Stucco Repair: How Much Does It Cost?

Highlights

• The cost to repair stucco typically falls between $599 and $2,559, while the national average price sits at $1,552.
• The exact cost of stucco repair will depend on the size of the home, the location and extent of the damage, the type of stucco, the type of repair, the cost of labor, and the home’s geographic location.
• A homeowner may need to look into stucco repair if they see long, thin cracks; staining or buckling; chipping or crumbling; indentations or soft spots; or gapping around the windows.
• Handy homeowners may be able to tackle a minor stucco repair themselves, but extensive damage is best left to a professional to fix.

Stucco is a type of construction material that is typically seen on exterior walls and interior ceilings. It’s usually made of a mix of sand, cement, lime, and water, though it may also have a mix of additives, such as fibers or synthetic acrylics, to help strengthen the material and increase flexibility. Stucco can be applied in a variety of styles, and many homeowners choose stucco over paying for vinyl siding costs or other types of house siding costs to give the exterior of their home a more unique look.

However, stucco can start to crack, shrink, or crumble. When this occurs, the homeowner can attempt a simple stucco repair DIY job with a stucco repair kit from a local home improvement store. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that this is a good option only if the damage is relatively limited. Significant stucco crack repair should be carried out by professional stucco repair companies that have the knowledge, experience, and training to handle the job.

According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the typical cost to repair stucco wall cracks and other damage ranges from $599 to $2,559, while the average cost of stucco repair is about $1,552. Homeowners can use this guide to learn more about the factors that can affect stucco repair cost in order to put together an accurate budget for this repair project.

Factors in Calculating Stucco Repair Cost

There are several primary factors that homeowners will want to consider when coming up with an approximate budget to cover the cost of stucco repair. These include the size of the home, the location and severity of the damage, the type of stucco, repair type, local labor rates, and geographic location. Homeowners can discover more about concrete and stucco repair to answer the question, “how much does stucco repair cost?”

Home Size

The size of the home is one of the main factors for homeowners to take into consideration when planning a stucco repair project because it directly relates to the cost of the repair. The larger the home, the more stucco there is to inspect and work on, increasing the labor costs and material costs for the job. Additionally, stucco repairs will typically cost less on single-story homes because the contractors won’t need to worry about accessing a second or third story on the exterior of the building.

Similarly, the home’s structure can influence the cost of the repairs. It will generally cost more to put stucco over walls that are made of wood substrates than it would to apply stucco to concrete or other masonry materials. This is because wood walls tend to need a base layer (also called a scratch coat) before stucco can be added, while masonry walls do not.

Location and Extent of Damage

The location of the damaged stucco can also affect the overall cost of this project. Cracks or holes located on the main level of the home, just a few feet from the ground, are easy to access, but if the damage extends up to the second or third story of the home, the repair professionals will likely need ladders and possibly scaffolding to safely access the damaged area. This takes extra time, increasing the labor costs, and may also include additional fees associated with working at heights.

The extent of the damage can significantly alter the budget for the project. On average, stucco repairs cost about $60 to $120 per square foot. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that this measurement only refers to the damaged area, so if the damage is limited to a relatively small section of the home, the cost will be lower than if there is widespread damage. The costs for different repair sizes are as follows.

Stucco Type

Stucco is available in two main types, differentiated by the composition and construction process. The two types are synthetic stucco and traditional stucco.

• Synthetic stucco is made with acrylic and is commonly used with an exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS). This is essentially a base layer made of foam insulation board, which is then coated with a premixed synthetic stucco. The stucco layer is topped with fiberglass mesh or wire before a final coat of synthetic stucco is applied. While synthetic stucco lasts longer than traditional stucco, it also costs about $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot, which is about five times the cost of traditional stucco.
• Traditional stucco is a more affordable option that is heavier, stronger, and better at keeping moisture out of the home. This type of stucco is made from cement, sand, lime, and water. The mixture is then applied in three coats over a lath base (which includes water-resistant paper and wire) or a piece of fiberglass or wire mesh—this gives the stucco a base to which it can stick. Homeowners can expect to pay about $0.05 to $0.10 per square foot for traditional stucco.

