House & Home Buzz

If you are looking to fix a deteriorating stucco surface, it is important to conduct regular inspections of the exterior. You should check for signs of damage every month, using a ladder to inspect the upper levels of your home. If you notice cracks or a hole in the stucco, you should immediately call a professional to perform a stucco repair Columbus, Ohio. You can also spot rusting rebar or mold that spreads throughout the stucco.

Cracked or small hole in stucco

The first step in repairing a cracked or small stucco hole is cleaning the surface. Use a small automotive wire brush to clean the surface and gently work the bristles into the hole. The new materials will adhere better to the area by cleaning the surface. Blowing out the hole is also a good way to remove loose material. Once the hole is clean, proceed with applying the patching material.

If you are not comfortable applying caulk, you can try filling the crack with paint. You can use a sanded acrylic exterior caulk about 1/4 inch wide. Use a wire-bristled brush to smooth out the patch. Allow the patch to dry and then paint over it as needed. More extensive cracks will require a professional stucco contractor.

Rusty rebar rust

You may have noticed rust on your stucco or concrete walls. If you do, it’s probably time to get it fixed. If left untreated, rusty mold will spread and cause permanent damage. You may even have to replace your stucco. Fortunately, you can hire a contractor to perform repairs. 

Rusting rebar can significantly reduce the structural strength of your concrete, resulting in cracks and leaks in basement walls. While concrete is an excellent material for supporting huge amounts of weight, it does not possess tensile strength if it is not reinforced with a rebar. In addition, rusty rebar weakens the bond between the rebar and concrete. This rusty rebar is also susceptible to corrosive soils, salt, and deicing compounds.

Rusty mold

A rusted wall could be a sign of stucco damage. This type of rot is caused by the dead, dark cells in stucco. Hardy algae feed on carbonate, which is common in unpainted stucco. You should contact a professional immediately if you notice stains on the stucco. Rusty mold will worsen the problem, so call a professional to get the job done right. Rusty mold will spread throughout the stucco and damage the entire surface. 

If the rot is not too bad, you can try washing the walls using dish soap or detergent. Oxygen bleach can be used to remove mold and algae. Mix a cup of the solution with a gallon of water. Apply the solution to the wet stucco. Allow the solution to stay on the wall for at least 30 minutes. Repeat the procedure if necessary. Rinse the area well after applying the bleach solution. If you’ve noticed evidence of moisture, you’ve probably discovered some moisture problems. This moisture can rot the framing members and cause damage if you’re living in a humid climate. It can also cause stains and damage to interior walls. Additionally, moisture can spread throughout the stucco wall’s surface. Rusty mold is more likely to spread throughout the stucco on the lower sections of the wall.