Got Stucco? Maintenance Tips to Preserve your Houston Home for Years

Stucco Maintenance Tips For Houston Homeowners

Whether you are considering installing stucco on your home or business, or purchasing a property where it already exists, you will need to take care of your walls in order to make sure they last. The good news is, stucco is relatively easy to manage and lasts a 50-100 years with good maintenance. Inspect your stucco every year to see if you find issues that could affect its integrity. By doing this often, you can extend its lifespan and resolve issues before they become major repairs.

Stucco Weep Holes & Weep Screed

Because moisture is a known potential issue with stucco siding, weep holes should be installed to allow for air circulation and moisture drainage behind your wall. If they are already in place, you will be able to find weep holes or weep screed under a window or at the bottom of your wall right above your foundation. If not, you should get them retroactively put in.

Once you locate your weep holes, be sure to check them regularly to see if there is any debris in them that could plug them up. If they are plugged, you can easily clean them out with a pin or wire brush so they can vent. While weep holes are crucial for ventilation they can also be a source for pests to enter your house if not installed properly. Check regularly for pests as well.

How to Remove Stubborn Stucco Stains

Over years of exposure to the elements, your stucco siding can become stained. Most stains are a result of mildew or mold, but can also be caused by leaks in your roof that are spilling onto your walls. Luckily, most stucco stains can be cleaned off with a mild soap and a little scrubbing. For more stubborn stains, a mixture of mild bleach will remove the discoloration. Stains may not pose a problem in terms of damage, but they affect curb appeal in a big way. For instance, you can often fetch a slightly higher selling price or rental rate for your property when it looks new, according to this vacation rental cleaning service.

Be cautious about power washing your stucco. While it may be tempting, high pressure can erode the surface or drive moisture deep behind the walls. If you choose to clean your stucco this way, use a low-pressure setting and the appropriate fan-tip nozzle to avoid damage.

Painting vs. Refinishing Stucco

We are just kidding, there is no comparison between the two. Do not paint your stucco. Paint on your stucco will close off its natural ability to regulate itself. Under your stucco next to your frame is a membrane that prevents moisture from entering your home. Because of this, moisture under the surface and in the wall is forced out externally. Paint seals the pores that stucco vents water through, trapping it inside. This leads to your paint quickly bubbling or flaking off, meaning your low-maintenance wall is now high maintenance. A similar analogy for understanding updates is with your driveway. You would not paint it, but instead refinish it using a method similar to what Nashville Sealcoating recommends.

If you want to change the color of your property, instead of painting, consider having your stucco resurfaced. Resurfacing it will allow for new pigments to be added, and as an additional bonus, it will open up an opportunity for you to address cracks and other issues that might have shown up over time.

In Houston, sun exposure can fade stucco pigments over time. Resurfacing is also a great way to refresh faded walls and give your property a clean, updated look.

Cracks and Holes in Your Stucco

Let’s be honest, those cracks are not going away on their own. While it takes years for them to develop, they only move in one direction, and that is larger. Even small holes potentially allow water in under the surface of your stucco where it can cause mold or mildew problems. Sometimes mold can develop behind your walls where the sun does not regularly heat up to dry moisture out. This will result in a costly expense later when you need a professional mold inspection to determine removal or remediation.

The good news is, cracks are pretty easy to fill. Moreover, there are several advanced DIY products on the market that can help. This spraylock adhesive uses some of the most advanced and earth-friendly adhesive technology for floor and wall applications. So if you find any on your stucco walls, you should get them repaired.

Only use patching materials specifically designed for stucco. Avoid regular caulk or concrete filler as they will not bond properly or flex with your wall as it expands and contracts with temperature changes.

One cause for cracks might be a settling foundation. These are nearly impossible to fix on your own. If you suspect you have foundation repair issues at the root cause, let us come and conduct a free inspection.

Here is a video showing a stucco retaining wall getting repaired:

Stucco and Houston’s Weather: What to Know

Living in Houston means stucco has to stand up to hot, humid summers, periods of heavy rainfall, and even the occasional hurricane. Moisture control and regular inspections are especially important in this climate. We recommend a full stucco inspection at least once a year, and again after major storms.

Sandblasting and Stucco Prep

If your stucco is showing signs of significant staining, has many old layers of finish, or you are preparing for a resurfacing job, sandblasting may be necessary. However, this is not a do-it-yourself job.

We recommend using a professional mobile and dustless sandblasting service in Houston. These pros can remove built-up debris, paint, or contaminants from your stucco without causing the damage that traditional abrasive blasting methods might create. Dustless blasting also reduces airborne particles, which is safer and cleaner, especially in densely populated areas like Houston.

Stucco Maintenance Checklist

Here’s a quick list to help you keep your stucco in top shape:

• Inspect for cracks and holes and fill them early

• Check and clean weep holes to ensure proper drainage

• Watch for mold, mildew, or stains and clean promptly

• Never paint your stucco, resurface instead

• Avoid high-pressure washing

• Schedule annual inspections, especially after storms

• Use only stucco-compatible repair materials

• Monitor fading from sun exposure

• Consider professional sandblasting before resurfacing

• Watch for signs of pest intrusion around vents and weep holes

🛠 Practical Stucco Maintenance Recommendations

If you’re managing stucco maintenance, see this handy display:

Need Professional Stucco Help in Houston?

If you would like a consultation about an existing stucco wall, or a potential one, A-Best Foundation would love to hear from you. We have years of experience repairing, installing, and refinishing stucco surfaces of all types. And if you want to use our services, all of our work is covered by a warranty. Call us today: 713-714-0015

Frequently Asked Stucco Questions

How to properly maintain stucco?

Inspect your stucco annually for cracks, stains, and moisture damage. Clean the surface as needed with mild soap, and avoid using high-pressure washers. Keep weep holes clear, and never paint stucco. Instead, resurface it when a color or finish update is needed.

How often do you need to seal stucco?

Traditional cement stucco does not typically need sealing, but in high-moisture areas like Houston, a breathable water-repellent sealant can be applied every five to seven years. Always use products designed specifically for stucco to avoid trapping moisture inside.

How to make stucco last longer?

Preventative care is key. Inspect it yearly, fix cracks promptly, clean stains when they appear, and avoid painting. Proper drainage, including clean weep holes and moisture barriers, will significantly increase your stucco’s longevity. Stucco can last 50 years or more with proper care.

How often should stucco be cleaned?

Stucco should be cleaned at least once a year to remove dirt, mold, and stains, especially in humid climates. Use a gentle method such as a soft-bristle brush or low-pressure rinse with mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals or high-pressure washing.