Whether you’re building a brand-new home or have to repair damage to your existing siding, you may find yourself wondering, “How long does stucco take to dry?” As a leading provider of stucco repair in Las Cruces, NM, we at Engel Coatings Inc. know how to apply and treat this material so it enhances your home’s exterior.
Learn all about the application and drying process in this guide, along with the benefits of using stucco siding for your property.
Before we dive into the curing time for a stucco project, it’s important to understand this material and its uses. While some homes feature brick exteriors or vinyl siding, other property owners want a more versatile option.
A stucco exterior remains popular among homeowners throughout the Southwest because it can withstand the area’s extreme weather conditions. You won’t have to worry about the surface wearing due to direct sunlight or high heat. Best of all, you can make your home stand out from the rest by painting it a color of your choosing once the surface dries.
Made from a mixture of Portland cement, sand, limestone, and water, this material coats houses and commercial buildings as a paste that hardens over time. For extra character, contractors can apply it in such a way that a rougher texture forms once it cures.
Is it the right choice for the exterior of your home? With the proper maintenance, your siding can last up to 50 years and provide superior protection. Consult professional contractors if you want to reap all the advantages of this go-to choice for home siding.
How long does stucco take to dry? Before answering that question, we should note that the drying and curing process can’t begin until experts finish applying it, which requires the completion of several distinct steps. Discover what each phase entails and why it’s an important aspect of your home improvement project.
Slathering a cement-like mixture on your home won’t do you any good if moisture seeps into the walls during the process. As a precaution, contractors recommend lathing houses and commercial buildings before installing the siding material. By doing so, you’ll prevent:
Water-resistant paper and wire mesh make up the lath that adheres to the outside of your property. Some municipalities require a permit before beginning any exterior work. In this case, you’ll need an inspector to check the lath and sign off on the project.
Professionals must abide by local regulations when installing exterior sidings, relying on their experience and expertise to create durable stucco. They begin by spraying a first coat onto the house in a thick layer.
Crews then take a scarifier rake and glide it over the surface to form vertical lines as a foundation for the next layer. This results in a scratchy appearance, which is why some experts refer to it as the “scratch coat.”
One must allow ample time for this mixture to cure after applying it. An improper curing process can affect the strength of the subsequent layers.
With the surface primed with the first layer, contractors can then apply the second coat. This second layer, known as the brown or earth color coat, must provide an appropriate base for the third and final layer. Your stucco contractor will make sure to give it a smooth finish for the best results.
The brown coat requires a specific amount of water, which ultimately impacts the total drying time.
If you want to avoid hairline cracks and other notable damage to your surface, contractors will have to apply poly prep. This base material consists of cement with a chemical bond that acts as a protective coating.
Skipping this step isn’t an option when replacing home siding, as it helps the new coats stick to the old stucco surface.
The siding installation process is almost done, but how long should you wait before you can take care of all your other exterior elements? Now’s the ideal time to paint your wood trim, window frames, and other surfaces in need of attention.
To streamline the process, it’s best to leave this to the professionals as well. Siding experts will know which exterior paints are best suited for your property, ensuring you’re happy with the final result.
The final layer of stucco grants you the most customization opportunities. Installers can apply it with a distinct rough texture to add depth and dimension. In addition, professional painters can apply a fresh coat of paint over the top if you’re not a fan of the traditional stucco color.
Project managers typically end the job by walking the property with you and reviewing the work. At this time, they’ll address any final concerns you have and provide tips for maintaining the surface.
Ask an expert, “How long does stucco take to dry?” and they’ll tell you that you have a 90-day waiting period before wet stucco fully cures. While the surface may feel firm and dry before then, don’t move ahead with projects that may damage the surface, such as pressure washing.
While it’s a good idea to wait the full three months, the number of days your stucco needs to dry depends on a few different factors. Your surfaces might be in excellent condition in less than 80 days, but if external factors aren’t in your favor, you may have to wait a bit longer than the standard 90 days.
Check out the top four issues that impact your exterior stucco’s drying time below.
Your top layer of stucco requires the same amount of mixing time as the brown coat. Depending on the amount of water used in the second layer, the drying period may vary for the final coat. Ask your contractor for the exact timeline so you can plan ahead.
Your home’s exterior will need plenty of time to cure if you apply materials in a humid area. Increased moisture levels in the air will cause fresh stucco to take longer to dry. For residents in dryer areas like ours, high humidity levels typically aren’t a concern.
While you don’t want to leave your siding material in a humid environment, a climate that’s too dry can have negative effects as well. The air must be slightly damp to prevent rapid evaporation of moisture.
Obviously, that hasn’t stopped many New Mexicans from taking advantage of stucco’s aesthetic and durability. The best practices for installation and curing involve wetting the surface with a gentle mist to replace any lost moisture.
How long does it take stucco to dry? The answer partly depends on where you live and the time of year you install it. As one of the most versatile building materials, stucco will effectively dry in temperatures ranging from 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Consider your climate when deciding when to tackle this project. In New Mexico, for example, summertime temperatures can soar well over 90 degrees. Experts usually recommend installing and painting stucco in the fall or winter for greater control.
Because the air temperature affects the timeline of this project, it makes sense why so many properties in warmer climates feature stucco as a siding material. Areas that consistently see temperatures dip below freezing pose a unique challenge for contractors, making vinyl or composite siding more popular.
Aside from, “How long does stucco take to dry?” one of the most common questions homeowners ask is, “Can I install stucco myself?” While DIY installation is possible, it’s a labor-intensive process that intimidates even the handiest homeowners.
Unless you have plenty of personal experience working with the material, it’s best to leave this project to the professionals. Licensed contractors understand the intricacies of the installation process and have proven solutions for any issue that may arise.
The benefits of expert installation include:
While the installation process is best left to experts, many homeowners are able to fix cracked stucco on their own. Repair kits provide all the supplies you need to patch small holes or cracks in your siding to retain its appearance. If you find a major gap in your surface, DIY patching likely won’t cut it.
Professionals will have to step in and evaluate the cause of the damage before moving forward. You might need extensive repairs or, in severe cases, be forced to replace the entire surface.
During the installation process, the only thing on your mind might be the question, “How long does stucco take to dry?” However, experts advise property owners to focus on long-term maintenance, not just the 90-day curing period.
You can pressure wash the surface to remove any dirt and grime after the mixture cures completely. However, give yourself at least a three-month window from the time you apply the final coat until the first time you pressure wash your revitalized home or commercial building.
Other important maintenance tips include:
Keep a close eye on your exterior surfaces amid environmental changes. While the material can withstand intense heat and moisture, it might crack due to small tectonic shifts. Reach out to an expert at the first sign of damage so they can assess the scope of the project and recommend the best course of action.
How long does stucco take to dry? What is the best building material for an attractive, durable exterior? Our team at Engel Coatings Inc. can answer these questions and more.
Whether you need professional help with stucco repair, painting, or window and door replacement, our experts have your solution. We have years of experience and work with the highest-quality materials to ensure your satisfaction.
Request a free estimate online or call 575-642-5481 to get started.