Repair Type

If repairing the damage is relatively straightforward, such as fixing a small crack or filling a small hole, an experienced DIYer may be able to handle the work without calling in a professional. However, for more serious issues, it’s a good idea for a homeowner to hire a stucco repair company with the appropriate tools, knowledge, and skills to complete the repair.

The cost of the stucco repair project can be affected by the type of repair necessary to restore the stucco siding, walls, or ceilings of the home. For instance, it may only cost about $30 on average to add caulking to a window gap, but it can cost $30 to $50 per square foot to repair water-damaged stucco properly. Homeowners will want to consider the type of repair and work with the stucco repair contractor to come up with a project timeline and a budget for this job.

Labor

When a homeowner hires a professional stucco repair company, it’s important for them to recognize that the longer the job takes, the higher the cost of the repair due to the hourly labor rate of the contractor. On average, stucco repair professionals will charge about $40 to $50 per hour to fix damaged stucco siding, walls, or ceilings.

However, not every company operates using an hourly rate for labor. Some stucco repair companies prefer to price each repair job based on the square footage of the project. This means that the homeowner will receive a fixed estimate for the work with an approximate cost of about $60 to $120 per square foot, depending on the type of repairs. Before a homeowner hires a stucco repair company, it’s recommended that they verify which method of pricing the company uses to help select the right stucco repair company for the job.

Geographic Location

Stucco repairs, like most services, will vary in cost based on the geographic location of the home. This can be due to specific material costs and shipping fees, though the difference in stucco repair costs is primarily a result of supply and demand. The more people there are who require stucco repair services, the higher the standard rate for this work.

Similarly, if there are a high number of stucco repair companies but a low demand for this service, the rate for this work will likely be less expensive. Typically, areas with a high population density, such as a major city, will have higher stucco repair costs, while more rural locations with a low population density will have lower stucco repair costs. Some examples of costs to repair stucco homes in various cities are as follows.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Exterior stucco repair costs can vary depending on several primary factors, but there are also a few additional costs for homeowners to consider when planning this project, including inspection costs, painting costs, and stucco cleaning costs. Homeowners can keep the project on budget and avoid any costly surprises by learning more about these extra costs.

Inspection

Inspections generally take place before the stucco repair starts. The stucco repair professional will head to the home to assess the damage, plan for the repairs, and work with the homeowner on the next steps to resolve the issue. They may also be able to provide a cost estimate for the stucco repair work, though it’s a good idea for a homeowner to get this estimate in writing before putting too much stock in this pricing.

A stucco inspection will typically cost about $100 to $500 on average. Not all stucco repairs will require an inspection. For instance, minor holes in the stucco siding, like those caused by a nail, screw, or even an enthusiastic woodpecker, will be relatively easy to fix without the need for an inspection. With this in mind, it’s important for homeowners to communicate the issue clearly when booking an initial appointment.

Painting

After the stucco is patched, caulked, or otherwise repaired, the patched area may stand out from the surrounding stucco. Therefore, when discussing the repairs with the contractor, it’s worth homeowners asking if the contractor can add color to the finishing coat to tint the stucco siding, walls, or ceiling.

Stucco is not usually painted directly, so most DIYers won’t take on this part of the work unless they are experienced with the process of how to paint stucco. Instead, they’ll want to set aside a budget of about $1.50 to $4 per square foot to paint the stucco the ideal color. Alternatively, the homeowner may decide to have the entire exterior stucco surface painted for about $2,250 to $6,000 to achieve a smooth, uniform appearance. A professional will know the best exterior paint for stucco and can help ensure the paint job lasts.

Stucco Cleaning

It’s inadvisable to clean stucco until it has had enough time to fully set, dry, and cure. After application, stucco will take several hours to set and dry, but it can take up to 28 days to fully cure. Additionally, new stucco will need to be periodically sprayed with a water mist for the first 48 to 72 hours to ensure it doesn’t crack or crumble as it cures.

Once the stucco has cured, the homeowner may decide to clean the exterior of the home to wash away any dirt or debris and restore the color of the stucco. Some DIYers may be able to handle this maintenance task without professional help, but homeowners who aren’t sure how to safely clean stucco without damaging it can typically expect to pay about $325 to $475 for professional stucco cleaning services.

