Stucco is a dense, cement-based plaster that people have used as a protective house coating for generations. Generally speaking, stucco is incredibly durable, and you can paint it any color. In areas like Phoenix, AZ, however, stucco can suffer breakage. Stucco crack repair is something homeowners need to look into, especially before painting.
At Robo Painting, we want to help you understand how to handle this damaged stucco before you decide to paint your home. The arid, hot climate, the intense UV exposure, and the rainy season can affect stucco over time. The material goes through temperature swings and climate changes quite often. We highly recommend performing stucco repair before painting.
Why Stucco Cracks in Arizona
Arizona has a desert climate for part of the year and an extended monsoon season. The days are hot, while the nights are chilly. This causes constant thermal expansion. The issue here is that stucco does not handle thermal expansion well. It’s a dense, rock-like material, not PVC or any type of composite. The intense heat makes the stucco even more brittle, while thermal movement causes cracks.
After small cracks form, the rainy season can force moisture into the coating. This weakens surrounding materials, turning small fractures into large breaks. Understanding the causes may help you achieve better stucco crack repair and a higher quality of paint.
Types of Stucco Cracks
Not all stucco cracks are the same. There are three main types of cracks caused by the climate in the area.
- Hairline cracks
- Settlement cracks
- Structural cracks
Should You Paint Over Stucco Cracks?
We highly recommend quality stucco repair before painting the surface. The main reason is that damage creates more damage. As long as you’re dealing with cracks, more cracks will likely form. Even the best exterior paint won’t replace a sound repair. You will likely experience bad peeling and water infiltration.
When moisture gets trapped behind a fresh layer of paint, it creates unsightly blisters and bubbles. The paint will ultimately peel away, and the stucco will become even more damaged. Proper stucco crack repair is vital before painting.
How Stucco Cracks Are Repaired Before Painting
Stucco crack repair requires specific steps for a strong, lasting bond with the existing wall. In our professional process, we begin by clearing out any loose dirt, debris, and caulking from the area. The goal is to have a clean surface. Next, we use specialized patching materials to fill the void and match the texture. The bond must stay seamless and strong before painting.
The Best Time to Repair and Paint Stucco in Arizona
The time of year dictates the success of your repair to a large extent. It’s better to choose to repair during the cooler, dryer months. You don’t want the patching compounds or paint to dry too quickly. The material needs to properly cure. We recommend avoiding summertime repairs. Early fall or late spring work the best.
Choosing the Right Paint for Stucco
While it’s important to perform quality stucco repair before painting, it’s equally important to use the right paint. Our recommendation is a high-quality UV-resistant coating. We have residential paint types that we rate specifically for stucco surfaces in a harsh climate. The odds are good that your previous paint did not protect against UV rays. Our modern, advanced paint options can help prevent future damage.
Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional
Not every stucco crack requires repair. The fact is that this material splits and cracks quite frequently, with most cracks being hardly noticeable. However, there are instances where the professional should be called in.
- Large or widening cracks
- Water intrusion or dark moisture stains
- Recurring cracks
- Loose, bulging, or completely damaged stucco
Protect Your Stucco With Robo Painting
We bring years of experience and a solid reputation to every job in the area. Our business maintains an A+ rating with the BBB. We are the right company to call for your stucco crack repair and painting needs. Putting on that new paint job before repairs wastes time, effort, and money. Give us a call to handle the job properly. We handle a range of painting and home services, including drywall repair.
Contact us today at Robo Painting to learn more about our stucco repair services in Phoenix.
