Protect Your Stucco Exterior In Cold Weather

Stucco exterior on a house
  • 1-8 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 0-500

Stucco is subject to shrinkage and swelling when the temperature changes. The trick to stucco is making sure that it is kept dry and that excess moisture is not permitted to build up inside the stucco. If moisture is allowed to penetrate the stucco, it will damage the surface as the moisture freezes and expands, causing cracks.

Apply Heat

stucco exterior

On days when the weather is turning or about to turn cold, you may attempt to apply heat to the stucco exterior to keep moisture from invading the stucco. A blow dryer or commercial blower you can rent from an equipment-leasing store or home improvement center can provide sources of heat. The tool you use to heat the stucco depends on the size of the area requiring heat.

Ideally, heat application should take place prior to the onset of cold and not after. The purpose of applying heat is to prevent any moisture from exploiting cracks or holes in the stucco.

Perform Routine Maintenance

On a regular basis during the warmer months, you should check the stucco to see if there are any cracks or exposed areas where water or moisture may get in. Seal any exposed area you come across with a stucco patch. If you are not sure about how to apply additional stucco to seal an exposed area, contract an exterior painting company or professional.