feet back. Pressure washers are effective, but being too aggressive with them can actually cause more damage to your walls.

Stucco in Calgary is an incredibly popular siding choice, due in part to its durability, resistance to fire, and low maintenance requirements. But while its advantages may appeal to some homeowners, they may not be as interested in its appearance and colour.

Fortunately, stucco is very easy to customize to your own personal preferences and design styles. Therefore, you can easily decide to paint your stucco and choose a colour of your liking.

But how does one go about painting stucco? And is it a simple enough process? Let’s take a look!

How To Paint Stucco

Step 1: Prepare To Paint

As with any paint job, it’s important to have a clean canvas to work on. Therefore, take the time to ensure your stucco is free of any dirt, debris, or other foreign objects. In many cases, this can be done by simply using a broom or brush with stiff bristles. However, some stuccos have deeper grooves and textures, and therefore may require you to power wash the side of your home.

Now, with your stucco completely clean, take this opportunity to look for any cracks or hairline fractures in your siding. Using either caulking or stucco repair product, fill in any cracks. There’s no point in painting if the final product still looks worn down and weathered.

Step 2: Prime

Stucco’s composition is not too dissimilar from that of concrete. Made up of Portland cement, sand, lime, and water, stucco is incredibly porous. Therefore, it has a tendency to suck up any moisture that it comes into contact with.

With that in mind, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to place paint directly onto the stucco. Not only will you require more paint in an effort to produce a more consistent paint job, but the stucco will slowly absorb the colour over time.

That’s why primer is essential to any stucco painting job. Start by brushing the primer around the edges of your walls before using a roller to apply it to the rest of the surface. You only need one coat of primer, but ensure you allow it to dry properly before applying the paint.

Step 3: Paint

Now it’s time to inject some colour onto your stucco. Start by painting around the doors, windows, and other edges that require special attention. Then return to your roller and tackle the rest of the exterior walls.

You will need a minimum of two coats when it comes to painting, but the intensity of the colour may require a third coat.

Alternative Step: Call A Professional

While the basic steps of painting stucco in Calgary are simple enough, there are several ways in which things can go wrong, thus impacting the final look of your stucco. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional stucco painting company, as they will be able to provide expert opinions and service.

When it comes time to renovate our home’s exterior and freshen up its siding, it’s important to take Canada’s harsh climate into consideration. Fortunately, stucco is an incredibly worthwhile option, as it’s both durable and stylish.

Renovation projects can admittedly be a bit pricey. But will selecting stucco for your siding be a choice that breaks the bank? Let’s take a look at how much stucco siding in Calgary might cost you.

The Cost of Stuccoing A Home

Stuccoing a home generally requires three layers: the scratch coat, the levelling coat, and the finishing coat. These three layers are essential, as they ensure that your home is properly covered and protected while confirming that your stucco is securely attached.

This increase in materials will result in a slightly higher price when compared to a few other siding options. On average, stucco costs between $7 and $9 per square foot. However, when budgeting your siding project, don’t forget to factor in labour costs.

When you reach out to your stucco contractor in Calgary, they will be able to provide you with a more definite quote, allowing you to plan your finances accordingly.

The Benefits of Stuccoing A Home

Durability

While your initial investment may be higher, the payoff will be worth it. Stucco in Calgary is incredibly durable and able to withstand extreme conditions. Made of Portland cement, sand, lime, and water, it’ll be difficult to compromise the integrity of this material. This allows for its lifespan to increase, thus decreasing how often you need to redo your siding.

Low Maintenance

Stucco is also perfect for the homeowner who’s looking for easy upkeep. Other than the occasional inspection for cracks, as stucco is incredibly porous, you can essentially install your stucco and leave it to fend for itself.

Resistant

When it comes to fire, termites, rot, mould, and impact, you’re set with Calgary stucco. Due to its comprising elements, stucco is resistant to most factors that put a home at risk, affording you additional peace of mind.

