Is It Time to Replace Your Stucco? How to Inspect Your Home’s Exterior for Damage
In New Mexico, stucco isn’t just an exterior finish—it’s a tradition that has defined the region’s architecture for centuries. Whether you’re driving through the historic adobe-lined streets of Santa Fe or the suburban neighborhoods of Albuquerque, stucco-clad homes are a defining feature of the landscape. But stucco, like all materials, is not immune to the wear and tear brought on by the desert’s intense climate.
As a homeowner, knowing how to inspect your stucco can help you catch problems early, avoiding expensive repairs down the road. At Terrapin Stucco, we frequently help clients decide whether it’s time for a quick fix or a full replacement. The harsh sun, fluctuating temperatures, and occasional heavy rains of New Mexico mean that parts of your stucco—especially parapets, west- and south-facing walls, and areas below canales—are particularly prone to damage. Here’s how you can tell if your stucco is still holding up or if it’s time to consider replacement.
Climate Matters: The Impact of New Mexico’s Weather on Stucco
Stucco was developed to withstand harsh, dry climates like New Mexico’s, but even this robust material has its limits. The intense sun bakes the stucco on west- and south-facing walls, causing it to expand during the day and contract at night. This constant movement weakens the stucco over time, leading to cracking and the eventual infiltration of moisture.
Parapets—those flat, roof-edge walls that are so iconic in Southwestern architecture—are another area that takes a beating. They’re exposed to the elements on all sides, and when cracks form, water can quickly seep in, leading to deeper structural problems. Similarly, canales, which direct water off flat roofs, can become weak points if moisture isn’t properly managed.
How to Tell if You Have Traditional or Synthetic Stucco
Before diving into a full inspection, it’s helpful to know whether your home is finished with traditional or synthetic stucco. Here’s how to tell:
Traditional Stucco is made from Portland cement, sand, and water, sometimes with lime added for flexibility. Its texture is typically rough and uneven, giving homes a rustic, natural look. If you knock on a wall and it feels dense and solid, you likely have traditional stucco.
Synthetic Stucco is made from a mix of polymers and acrylics, offering a smoother, more uniform surface. This type of stucco sometimes has insulation beneath it, so when you tap it, the wall might sound hollow.
If you’re unsure which type you have, a professional can help you identify the material, which is crucial when planning repairs.
Key Warning Signs: What to Look for During an Inspection
Conducting regular inspections of your stucco can help you spot problems before they become major issues. Start by checking the most vulnerable areas of your home, such as parapets, canales, and any walls that face the harsh afternoon sun.
Here are the warning signs you should be on the lookout for:
Cracking: Hairline cracks are common in both traditional and synthetic stucco, but they can also be an early sign of trouble. If you notice these cracks growing wider or spreading, especially along parapets or corners, it’s time to take action.
Efflorescence: A white, powdery residue on the surface of your stucco indicates that moisture has penetrated the material and dissolved salts within it. This moisture can lead to further deterioration of the stucco, particularly in traditional systems.
Discoloration or Staining: Dark spots or streaks on your stucco are often a sign of water infiltration, particularly under canales or where the stucco meets the roofline. This can indicate that the protective layer of stucco has been compromised.
Bulging or Delamination: If parts of your stucco appear to be bulging, peeling away from the wall, or sound hollow when tapped, water may have seeped behind the material. This is a sign that the underlying structure could be at risk.
Internal Damage: What Happens If You Don’t Repair Stucco
Ignoring stucco damage doesn’t just affect your home’s exterior. Once cracks, delamination, or other weaknesses allow moisture to seep in, the problem can spread internally. Moisture trapped inside your walls can lead to mold growth, which poses serious health risks for your family. Over time, this moisture can also cause wood rot in the framing, weakening the structural integrity of your home and requiring costly repairs. In some cases, you may even face damage to electrical systems if water reaches inside your walls.
By addressing exterior stucco issues early, you not only maintain your home’s curb appeal, but you also prevent these internal problems from escalating.
Spotting Previous Repairs: Signs of Quick Fixes
During your inspection, look for any areas that seem out of place. Previous repairs might be more noticeable than you think, especially if improper materials were used. Often, homeowners or contractors patch cracks with materials like silicone, paint, or even roofing cement in an attempt to extend the life of their stucco.
Silicone is frequently used to fill cracks because of its flexibility and water resistance. However, silicone patches tend to stand out against the rough texture of stucco, creating an unsightly finish. Over time, the silicone may also degrade, allowing water to penetrate the area again.
Paint can temporarily mask discoloration or fine cracks, but it doesn’t address the underlying problem. Worse, applying non-breathable paint over stucco can trap moisture, exacerbating any existing damage.
Roofing Cement is sometimes used on parapets or other areas prone to cracking, but it’s a poor match for stucco in the long run. Cement patches tend to crack and deteriorate quickly, and their rigid nature can make them stand out visually, drawing attention to the very problem they were meant to solve.
The Best Fix: Replace Stucco with Stucco
While small patches and quick fixes can buy you some time, they’re rarely a long-term solution. Patching cracks with materials like silicone, cement, or paint often leads to more noticeable problems down the line. As the patched areas weather differently than the rest of your stucco, they become more prominent, creating an unsightly patchwork on your home’s exterior. Worse, these temporary fixes don’t address the underlying issues that caused the cracks in the first place.
In most cases, the best solution is to replace damaged stucco with fresh stucco. This not only restores the aesthetic consistency of your home but also ensures that the integrity of the material is maintained. By addressing the root cause of the damage, you’ll protect your home from further deterioration and ensure long-term durability.
Early Repairs Save Money in the Long Run
One of the most important lessons for homeowners is that early intervention can save you from much larger expenses down the road. Small cracks and damage that are left unchecked can allow moisture to seep in, leading to internal problems like mold, wood rot, and structural damage. By catching these issues early, you can avoid the high cost of major repairs—both inside and out.
Regular Inspections Are Key to Stucco Health
In New Mexico’s intense climate, the exterior of your home faces constant challenges. Regularly inspecting your stucco, especially in high-risk areas like parapets, west-facing walls, and below canales, is crucial to maintaining its longevity. If you spot any signs of damage—whether it’s cracks, efflorescence, or bulging—it’s time to consider professional repairs or replacement.
At Terrapin Stucco, we offer comprehensive stucco inspections, repairs, and full replacements. We’re here to help homeowners across New Mexico protect their homes from the elements, ensuring both beauty and durability for years to come.
For more information or to schedule an inspection, visit terrapinstucco.com or call 505-456-7348. Don’t wait for small problems to turn into big ones—protect your home today.