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Sealing Stucco for Maximum Waterproofing and Long-Lasting Protection

sealing stuccoSealing your new stucco surface is a sage move for several reasons. If correctly done, sealing Stucco Jacksonville FL can provide long-lasting protection from the sun’s damaging rays, preserve the material’s natural look, and of course – vapor permeability. But sealing stucco shouldn’t be done by just anyone. Instead, you should seek out a professional contractor who has experience in this field.

Before you even begin to seal stucco, the surface must be given a good cleaning. Any dirt or mud that was embedded into the material when it was formed should be removed before sealing is applied. Additionally, you may want to give the area an overall cleaning to get rid of any loose particles that were not cleaned up properly during your regular cleaning routine. After the area has been cleaned, you can begin sealing. However, be sure to use only silicone based sealant and to work in small areas until the material has dried completely.

When sealing stucco, it’s a good idea to use both damp and dry sponges to complete the work. Even with the best quality materials, a mixture of wet and dry sponges will yield the best results. Another option for sealing stucco is to use waterproof paint. Waterproof paint can prevent water from penetrating the surface, thus decreasing the amount of moisture that remains on the surface after sealing. As a result, sealing stucco with waterproof paint can also increase its durability and keep it looking fresh for years to come.

A further option for sealing stucco home projects is to use mineral oil as a lubricant. Mineral oil is a natural occurrence in most kitchens, and it acts much like vaseline when applied to surfaces. Once again, be careful to only apply an even coat and to let the mineral oil dry thoroughly between coats. Be sure to wear protective gloves and goggles while applying the oil.

A third option for sealing stucco is to make use of water-based sealants instead of water-soluble ones. Water-based sealants are less likely to become stained, allowing water leaking into the structure to escape without causing any damage. Although effective, water-based sealants can also take several weeks to become fully effective at sealing cracks and tiny moisture gaps. For those situations in which you would prefer immediate results, however, water-soluble sealants are certainly preferable.

If the location of the stucco repairs calls for something more intense than regular dry or water-based sealants, there are a few options. In some cases, particularly where large amounts of water have been discovered inside cracks or crevices, it may be necessary to apply what is known as a damp proof coating to stabilize the area. Damp proof coating comes in many different forms, including newspaper and paint applications, and can be applied to nearly all areas of your home. While it does not repair structural damage of any kind, it will stop water from entering through small cracks and small openings. Damp proof paint can be a more expensive choice for your home than standard waterproof paint, but in situations where it is absolutely necessary to stop water from leaking into the structure of your home, it is often the most practical solution.

Of course, the first step after sealing stucco and repairing areas that may be prone to water leaking is to pay close attention to the warning signs. In most cases, this can be determined by examining your home’s exterior. Examine the stucco directly above or below ground level, looking for discoloration, peeling, or areas of the stucco that appear dull or misshapen. Also look at the surrounding area; does the water leak appear to have a seasonal pattern? If so, you may want to consider sealants for stucco leak repair instead of repairing the damaged areas, as this can prevent leaks from happening at all.

Once you’ve assessed your home’s exterior and found the source of moisture, take action before damage can be done to your home’s interior. For example, if you find small holes or tears in the protective layer of the stucco, seal these areas with a moisture barrier. This is a simple step you can take to protect your home against future water damage, as well as prevent further damage from occurring. For moderate amounts of moisture, waterproofing is an option you may want to consider, especially if the exterior of your home has mildew or is painted with a water-repellant material. However, there are other options that can help seal your stucco surfaces and prevent moisture from seeping into your home’s interior. For example, Epping, a process which uses a heavy-duty epoxy glue, is a popular choice for repairing cracks and small tears in the exterior walls of condominiums, as it not only creates a waterproof barrier, but can also prevent mold and mildew from forming on your condo’s interior.