Is Stuccoing Your Home Worth It?

While the decision is ultimately yours, stucco is an extremely worthwhile investment. Despite the slightly higher upfront costs, you’re certain to see your stucco exterior pay off for decades to come.

Stucco is an incredibly durable and reliable siding for your home. If properly installed, your stucco can last for decades with minimal maintenance. However, it’s always wise to inspect your stucco from time to time, ensuring that its integrity is still intact.

One issue that can present itself is water damage. Stucco in Calgary is exposed to a significant amount of water and rainfall, which can lead to moisture sneaking in behind your walls. But how can you tell if your stucco has trapped moisture behind it? Let’s take a look.

4 Ways To Check For Moisture Behind Stucco

Dark Spots

Your stucco is naturally going to get darker in colour when it rains. However, if you notice darker patches of stucco after a week of nice weather, it may be worth exploring. Persistent dark spots or streaks are often signs of water intrusion.

Bubbles

If you have a poor drainage system, water will sit along your home’s foundation and compromise the stucco. If you begin to notice bubbles or even dense cracks along the bottom of your siding, you may be looking at moisture retention.

Soft Drywall

This step will require you to go inside. Feel along the bottom of your windows on the wall you believe to be compromised. If the drywall is soft, that’s a sign that moisture is trapped inside and is now weakening the structure of your interior walls.

Missing or Cracked Stucco

Stucco, by nature, is very porous, and thus absorbs a lot of moisture that it comes in contact with. While this is to be expected, the moisture should not be held behind your walls. If you notice that your stucco is chipping or falling off more easily than normal or find that there are extensive cracks in your stucco, it may be smart to bring a professional in to take a look.

What Can Professionals Do?

If you believe your stucco in Calgary is retaining moisture, a professional stucco company will be able to do a more thorough examination. From probe testing to thermal imaging, there are several ways in which stucco contractors can use specialized equipment to confirm your suspicions and pinpoint the source of concern.

Purchasing a home is arguably the largest investment you will make in your life. Taking the time to research potential houses and the risks associated with each one is important, as you don’t want to encounter financial hurdles as soon as you take possession.

Fortunately, when it comes to buying a stucco house in Calgary, there are no more risks that come with it than any other house. In other words, stucco siding should not deter you from purchasing a property.

However, as with any type of siding, it does come with its pros and cons. Let’s explore what those are.

The Pros and Cons Of A Stucco House

Pros

Fire Resistance

A 1-inch coating of stucco provides a one-hour firewall rating. This means that, in the event of a fire, it will take one hour for the fire to make it from one side of the wall to the other, giving you that buffer time to put out the fire. This is particularly beneficial for homes that are close together, as a neighbouring fire may not as severely impact your home.

Appearance

Stucco is a great siding to choose from based on aesthetics alone. By adding dyes into the mix, you can pick the colour of your stucco, thus ensuring your vision for your home is complete.

Buying a home that already has stucco? Fortunately, painting stucco is fairly simple and allows your home to look brand new.

Roofline showing windows, brick stones, gutter, soffit, stucco

Durability

Stucco is a mixture of cement, sand, and water, meaning it’s guaranteed to be strong. This can be particularly appealing to homeowners with stucco siding in Calgary, as hail damage tends to be a concern.

Additionally, stucco is pest-resistant, thus ensuring the integrity of your stucco and entire home remain intact.

Cons

Maintenance

While stucco doesn’t require hours of maintenance every week, it is important to stay on top of the condition of your stucco. Stucco is a rather dry material, so cracks are bound to pop up every now and then. If you catch them when they first appear, they’re easy to fill in and can be done yourself. However, larger cracks affect more than just the appearance of your home. Neglected cracks can actually damage the structure of your home and end up costing you a fair bit of money to repair.

It isn’t risky to buy a stucco house, but with anything, it’s important to take care of it and fix it when it starts to show signs of ageing. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional stucco company if you ever need advice.

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 at 403-891-5343 anytime.