Revamping Your Home Exterior: Modern Stucco Remediation Techniques and Trends

Explore modern stucco remediation techniques and trends for revamping your home exterior. Discover innovative methods to enhance curb appeal and protect your home from weather damage.

There's nothing quite as beautiful or with as much curb appeal as having a flawless-looking home with a beautiful exterior design. If you’ve done all you can for your home but are left with an unsightly stucco finish, you have choices. Fortunately, homeowners can revamp their homes and give them the gorgeous look they deserve with stucco remediation. Even better? There are modern techniques and trends that make it faster, easier, and more affordable than ever before — all while giving that ideal exterior upgrade you’re longing for. 

Difference Between Stucco Repair and Remediation at a Glance 

Firstly, it can be helpful to understand exactly what stucco remediation is and what it’s not. Stucco is such a unique material, combined with many different elements that result in a gorgeous, unique textured finish. However, like everything that comes with a home, it may not be perfect. Stucco repair can come into play when there are surface imperfections, holes, or patching needed. This is something that people may choose to DIY or may hire a pro to do.

Stucco remediation, on the other hand, goes deeper. This process involves looking at the full construction of the stucco itself and working to correct underlying issues. The culprit of the stucco problems in some situations is incorrect installation or root causes, so there is more work to be done. Essentially, stucco repair focuses on the more minor issues, while remediation is more in-depth and needs to correct underlying issues. Because it’s more involved, it’s a process that many people trust professionals to do rather than attempting it on their own. 

The Process & Steps Involved in Stucco Remediation Today  

There are a number of different components of the process and different things professionals can do to correct a defective stucco installation. Since it’s more demanding than minor repairs, many homeowners hire professional contractors to do the job. In general, the process follows a few basic steps, which include an initial assessment, removal of damaged stucco and other home materials (if needed), and repairs to the structure. Then the new stucco is reapplied, final touches are made, and clean up is done. 

Traditional Stucco Application 

The actual application, though, can be done in a few different ways. One of the classic ways is called stucco lathe. This is a traditional method that involves using a mesh base as the stucco is applied to the surface. The mesh can be done in different arrangements and gauges. This is a popular method that can result in a truly beautiful look. 

Stucco Trowel Techniques

Stucco remediation can also involve techniques using trowels. This application can result in multiple different finishes depending on how it is applied. It can be done to create a smooth finish with minimal marks or grooves once the applicatio is done. It can also be done with swirling, using a trowel followed by stippling, or other methods to create the desired look. Since the application of stucco typically requires three coats, a trowel coat may also be used in other stucco techniques as a mid-layer.

Some pros also prefer this method not only because of its attractive end result but also because of the more streamlined clean-up process. 

Sand Finish Stucco Trend

Another beautiful option for stucco application during remediation is a sand finish. This involves using a  special type of trowel (called a float trowel) during the final stucco coat and dipping it into water to finish the application. This results in a fine, sandy finish that is smooth yet textured. The float trowel can also be used to create a similar smoother finish but without the fine sandy layer, known as a float finish. 

Stucco Technique With Embedded Texture (Roughcast or Dash Finish)

The roughcast technique involves adding additional materials to the stucco to create a truly unique look and feel. This could include pebbles or other materials and a slightly rougher final look. Some homeowners prefer this design because it brings to mind a more natural look. 

Creative Cat Face Finish 

This style creates dark and light areas and a combination of smooth and texture finishes, resulting in a medium amount of texture with a unique look. It’s a popular combination style for those who want the look of a slight pattern. 

Spanish Lace Stucco Look 

The Spanish lace stucco application has a semi-smooth finish with underlying grooves and patterns. The result is a design that gives the appearance of heavy layers of lace. Many people prefer this application trend because it’s easy to repair small imperfections if they show up over time. 

Other Stucco Texturing Techniques and Trends

Because stucco is so versatile in terms of personalization, the sky is really the limit when it comes to more individualistic designs. Installers can apply it with brushes, sponges, combs, and other items. Different textures can be created either by hand or by spraying on the final stucco coat. When you choose professional stucco remediation, you can get a brand-new look on the exterior of your home and fall in love with where you live all over again.

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