What's the real difference between redashing and just painting my stucco?
This is probably the most common question I get, and it's a big one. Painting stucco is exactly what it sounds like: you're putting a new color coat on top of the existing finish. It's a cosmetic fix, usually cheaper upfront, and it can look great for a while. But it doesn't fix underlying texture issues, cracks, or water intrusion problems. It just covers them up. If your stucco is in pretty good shape, just faded or dirty, painting might be enough. But if you've got hairline cracks, spalling (where pieces are flaking off), or if the texture is just worn out and ugly, painting won't cut it. You're essentially putting lipstick on a pig, and you'll be back to square one sooner than you think, right?
Redashing, on the other hand, is a full reapplication of the finish coat. We're talking about applying a new layer of stucco material over the existing one. It's not just color; it's texture, durability, and a fresh start for your home's exterior. Think of it like getting a whole new skin for your house, not just a new outfit. It's a more involved process, takes longer, and costs more, but it addresses those deeper issues and gives you a much longer-lasting, more durable finish. You're not just improving curb appeal; you're often improving the integrity of your home's exterior envelope.
How much does stucco redashing usually cost in Glendale?
Alright, let's talk money. This is always the first thing on people's minds, and it's tough to give a one-size-fits-all answer because every house is different. But I can give you a general idea. In Glendale, you're typically looking at anywhere from $5 to $12 per square foot for redashing. That's a pretty wide range, I know, but a lot of factors come into play. Things like:
- The condition of your existing stucco: If it needs a lot of prep work, crack repair, or patching before we can even start redashing, that adds to the cost.
- The type of finish you want: A smooth, Santa Barbara finish is usually more labor-intensive than a sand float or dash finish, so it'll cost more.
- Accessibility: Is your house two stories? Three stories? Do we need extensive scaffolding? That makes a difference.
- The size of the job: Larger jobs sometimes get a slightly better per-square-foot rate.
- Any special architectural details: Arches, intricate trim, or lots of corners take more time and skill.
The best way to get an accurate number is to have someone like me from Glendale Stucco & Plastering come out and give you a free, no-obligation estimate. We'll look at your specific home and give you a solid figure.
Will redashing fix all my stucco cracks?
It depends on the cracks. If you've got minor hairline cracks, surface crazing, or typical shrinkage cracks, then yes, redashing will absolutely cover those up and make your wall look brand new. The new finish coat essentially fills them in and creates a uniform surface.
However, if you've got structural cracks – those wider, deeper cracks that might indicate foundation movement or significant settling – redashing alone isn't the solution. We'd need to address the root cause of those structural issues first. Just putting a new layer of stucco over a moving crack is like putting a band-aid on a broken bone; it's not going to hold. For those kinds of cracks, we'd need to do proper crack repair, which might involve routing them out, filling them with elastomeric patching compounds, or even mesh reinforcement, before we apply the new finish coat. I'll always be upfront with you about what kind of cracks you have and what needs to be done.
How long does a redashed stucco finish typically last in our Glendale climate?
That's a great question, especially with our hot, dry summers and occasional wet winters here in Glendale. A properly redashed stucco finish, done right with quality materials, should easily last you 15 to 25 years, sometimes even longer. I've seen jobs we did decades ago in areas like the Chevy Chase Canyon still looking fantastic.
The key is