How Often Should You Paint Your Stucco Home?
Do you have a stucco home? It’s an attractive material for a whole host of reasons, from its curb appeal to its longevity. To get the best value possible, however, you need to know how to care for it.
A lot of homeowners here in the Bay Area love their stucco houses, but really aren’t sure how to best maintain them. The good news is that with the right approach, you have one of the longest-lasting materials available.
How Often Should You Paint Stucco?
A typical paint job lasts 5-10 years, depending on the quality of the paint and painting contractor. Look for a painter who knows stucco, can offer repairs, and will use the right materials and approach to care for your siding. If you need a few additional tips, take a look at this article dedicated to helping you find the right professional painter.
What Kind of Paint Should You Use On Stucco?
While some painters prefer elastomeric products, others prefer a high-quality acrylic. Either way, because stucco is a naturally brittle material, your paint needs to be flexible and breathable for the best long-term performance.
Should You Be Concerned By Cracks In Your Stucco?
Cracks are unavoidable, especially because of stucco’s brittle nature that we mentioned above. Hairline cracks are a normal part of life as your home settles and shifts over time, but if the cracks begin to spread or grow, they need to be addressed immediately.
We touched on this, but it bears repeating: you need to work with a painter who knows stucco, and knows how to maintain it. Using the wrong products to repair a crack, for example, can do more harm than good, but careful repairs and retexturing can make the surface as good as new.
The takeaway?
Stucco is a fantastic material, but routine inspections, touch-ups, and repairs are essential. A proactive approach definitely offers the best overall value, and will keep your Bay Area home looking incredible for decades to come.
