Stucco veneer care in the aftermath of hail

The roof is the most common area for hail damage, but hail can also be blown into the side of your stucco building, causing more visible damage to your veneer. Here are some stucco veneer care tips for after a hailstorm.

Assessing hail damage

Conduct a thorough inspection of the stucco after a hailstorm to identify and repair any damage before it becomes extensive and destructive.

Some hail damage is easy to see, such as large or high-impact hail that creates holes. Circular indentations are also common, with cracks that extend from the hole. Less easy to identify is smaller hail damage to the acrylic stucco surface, which can look like dark spots surrounded by splatters.

One way to check for issues resulting from hail is to cut off the stucco and look for moisture damage. This is more expensive and harder to repair, and there’s no guarantee you will cut off the proper section.

A better alternative is to do exterior probe testing. Here, you would drill 3/16″ holes at locations where you suspect damage. Then, a moisture probe would be inserted into the hole to measure moisture content.

Immediate repair measures

Perform a temporary fix by repairing small holes or cracks with patches to prevent further damage. Try to match the color of your stucco veneer.

You will need to widen or extend the size of the crack or hole to 1/4″ with a hammer and chisel to break away deteriorating material. Remove the loose material with a brush. Then, use a flexible stucco repair sealant to fill in the cracks. Smooth the excess with a trowel.

Long-term restoration techniques

If you have extensive hail damage, your stucco may need to be replaced or resurfaced. However, there are preventative treatments you can do to maintain the strength of your stucco. Keeping it clean with a power washer helps keep dirt and moisture from getting trapped in the stucco’s surface, and using a good sealant helps keep moisture out. Regular visual inspections after a hailstorm are also important.

Stucco veneers are very easy to damage. We can repair and replace as needed to keep your stucco veneer looking good and lasting longer. Contact JK Industries today.