What Is the Difference Between Stucco Repair and Stucco Remediation?
Here in Southeast Pennsylvania, we average more than 41 inches of precipitation and 23 inches of snow each year. Unfortunately, if your home’s exterior is made from stucco, it won’t be able to withstand that much moisture. If you’ve noticed signs of damage, you’re probably curious about whether stucco repair or stucco remediation is the best course of action.
We’re here to help you decide. As you continue reading through this article, you’ll learn how to spot stucco issues, the differences between the two options, and how to decide which one makes the most sense for your home.
Signs of Stucco Damage
Before you can decide between stucco remediation vs. stucco repair, it’s important to understand the different signs of damage, as some are not as obvious as others. Here in Southeastern Pennsylvania, these are some of the most common signs of stucco damage that we see:
- Crumbling stucco
- Indentations or soft spots
- Stains from water damage
- Cracks in the stucco
- Moss growth
If you notice any of these issues on your stucco siding, contact our team to set up a free consultation and assessment.
What Is Stucco Repair?
The stucco repair process involves isolating the damage, fixing the specific issues, and then replacing the damaged areas with new stucco. Many homeowners choose to repair stucco because the process is less invasive and usually less expensive.
However, while stucco repair will fix the damage on your siding, it won’t address the underlying causes of that damage. This means that it’s only a matter of time before you notice more issues with your stucco. While repair services have a lower upfront cost, you will likely end up spending more over the life of your stucco if you continue to repair the damage without fixing its root cause.
What Is Stucco Remediation?
Stucco remediation, on the other hand, is the process of determining the underlying cause of your stucco damage and addressing it instead of only focusing on cosmetic fixes. When you hire the MHX Designs team for your stucco remediation project, we’ll start by removing your damaged stucco and doing a thorough inspection of the stucco wall system to determine the cause of the issues.
From there, we’ll fix any structural damage and then work with you to come up with a replacement plan that’s a permanent solution. Many of our customers opt to replace their stucco with a more durable material like James Hardie fiber cement siding, which is specifically designed to withstand our wet Pennsylvania weather.
How to Choose Between Stucco Repairs vs. Remediation
Deciding between stucco remediation and stucco repair can be challenging. Fortunately, there are a few factors to consider when making your choice:
Extent of Damage
If the issues are limited to a few cracks or isolated areas of wear, repair is often sufficient. However, if you notice that the damage is widespread or recurring in the same spots, it might be a sign that there’s more going on beneath the surface. This could indicate the need for a full stucco remediation.
Cause of Damage
Understanding what caused the damage can also help guide your decision. For example, if the cracks are simply due to age or minor impacts, a repair should be effective. But if moisture intrusion is the culprit, then it’s essential to address the entire system to prevent further problems.
Future Protection
While repairs can be quick and affordable, they don’t always offer long-term protection if underlying issues remain unaddressed. Remediation not only repairs visible damage but also ensures that your home’s exterior is fully sealed against the elements.
Why We Don’t Recommend Repairing Stucco
At MHX Designs, we’ll always recommend that homeowners in our service area opt for a full stucco remediation project instead of stucco repair services. Because we live in a wet climate, simply repairing stucco damage will never be a long-term solution.
It’s better to address the root of the problem as soon as possible, remedy the damage before it gets worse, and replace your siding with a better material so you don’t have to worry about structural issues down the line. While stucco remediation may be more expensive initially, the price is well worth the peace of mind that comes when you’re making an investment in your home that will save you money over time.
Why Fiber Cement Siding Is a Better Solution Than Stucco
Are you considering stucco remediation vs. a stucco repair? If so, you will need to decide if you want your current siding replaced with new stucco layers or an entirely different type of siding. We often recommend replacing stucco with fiber cement siding, as it is extremely durable, water resistant, and aesthetically pleasing:
- Durability: Fiber cement siding is more resilient than traditional stucco and is highly resistant to moisture and weather conditions. Unlike stucco, fiber cement doesn’t crack or wear down over time, meaning it requires far less maintenance.
- Moisture Resistance: Stucco systems can be vulnerable to moisture intrusion, particularly if they are not installed with proper sealing and drainage. Fiber cement, however, is engineered to withstand moisture, making it a great option for regions with heavy rain or humidity.
- Aesthetic Appeal: While stucco has a distinct look, fiber cement can mimic various materials, including wood, brick, and even stucco itself.
- Long-Term Value: Fiber cement siding has a longer lifespan and a lower likelihood of needing frequent repairs or a complete replacement. This makes it an attractive option for homeowners looking to save on maintenance costs over the years.
Call the Best Stucco Remediation Experts Today
Here at MHX Designs, we have a team of experts specifically trained in stucco remediation. When you hire us to work on your home, we’ll guide you through every step of the process, treating your home with the same care that we would our own.
We’d be happy to come out to inspect your stucco damage and talk to you about siding replacement options. Contact us today to get started!