Types of Stucco Repair

The cost to repair stucco siding, walls, or even interior ceilings depends on the type of stucco repair. Repairing some types of damage doesn’t take a lot of time or material, such as caulking or filling holes, making it more affordable to fix than more widespread damage or complex repairs, such as foundation repair or water-damage repairs. Homeowners can take a look at the following common types of stucco repairs to help determine the approximate cost to repair stucco siding, walls, or ceilings.

Board Siding Repair

One of the easier issues to fix is damage to the stucco siding boards on the exterior of the home. The DIYer or the professional stucco repair contractor can replace each stucco siding board at an average cost of about $30 per panel. If the homeowner hires a stucco repair professional to handle this work, it will also cost an additional $40 to $50 per hour for the labor involved with the repair.

Also, it’s important for homeowners to note that the cost of this fix may increase depending on the location of the damage. If the damaged stucco siding board is located on the second or third floor, then it will take more time and effort to access, driving up the cost of labor. There may also be fees associated with working on a ladder or scaffolding.

Caulking

The least expensive repair is filling minor cracks in the stucco walls, ceiling, or foundation with waterproof caulking. This fix takes minutes to complete and costs about $30 on average. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that larger cracks cannot be properly repaired with this method. Caulking is only used for cracks that are less than 1/16 of an inch in width.

This repair is commonly used to fix minor gaps around windows, door frames, and other joints, which can appear as a result of the stucco shrinking over time. Due to the simplicity of the repair, many DIYers will be able to handle this work without calling in a stucco repair professional.

Ceiling Repair

Stucco isn’t limited to the exterior of the home. Many houses, condos, and apartments have stucco ceilings with a variety of design finishes, like the traditional popcorn-style ceiling. If there is a hole in the stucco ceiling, this could be an indication of a more serious issue, such as a leak or structural problems. In this case, it’s best for a homeowner to speak to a plumber or a foundation repair professional for help addressing the root cause of the problem.

However, if the stucco ceiling has a hole from an accident, like someone hitting the ceiling with a curtain rod during installation, this repair can be completed with relative ease by a stucco repair professional. Homeowners will want to be prepared to spend about $115 to $350 to patch a hole in a stucco ceiling.

Chimney Repair

Chimneys are designed to carry smoke out of the home and release it into the air, allowing the homeowner to build a fire in the fireplace without smoke building up inside the home. However, when a stucco chimney develops cracks, holes, or structural problems, the smoke can seep through the chimney and back into the home.

If the homeowner notices that the stucco chimney is damaged, it’s recommended that they hire a stucco repair company to assess the damage, suggest next steps, and complete any necessary repairs. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that this is one of the more expensive stucco repair jobs, which can cost about $60 to $120 per square foot on average.

Cracks

The most common problem to occur with stucco siding, walls, or ceilings is the appearance of cracks. When stucco shrinks or shifts, it can crack, opening up potential vulnerabilities in the exterior of the home, which can in turn lead to moisture accumulation, water damage, and pest infestations. Simple cracks that measure no more than 1/16 inch wide can be patched with caulking.

Cracks that are wider than 1/16 inch will need to be patched by a knowledgeable DIYer with a repair kit or fixed by a stucco repair professional at a cost of about $8 to $20 per square foot. Multiple cracks in the stucco may be related to a larger problem, such as existing water damage or a shifting foundation. If a homeowner suspects a more serious issue, they’ll want to speak to the stucco repair professional about potential options to assess the situation.

Discoloration

The color of the exterior stucco can fade or take on a different hue due to water damage, algae growth, mold, dirt, and other debris. This discolored stucco is typically referred to as weeping stucco. DIYers that have experience using a pressure washer on a low setting should be able to remove most of the discoloration for the cost of the cleaning solution.

However, there is a risk that the stucco could be damaged by the pressure washer, so it may be best for a homeowner to hire a professional stucco cleaner to restore the color for about $100 or around $1 to $5 per square foot. This will ensure that the stucco surface is properly cleaned without the risk of damaging the material.

Foundation Repair

It will typically cost about $8 to $30 per square foot for a stucco repair professional to fill holes in the foundation, patch cracks, or otherwise fix the damaged stucco foundation. These repairs can generally be completed without a lot of time and effort. However, it’s worth homeowners noting that foundation damage can be caused by underlying issues, such as moisture accumulation or mold growth.

