It is always very important to have knowledge of stucco column repair, as this would help you make the best possible decisions when you want to fix your stucco mailbox. Usually, when stucco is installed very well, it can last for as long as possible, but when you start seeing cracks, know that it is time to repair it before the damage worsens.
So, in the coming paragraphs, we will be delving deep into all you need to do regarding stucco mailbox repairs.
Stucco Materials
The first thing you have to consider is all the material that you will need to adequately fix the stucco cracks. Here is what you will need.
- Bonding agent, preferably acrylic
- Cement
- Hydrated Lime
- Damp Mason’s sand
The materials named above would be for the first coat. Then the materials for the second coat would be as follows
- Aggregate sand for concrete
- Acrylic bonding agent
- Hydrated lime
- Portland cement
Then the steps to make the stucco recipe are as follows
- Mix the dry ingredients and blend them
- Put bonding agent, add water, and mix until butter consistency
- After you have added water, use it in less than 90 minutes, or it will start getting hard.
Precautions
As you do this, ensure that you take note of the weather very well, as extreme colds mess up stucco. Additionally, windy and dry weather would suck out the water from the mix, making it hard to reach that perfect consistency. Thus, the best temp is a nighttime temperature above 40 degrees.
Also, note that you are working with caustic alkalis, which can cause burns. Thus, ensure to wear gloves and mix the recipe with tools and never your actual hands. In case of emergence, keep a bucket of clean water to dilute and remove splashes of the mixture if it touches your skin.
Remember that when you are repairing old stucco, no matter what you do, the new stucco will not match the color of the old stucco column. So it is always best to add a coat to finish it off. You could use concrete paint, lime washes, or mineral paints. Whatever one you use ensures it is tolerant to alkaline and is water vapor permeable.
Steps to fix the stucco column
After you have adhered to the precautions above and made the stucco recipe, follow these steps.
- Remove the old stucco from the mailbox. You can use a hammer or chisel and be sure not to destroy the underlying structure.
- Chip the edges away.
- Use builder’s paper to cover the exposed underlying structures. Use nails to hold it in place.
- Put the mesh on top of the paper.
- Mix the stucco. Make sure you do this as close as possible to the 4th step, so the mix doesn’t dry up.
- Put the stucco by slinging it towards the exposed mesh
- Scratch the first stucco coat and put plastic tape over it. This is to improve strength with the second coat.
- After seven days, remove the tape and put on the second coat. Add plastic tape over it and wait for three days.
- After three days, remove the tap and add the final coat.
- Wait for the coat to dry up and paint it. Then your stucco column repair is complete.
Additional Details Realted to Stone Mailboxes