Living with Albuquerque stucco means doing a little now and then, not ignoring your house and hoping for the best. Basic care makes your walls last longer, look better, and keeps repair bills lower.
Regular Cleaning Practices
You do not need high pressure. Simple water and a soft brush will take dirt and dust off most stucco. Avoid harsh chemicals; they can break down finish coats.
How Often?
- Once or twice each year for basic cleaning
- After big wind or rainstorms
- When you see cobwebs, stains, or moss
Preventing Water Problems
Water is the enemy of good stucco. Most stucco repair Albuquerque jobs result from leaks, wet spots, or drainage failures. Take care of these basics:
- Check gutters and downspouts: Keep them clear away from the base of your walls.
- Make sure the ground slopes away from the house.
- Watch for puddles after rain, especially near corners or under plants.
- Do not plant shrubs up against the wall.
Stucco holds up against weather for years, unless water gets behind it. Preventing leaks keeps your repair budget smaller.
Spotting Trouble Early
Walk around your house every spring and fall. Look for:
- Cracks, new or growing
- Dark areas after rain (staining)
- Flaking or soft patches near the ground
If you notice anything odd, call stucco contractors Albuquerque for inspection. The earlier you catch problems, the easier and cheaper the fix.
Patching Small Damage
For small issues, chips or narrow cracks, a stucco patch kit is fine. Follow instructions, and repaint to match as closely as you can. If it keeps coming back, or the area gets bigger, call stucco companies Albuquerque.
When to Repaint?
Stucco that is painted will need new paint every 8-12 years, sometimes sooner on sunny sides. Unpainted stucco lasts longer, but the original color will fade.
Biggest Threats to Albuquerque Stucco
- Water leaks
- Tree roots pushing up slabs and cracking walls
- Poor-quality repairs
- Ignoring regular checkups
Some people forget about the ground. Soil shifting cracks walls from underneath. If you see step-shaped cracks, or doors stick inside, check foundation too.
How to Handle Repairs with Companies
When it is beyond DIY, choose established stucco companies in Albuquerque. Ask:
- How soon can they inspect?
- Do they offer written estimates?
- What repairs last longest here?
- Is paint or “through-color” finish better for your sun exposure?
Both Stucco Albuquerque Contractors LLC and Stucco Albuquerque LLC will answer these, among others.
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Spring:
- Clean after winter wind/dust
- Repaint if color is faded on south walls
Summer:
- Check for dry, cracking spots from heat
- Water lawns carefully to avoid spraying walls
Fall:
- Clean up leaves near walls and drains
- Look for post-rain damage (especially after storms)
Winter:
- Make sure gutters are clear for rare snow/ice
- Watch for shifting soil if there’s heavy rain
How Much Does Ongoing Care Cost?
| Task | Annual Cost (DIY) | Pro Service Average |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | $0 – $50 | $100 – $300 |
| Small Repairs | $10 – $70 | $200 – $800 |
| Painting (per wall) | $50 – $200 | $400 – $1200 |
Should You Pay for Regular Checkups?
Some stucco Albuquerque companies offer maintenance or inspection plans. This makes sense for big properties or homes with a lot of shade or water nearby. For most, your own twice-a-year walk-around is enough.
What If You See Stubborn Problems?
If cracks come back again after fixing, or moisture stains reappear, ask for a deeper inspection. Sometimes, there is more happening behind the wall, bad flashing, hidden leaks, or soil movement. Waiting only makes it worse.
Be proactive, not reactive. Your stucco will reward you with better looks and lower bills over time.
Finishing Thoughts
Albuquerque stucco can last a lifetime with regular care. Take time each season. Learn what looks normal for your walls. If something changes, even a small crack, check twice before ignoring it. Good habits mean more years with fewer headaches. And, when a pro is needed, choose a company that knows Albuquerque’s challenges, not just generic repair. That is how stucco stays strong and attractive, in every season.