If the underlying issue is not resolved, then the foundation repair is essentially an aesthetic bandage that covers up the problem. Left alone, the issue is likely to continue, causing future damage to the stucco foundation and leading to expensive repair costs. Homeowners can avoid this scenario by speaking to their stucco repair professional about methods for assessing and fixing the root cause of the problem.

Holes

Minor holes left behind by a nail, screw, or construction staples can be fixed with relative ease. DIYers simply need to fill the hole with waterproof caulk and give it enough time to dry and fully cure. Similarly, small holes made by insects, birds, or other animals can typically be patched with the same method or by using a DIY patch kit, which costs about $35.

Midsize holes in stucco siding or walls can also be fixed by an experienced DIYer for about $100 to $500 if they have the skill and knowledge to prepare the walls and apply a new layer of stucco. However, repairing more serious holes will require the help of a stucco repair professional. This work will cost about $250 to $450 per hole, depending on the extent of the damage.

Recoating

Adding a topcoat of stucco over an old or slightly worn wall can greatly improve the aesthetic appearance of the home. This type of repair is called recoating, and it typically costs between $4 to $5 per square foot. Given that the cost of painting the exterior of a stucco home ranges from $2,250 to $6,000, recoating the stucco is worth considering.

However, recoating is not a suitable method for fixing large cracks and holes in the stucco, so if there are significant problems with the existing stucco siding or walls, then it’s recommended that homeowners speak to a stucco repair professional about the best method for addressing these issues.

Stucco Removal

When the stucco seems beyond repair, the homeowner may choose to remove the existing stucco and simply start over from the bare walls of the home. Stucco removal companies will remove the exterior stucco from the entire home for about $900 to $1,200 on average.

Alternatively, the homeowner may only need a small portion of the stucco removed in order to patch the area. This service will cost about $1 to $3 per square foot. For DIYers who choose to remove the stucco on their own, it’s necessary to point out that there may also be junk removal costs to consider, which range from about $100 to $600 for construction debris.

Water-Damage Repair

Water-damaged stucco can take a significant amount of time, effort, and material to repair. Homeowners will want to plan on spending about $30 to $50 per square foot, which includes the cost to install a vapor barrier, apply sealants, and repair the water-damaged stucco. While this repair is costly on its own, it’s also important to find the source of the water damage to prevent it from happening again in the future.

Water damage can be caused when moisture seeps through cracks and holes in the stucco, allowing the moisture to gradually accumulate inside the walls. It can also be a result of a leak in the home, foundation issues, or improper drainage. If the problem is not fixed, it can lead to more serious problems and expensive repairs.

Do I Need Stucco Repair?

Homeowners who just purchased a new home with stucco walls or those who have simply never had to deal with the stucco exterior may not know how to identify when the stucco needs to be repaired. Those who aren’t sure whether the stucco is in good condition or if it needs repairs will want to check for some common signs of damage, including cracks, water stains, chips, indentations, and gapping around the windows.

Long, Thin Cracks

A common issue that occurs with stucco siding, walls, and ceilings is the appearance of long, thin cracks. Small, minor cracks that measure less than 1/16 of an inch in width can be patched by a DIYer with waterproof caulking, but larger, more obvious cracks will often require a patch kit or the help of a stucco repair professional to fix.

Cracks in stucco don’t always point to larger problems. Sometimes these cracks can occur as a result of the material settling over the course of several months. However, in some cases, water damage or foundation issues may be causing the cracks to form, so homeowners won’t want to ignore these potential underlying causes.

Staining or Buckling

Discoloration and staining may be due to the ongoing exposure to rain, wind, dirt, and debris, but it could also be caused by water damage, leaks, moisture accumulation, moss, or mold growth. For instance, if a portion of the stucco seems to have a damp appearance multiple days after the last rainfall, then this may be a sign of a stucco water intrusion.

Water penetration can be due to poor initial installation or an issue with the repair. This can lead to the stucco buckling, which is essentially when the stucco separates at a crack or hole and begins to pull away from the wall, leaving sharp edges and ridges in the material. Homeowners will want to seek immediate help from a stucco repair professional if the stucco surface starts to buckle or there is noticeable staining.

