How Professional Stucco Caulking Can Provide Savings and Protection This Winter

Ah, winter on the East Coast. It’s less predictable than a dice falling off a skyscraper. But one thing is almost guaranteed: We’ll see plenty of freeze-thaw cycles between now and the spring blossoms. When these happen, moisture is likely to find its way into every crack, nook, and cranny it can find before refreezing and causing costly damage. That’s why proper stucco caulking (and its winterization) is so important.

When you don’t prep, your home is likely missing vital defensive characteristics. The possible results? Moisture intrusion, cracking, energy loss, and shame. When small cracks become big cracks, the size of the repair bill grows along with them.

Professional caulking can mitigate all of these risks, and we’ll explain how in this blog.

The Role of Caulking in Stucco Protection

Caulking is the first line of defense for your stucco exterior. It fills joints and gaps, preventing unwanted moisture from infiltrating. Moreover, it protects edges where your stucco meets other materials. To top it all off, it helps you maintain a nice, clean, finished look on your home!

Areas that usually require caulking include:

• Around windows and doors, where openings naturally shift with temperature changes.
• Expansion joints that are designed to allow movement.
• Trim transitions where your stucco meets trim, fascia, and other structural materials.
• Utility penetrations where things like pipes and wiring enter the wall.

All of these areas tend to be most exposed during the winter because of constant expansion and contracting, so caulking them up could save you big headaches!

Why DIY Stucco Caulking Fails (And How It Costs You More Money)

You may be tempted to do the caulking yourself. Do not. We’ve already written a whole blog on why hiring professionals is the way to go, but let’s summarize: There’s a plethora of possible mistakes the untrained caulker could make, like using the wrong type of sealant. Also, skipping joint preparation and failing to totally fill deep or wide cracks is an issue we constantly see in DIY jobs. And finally, many people cut a vital corner: cleaning. When you forget to clean the dirt from a surface you’re going to apply caulk to, the seal isn’t going to be as strong as it should be.

Consequences of poor caulking:

• Water infiltration, causing expansion when it freezes
• Rot or mold within the structure, making it difficult to clean
• Cosmetic damage like stains and cracks
• Rapid stucco deterioration

Improper caulking won’t rear its ugly head right away. It will wait until at least spring when you’ve put the whole project behind you to make a surprise appearance. Not a great way to start the warm part of the year.

Benefits of Hiring Commercial Caulking Contractors

All of the issues we just discussed above can be avoided, provided you trust the professionals at Robey. When you hire commercial caulking contractors, diligence and care is part of the package. And the benefits are pretty clear:

• Long-term protection from moisture damage
  • We’ll select the right sealant that’s designed with stucco in mind.
  • A smooth, even application will be achieved.
• Preventing winter cracking and structural damage
  • We make sure we use sealants that are flexible enough to move with the natural expansion of these materials. This prevents unwanted cracks from forming or becoming worse.
• Energy efficiency and lower heating bills
  • When gaps are sealed properly, heat can’t escape and cold air can’t get in. Indoor temperatures are maintained and your heating system doesn’t have to work harder than necessary.
• Improving your exterior’s lifespan
  • The stucco system we worked so hard to install is kept intact and underlying materials are kept safe from the scary outside weather.

Other Stucco Maintenance Tasks to Pair With Stucco Caulking Before Winter

Why only focus on caulking in preparation for the winter weather? Packaging services together means you can enjoy a robust upgrade before your exterior receives too much damage. Here are some other stucco maintenance tasks you could take care of in conjunction with your stucco caulking:

• Inspect for small hairline cracks and bubbling in your stucco
• Check for soft spots and moisture stains that could indicate a more stealthy threat
• Clear debris (like fallen leaves) from your home’s foundation
• Touch up protective coatings if needed
• Make sure your gutters and downspouts are guiding water away from your stucco walls

When all of these tasks are completed, you stand a great chance of avoiding damage this winter.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Hire Professional Caulking Contractors

But why now? Don’t many homeowners get maintenance and upgrades done in the spring and summer? In addition to contractors’ schedules generally being a little more open at this time of year, fall is ideal because it allows you to prevent damage before freezing weather arrives. On top of that, you’ll be taking care of your seasonal repair backlog and starting this gauntlet of cold months with a true advantage. This advantage will serve to save you stress and money in the long run.

Why Choose Robey Inc. for Stucco Caulking & Winter Maintenance

We know that there are plenty of other companies out there who can provide caulking and stucco maintenance services, but consider that Robey:

• Has years of combined experience with these types of projects (and so much more)
• Specializes in moisture protection techniques
• Uses top-quality materials and precise application processes
• Offers a full range of services on top of stucco, such as crack repair, inspections, and, of course, winter prep.

Want the job done right the first time? Trust us to take on the task!

Stucco Maintenance at Its Finest

Knowing what you know now, why wouldn’t you prioritize stucco caulking before winter arrives in full force? Waiting too long could cause you to cry (and your tears would freeze), so get in touch with Robey today. We’ll make sure your stucco exterior is ready for whatever comes its way!