Alright, let's talk stucco redashing. I get a lot of calls from homeowners here in San Diego, and redashing is a topic that comes up a lot. It's a great way to refresh your home's exterior without going for a full-blown re-stucco, but there's a lot of confusion out there. I'm going to hit you with the most common questions I hear and give you the straight scoop, no marketing fluff.
What exactly *is* stucco redashing? Is it the same as re-stucco?
No, they're not the same, and it's a common point of confusion. Think of redashing as a facelift for your stucco. It's when we apply a fresh, thin finish coat of stucco right over your existing, structurally sound stucco. We clean and prep the old surface, fix any minor cracks or flaws, and then put on that new topcoat. It's a way to give your place a totally new look and some extra protection without the huge cost or mess of tearing everything off.
A full re-stucco, on the other hand, is a much bigger job. That's when we're talking about replacing the entire system – new moisture barrier, new coats, new finish. You'd do that if your underlying stucco is severely deteriorated, has widespread cracking, or if there are significant moisture issues. Redashing is for when the existing stucco is in good shape underneath, but the finish is just worn, faded, or dated.
How long does stucco redashing usually take for a San Diego home?
This really depends on the size and complexity of your house. For most homes, we're usually talking about a few days to a week. It's not an instant job, but it's definitely quicker and less disruptive than a full re-stucco. We've got to properly prep the surface, let things dry, and then apply the new finish. We always plan our exterior projects around good weather conditions, because stucco materials won't set right if it's raining.
What kind of prep work is involved before you redash?
Preparation is key, and honestly, it's where a lot of contractors cut corners. We don't. First, we do a thorough inspection of your existing stucco to make sure it's a suitable base for redashing. We're looking for any structural issues. Then, we power wash the surface to get rid of all the dirt, grime, mildew, and loose particles. We'll patch any minor cracks or imperfections to create a smooth, clean canvas. If your stucco has been painted before, we might need to do some extra work to ensure proper adhesion. Sometimes, if the old paint is peeling or flaking, we'll need to remove it to let the walls breathe.
Will redashing fix all my stucco cracks?
Redashing is great for cosmetic issues. It can definitely seal up small, hairline cracks and minor imperfections, which helps prevent moisture from getting in. However, if you've got bigger cracks – I'm talking about anything wider than 1/8 inch, or cracks where you can fit a credit card – those need to be repaired properly *before* redashing. Those larger cracks can indicate underlying issues, and just redashing over them won't solve the problem. We'll assess those during the prep phase and make sure they're handled correctly by patching them up.
Do I need a permit for stucco redashing in San Diego?
For simple redashing (re-stucco) projects, where you're just applying a new finish coat and not making structural changes or extensive removals, you typically need a