Chipping or Crumbling

Stucco can become chipped from impact damage, such as if a ball is thrown at the side of the home, but it may also chip and crumble due to age, stress, pest infestations, foundation settling, water damage, or improper installation. For this reason, it’s recommended for homeowners to speak to a stucco repair professional to inspect chipping or crumbling stucco as soon as possible.

The repair professional will be able to help the homeowner identify the reason the stucco is chipping or crumbling, as well as provide information to help decide on the next steps to take. If the stucco is damaged over a widespread area due to aging, then the best option may be to remove the existing stucco and replace it with new stucco. However, if the stucco was only chipped because someone hit the wall with a hard object, the fix may be as easy as patching the chipped stucco.

Indentations or Soft Spots

It would be unreasonable to expect homeowners to go around feeling every inch of the stucco exterior for indentations or soft spots, so this sign that the stucco needs to be repaired can be difficult to notice without a little bit of luck. An indentation or soft spot in the stucco is typically a sign of water damage, which can be caused by water seeping through existing cracks, improper installation, or an unseen leak inside the home. If the homeowner happens to notice an indentation or soft spot in the stucco, it’s important for them to find the underlying cause of the damage in order to prevent this problem from happening in the future.

Gapping Around Windows

Gaps around the windows, doors, and other joints are a sign that the stucco exterior is not fully sealed against water intrusion. DIYers can typically handle this repair by filling the gaps with waterproof caulking, though larger cracks may need to be fixed by a stucco repair professional.

Additionally, gapping around these openings could indicate that water has already seeped into the walls, so it’s necessary for homeowners to inspect the windows, doors, and other joints for any signs of water damage or mold growth, such as swelling, discoloration, and rot. Unfortunately, if there is damage, the homeowner will need to pay to have the damaged material replaced or repaired.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional 

Stucco patch repair can be undertaken by a knowledgeable DIYer with the appropriate tools and materials to complete the job—especially one who already knows how to repair stucco. This is a good way to fix minor issues without needing to pay for a professional to assess and repair the damage. However, while saving money on stucco repair costs is ideal, some types of damage are likely beyond the skills and abilities of the average DIYer. This can be due to the type of damage, or it may be because of the scope of the damage to the stucco material.

If the damage to the stucco is too severe or widespread, it’s best for homeowners to call a crew of trained stucco repair professionals to inspect the situation, suggest next steps, and make repairs to the stucco material. These professionals work with stucco on an almost-daily basis, and they have the tools and training to complete most stucco repairs without a problem. Additionally, stucco repair professionals are trained to work on ladders or scaffolding, allowing them to safely reach exterior stucco located on the second or third stories of a home. It’s recommended that homeowners hire a crew of professionals to fix the stucco siding, walls, or ceiling if the damage is beyond their ability to patch or repair.

How to Save Money

Stucco siding can have several different design styles, giving homes a unique appearance. But when cracks start to appear in the stucco or the material shrinks over time, creating gaps around the windows, a homeowner will need to put together a budget for stucco assessment and repairs. Given that stucco repairs can cost $599 to $2,559 on average, it’s important to find ways to save on the cost of stucco repairs. Consider these options to keep the repair costs low and to reduce the overall cost of this maintenance project.

• Choose affordable materials. Using traditional stucco over synthetic stucco can help reduce the material costs for the repair.
• Get quotes from multiple companies. It’s recommended to research and get quotes from at least three reputable stucco repair companies to ensure that you are getting a fair price for the work.
• DIY minor damage. Instead of paying a stucco repair professional, experienced DIYers can typically patch small cracks and holes themselves.
• Don’t ignore underlying issues. If the stucco is cracked or has water damage, it may be due to an ongoing leak or foundation issues. Homeowners should fix the underlying problem as soon as possible to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Questions to Ask About Stucco Repair

Basic stucco repairs can typically be completed by an experienced DIYer equipped with a patch kit. However, when it comes to more complex or widespread issues, it’s best to leave the job to a professional to ensure that the work is completed properly. Despite hiring a crew of professionals to repair the stucco, it’s a good idea for homeowners to find out more about the company, the repair process, warranties, guarantees, and pricing. Homeowners can consider the following list of key questions to ask the contractor or stucco repair company about professional stucco repair.

