But one day, you notice the stucco around your chimney is beginning to crack, or even worse, bubble and discolor. You’re now left to ponder what you should do for masonry repairs – repair the stucco or replace it.

If you are facing this dilemma, then you’ve come to the right place. Ozark Stove and Chimney is here to help you make an informed decision based on cost-effectiveness, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Let’s weigh the pros and cons of each and get you started on the path that best suits your needs.

What Is Stucco Repair?

Stucco repair refers to the process of fixing damage that is surface level. Oftentimes, stucco repair is needed when you experience basic surface damage, like minor cracks, chips, or small areas of deterioration throughout the exterior of the building. These can all be patched and filled. When the damage is localized to a specific area, it makes it quicker and less expensive to repair.

This is the only instance in which you should consider stucco repair. Anything more than just a minor crack should be inspected by a professional to determine there are no other underlying issues or damage.

What Is Stucco Replacement?

This is also referred to as stucco remediation. It is the complete repair and re-plastering of the entire wall to fix any underlying issues that are causing damage of your home. Some of the most common underlying issues have to do with moisture penetrating the space between the outer layer of the stucco and the inner framework of the walls.

Most people don’t realize that stucco is more than just smearing plaster on a wall. It actually consists of numerous, interdependent parts that play a vital role in protecting your home from any and all moisture. Some of those parts include:

• Sheathing/substrate
• Weep screed
• Water-resistant barrier
• Insulation board
• Metal or wire lath
• Scratch coat
• Brown coat
• Finish coat
• Metal flashing (if on the roof)

If any of the above was installed incorrectly, the whole system is compromised. That’s why it is important to find a reputable company – like the Ozark team – that you can trust to do the job right the first time. 

What Are Common Stucco Problems?

You are more than likely weighing the options of stucco repair or replacement due to experiencing one or more of the following: 

• Staining & Discoloration: Staining and discoloration can occur from mold growth, rusting metal components, or improper cleaning techniques. Did you notice what some of these have in common? Mold growth and rust both point to an underlying moisture problem. It wouldn’t make much sense to repair the stucco without first figuring out what is causing the staining and discoloration in the first place, would it?
• Cracking: This can occur due to natural settlement, temperature changes, structural movement, or improper installation. Cracks can vary in terms of size and severity, ranging from simple hairline cracks to larger, more extensive cracks. Most cracking can be repaired. But again, it is smarter to hire a professional to come take a look at it. 
• Moisture Damage: Stucco is meant to be a waterproof barrier. However, it doesn’t always end up that way. Some of those simple cracks that you may have neglected to fix as soon as possible can lead to water damage, mold growth, rotting of underlying materials, and deterioration of the stucco itself. 
• Efflorescence: The white, powdery substance that appears on the surface of stucco is called efflorescence. When water is absorbed and then evaporates, it can cause water-soluble salts to draw to the surface. While this substance isn’t necessarily dangerous, it indicates an underlying moisture issue that needs to be looked into.
• Delamination: This occurs when the layers of stucco we talked about begin to separate or detach from each other. As you’ve probably guessed by now, this is yet again another sign of moisture intrusion.
• Blistering and Bubbling: You’ll begin to notice large bubbles appearing on the stucco surface. This not only occurs when water is trapped behind the stucco, but because of improper curing during the installation process.
• Fading or Chalking: It is common for stucco to fade or chalk over time because of its constant exposure to sunlight and weathering.

Did you notice all of the issues that arise from underlying moisture problems? That’s why, in most cases, professionals would recommend stucco replacement. Even though stucco remediation is more of a complex repair, in the long run, it will prevent you from having to repair issues over and over again – or worse, make other repairs to your home that are because of major water damage.

Stucco Problems? Give Us a Call

If you’re experiencing stucco problems and aren’t sure what to do, don’t hesitate to call Ozark Stove and Chimney today. We would be happy to book an appointment and answer all of your stucco repair and replacement questions.

Call us at 417-201-6585 or conveniently book online.