Waterproofing Stucco Tampa isn’t as complicated as some homeowners or building contractors think. It is much more than simply slapping an attractive coat of stucco on the outside. Proper waterproofing of stucco requires in-depth knowledge about the material and the different kinds of finishes available. The process of waterproofing stucco begins with the removal of existing stucco and sealing it at the surface with another kind of sealant. It should also be inspected for other potential problems with the material.
When you waterproof your stucco, you are essentially protecting your home from water damage. You do this by stopping the water from seeping into the structure of the home. The water will instead pool around exterior walls. This is because when the area is waterproofed, it becomes denser. Denser areas are less susceptible to water damage than thicker walls.
The next step in waterproofing stucco exterior walls is to apply a sealant. There are different types of sealants, but most are either printable or waterproofing paint. In addition to the type of sealant, there are a few other things that should be done before waterproofing stucco exterior walls. These include cleaning the surface of the area and applying a penetrating sealant. There are different penetrating sealants, and they vary in their properties.
A penetrating sealant will penetrate deeply into the surface of the stucco, preventing future stucco wall rot. There are different levels of wall rot resistance, and this factor will determine which variety of sealant is best for the application. Certain types of sealants will also prevent water damage to the structure, such as peeling. If water damage is already occurring, a waterproofing stucco spray may be applied to stop further damage.
When applying waterproofing stucco, a water-resistant surface must be prepared by scraping off excess moisture. This can be accomplished with a wet/dry shop vac or a scrub brush. Once the surface has been prepared, it must be thoroughly dried. Finishing materials such as mortar and screed can be used to fill in small voids in the finished wall.
Waterproofing stucco walls is best left to a professional company. Many home improvement stores and landscaping companies sell the proper equipment for a multi-layered application. A standard wet/dry shop vac will be able to handle the job, although some wet-and-dry appliances require an extra pump attachment to ensure adequate power. Multi-layer applications can also be more difficult and take longer to dry because of more materials to be moved around during the drying process. For this reason, many professionals will use a pump sprayer that provides higher pressure than a typical garden hose to ensure quality work.
The first layer of protection on stucco walls is to protect the underlying structure from moisture intrusion. To accomplish this, a layer of felt, insulation, or shingles should be installed at least six inches above the ground. The felt should be tightly packed to completely cover the wall and surrounding areas. It also should be angled to deflect rain from penetrating inside. Some professionals recommend adding concrete spacers between individual slabs to position them properly.
The final step is to apply a waterproofing product to the entire wall, including the base materials. While every product may contain different ingredients, they are typically made from polymers that are resistant to water, allowing them to penetrate deeply into the concrete. The best products are those that include a powerful chemical drainage matrix, which directs liquids toward a central drain. A chemical agent such as hydrochloric acid is also effective; however, it must be applied to the exterior walls only.