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• How long has the company been in business?
• Do you have any references I can contact?
• What is the estimated cost of the project?
• Can I get the estimate in writing?
• Do you charge an hourly labor rate or per square foot?
• What kind of stucco compound will you use?
• What type of surface is it applied on?
• Are any special tools or equipment required for this work?
• What is the timeline for completing this repair?
• What is the process you follow for stucco repair work?
• What kind of issues can occur during a stucco repair?
• Do you offer a warranty for the work?
• Are there underlying issues that need to be addressed?
• Is there an inspection fee?
• Do you offer recoating, cleaning, or painting services?

FAQs

When homeowners are planning a new maintenance or repair project for the home, it’s a good idea for them to learn as much as possible about the materials, costs, repair process, and any safety concerns. This information can help them choose the best repair company for the job, as well as provide a basis for putting together a project budget. Homeowners can learn more about stucco repair work with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

Q. Can stucco be repaired?

Cracks, holes, and even crumbling stucco, both inside and outside the home, can be repaired. In fact, many minor issues can be fixed by DIYers with minimal effort. More serious problems can be patched or repaired by stucco repair professionals for about $599 to $2,559 on average.

Q. Is it better to repair or replace stucco?

Whether it is better to repair or replace the stucco depends on the extent of the damage and the age of the stucco. Typically, stucco can last for about 50 to 100 years with proper maintenance, so if most of the stucco is still in decent condition, then it’s more cost-effective to repair the material. However, if there is severe mold, algae, or structural damage, then it may be cheaper to replace the stucco.

Q. Can stucco be applied to existing stucco?

Stucco can be applied to existing stucco, though it isn’t as simple as adding a new layer over the top of an existing layer. Instead, the existing stucco may need to be sandblasted, lathed, and then repaired before a new layer of stucco can be applied.

Q. How long does stucco repair take?

Depending on the severity of the damage, stucco repairs will typically take about 4 to 12 hours to complete. However, the material will also require time to dry, set, and cure. Extensive damage may take as long as 2 or more days to properly repair.

Q. How long does stucco last?

Stucco has a long life when it is properly maintained. New stucco can last between 50 to 100 years with regular maintenance and minor repairs to small cracks and holes. However, discoloration may set in earlier, prompting the homeowner to update the color.

Q. What happens if stucco is not repaired?

When damaged stucco isn’t repaired properly or is simply ignored, it can lead to the damage spreading over a wider area. Cracks can grow across the stucco wall, and holes can become easy-access points for invading insects and rodents. It’s important to deal with stucco issues as soon as possible to help reduce the amount spent on repairs.

Q. What is the biggest problem with stucco?

The biggest issue with stucco is that it’s difficult to install. If stucco is not properly applied during the initial installation or stucco repair, then the material may not adhere to the base structure, leaving gaps between the layers of the wall. These gaps can accumulate moisture, leading to water damage, mold growth, and algae problems that may require the full replacement of the stucco to adequately resolve.

Q. How long does stucco take to set?

It typically takes several hours for stucco to dry to the touch, but it can take much longer for it to fully cure and set. After installation, homeowners should keep a close eye on stucco and follow the directions provided by the installer or repair professional. Expect it to take between 60 to 90 days for the stucco to fully cure and set.

Q. Does stucco require a lot of maintenance?

With regular maintenance, stucco walls can last for over 50 years without needing to be replaced. Simply keep the stucco walls washed with a garden hose or a pressure washer set on low, and patch any small cracks or holes. Beyond these minor tasks, it’s also important to address issues as soon as you notice them to prevent more serious problems in the future. Learn how to maintain stucco to keep it looking its best for longer.

Q. How do I know if my stucco needs repair?

There are many signs that indicate the stucco needs to be repaired including cracks in the material, staining, mold or moss growth, holes, chips, indentations, soft spots, impact damage, and crumbling stucco. If you notice any of these issues, it’s recommended to speak to a stucco repair professional about fixing the stucco.

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Fixr, Inside & Out Property Inspectors

 

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