Alright, let's talk about stucco redashing. Homeowners here in Glendale, from Chevy Chase Canyon all the way up to the foothills near the Brand Library, ask me about it a lot. It’s a smart way to give your home's exterior a fresh look without ripping everything off, but man, there's just so much bad information out there. I've been working with stucco in this town for years, so I want to set the record straight. Here are the real answers to the questions I hear most often.
So, what exactly *is* stucco redashing?
It's pretty simple: stucco redashing means putting a fresh, thin coat of stucco finish right over what you already have. Think of it like giving your house a brand new skin. It's not a full replacement, and it's definitely not just painting. The main idea is to make it look new again, fix any small surface problems, and add another layer of protection to your home. We're talking about real stucco material here, not just paint.
How do I know if my stucco is a good candidate for redashing?
This part is super important. Redashing works best when your current stucco is in good shape structurally. If you've got cracks that are really deep and all over the place, or serious water damage, or if the stucco is loose and crumbling, redashing probably won't be enough. What we're looking for are minor cracks (like, less than 1/16 inch wide), fading, discoloration, or just a general tired look. If the problems underneath are too big, we'll need to discuss bigger repairs or even a full replacement first. You really don't want to just put a new coat over a rotten foundation, do you? That's just asking for trouble down the road.
What's the typical process for redashing a house in Glendale?
First, we do a really thorough inspection to make sure redashing is even the right choice for your home. Then, it's all about getting ready. We'll clean the existing stucco surface carefully, often using methods like wet sandblasting to get rid of any loose bits and make sure the new coat sticks well. Any small cracks or imperfections get patched up during this stage. After that, we put on a bonding agent, and then the new finish coat goes on. You can choose the texture you like, and it comes in lots of different colors. We always make sure to use the right materials for our dry Glendale climate, which helps stop issues like flash-setting where the surface dries too fast.
How long does a redashed stucco finish usually last?
When you get a stucco redash done right, using good materials and applied by experienced folks like us at Glendale Stucco & Plastering, you should get a tough finish that lasts a good 15 to 25 years. Stucco itself is incredibly durable, often sticking around for 50 to 80 years or even more with proper upkeep. Redashing just makes it last even longer and refreshes its protective qualities. Keep it clean and fix small problems quickly, and it'll last even longer.
Can I change the color or texture of my stucco when redashing?
You absolutely can! That's one of the best things about redashing. Since you're putting on a whole new finish layer, you get to pick a fresh color and texture. We've got tons of colors and textures available to match your home's style or give it a totally new vibe. Just keep in mind, many Glendale neighborhoods, especially those with HOAs like Magnolia Park or Forest Lawn, have specific rules about stucco color and finish texture – often they prefer earth tones. So, if you're in an HOA, it's always smart to check with them first.
Do I need a permit for stucco redashing in Glendale?
This is a super common question, and usually, the answer is yes, especially for outside stucco work that's more than 200 square feet. The City of Glendale requires detailed building permits for any significant exterior work. It's not just about the city, though; it’s about making sure the job is done to code and inspected correctly. We take care of all the necessary permits as part of our service, so you don't have to worry about figuring out the Glendale Permits Portal yourself.
How does redashing compare to just painting my stucco?
They’re totally different animals. Painting stucco is exactly what it sounds like: you put a coat of paint on it. That can freshen up the color and fill in tiny hairline cracks. But paint just sits on the surface. Redashing, on the other hand, means putting on a new layer of actual stucco material. It’s much more substantial, offers better protection, and can fix minor surface flaws in a way paint just can’t. If your stucco isn't painted yet and is generally solid, redashing or a color coat (sometimes called fogging) is often the better long-term choice for durability. If your stucco is already painted and looks decent, then repainting with a good elastomeric paint might be enough to refresh it.
What's the cost difference between redashing and a full stucco replacement?
Redashing is almost always cheaper than a full stucco replacement, which involves tearing off all the old material right down to the sheathing. A full replacement can easily run you anywhere from $7 to $12 per square foot. For a typical 2000 sq ft home, that could be $14,000 to $28,000 or even more, wow. Redashing, or resurfacing, is generally the most affordable route when your existing stucco is sound, often costing somewhere between $3.00 and $9.00 per square foot. This is because you save money on demolition and disposal, and the work itself isn't as intense. The exact cost will depend on your home's size, how good your current stucco is, and the finish you pick. Smooth finishes, for example, need more labor and can cost 30-60% more than textured ones.