Restoring and Waterproofing Albuquerque Stucco Exteriors
Traditional Southwestern stucco takes a beating from New Mexico’s extreme temperature shifts, and as a home settles, hairline cracks are almost inevitable. We fix them the way that lasts: fill the cracks with an elastomeric stucco patch, then apply a quality 100% acrylic coating that bonds to the stucco and lets it breathe.
We don’t put elastomeric coatings on stucco walls. Their thick, rubbery film can trap moisture behind it, and when that happens the whole coating can bubble and peel off the wall. Instead, our expert painting contractors wash the stucco, patch every crack, and apply a quality 100% acrylic coating in the color you choose. On stucco, that finish typically lasts 7 to 10 years with an average paint job, and up to 15 years or more with a premium coating system. For the longest-lasting finish, our top package uses two coats of Loxon XP masonry coating, then Emerald Rain Refresh. The one place we do use elastomeric is the flat top of a parapet wall: two coats rolled across the top and partway down each side, where water sits. Minor crack patching is part of our prep; major stucco repair is quoted separately.
Where we offer stucco coatings
Stucco homes across the metro crack under the same temperature swings:
Already painted with elastomeric? Here’s how we fix it.
A lot of homeowners, and plenty of store employees who have never painted a house with it, think elastomeric is the best coating for stucco. We’ve been called to fix homes where another painter rolled elastomeric over the walls and it started to bubble and peel.
If your elastomeric-coated home isn’t bubbling, it’s okay to leave it for now. After a rain, walk around the outside of the house within 1 to 2 hours and look for bubbles. Tap on any you find: if they sound hollow or are filled with water, it may be time to address the problem.
The only proper fix is to remove the elastomeric coating from any surface that could trap moisture, then prime and paint with a breathable 100% acrylic paint. Every house is different, so we look at yours first. Call (505) 461-0696 for a free on-site estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I use an elastomeric coating on my stucco?
A: Not on the walls. Elastomeric coatings go on thick and can trap moisture behind the film, which can make the whole coating bubble and peel. We patch hairline cracks first with an elastomeric patch, then apply a quality 100% acrylic coating, which typically lasts 7 to 10 years, and up to 15 or more with a premium coating system. We use elastomeric only on flat parapet tops.
Q: Can you change the color of my house with a new stucco coating?
A: Yes. Our 100% acrylic stucco coatings can be tinted to almost any color, so you can completely update your home’s exterior while protecting the existing stucco.
