Exterior walls can sometimes look tired over time. Redashing is usually the fix, but homeowners in Pasadena have plenty of questions before starting the project. Apex Stucco works with homeowners from Bungalow Heaven up to the foothills, and our team hears the same questions almost every week. The details of stucco redashing are important to understand before beginning.
How do I know if my house needs a full redash or just patch repairs?
If you have a crack here or a small gouge there, patching is fine. But if the color is fading unevenly, the texture is wearing thin, or you are seeing hairline cracking all over the place, patches will stick out. Stucco Redashing gives you a fresh, uniform finish over the whole wall. Apex Stucco seals everything up and makes the house look brand new without the massive cost of tearing down to the wood frame.
Can you put a new dash coat right over my old stucco?
Usually yes, but only if the base is solid. Our team has to tap around and check for hollow spots where the old stucco has let go of the wire lath. If the structure is sound, we clean it down, apply a bonding agent, and spray or trowel the new coat right on top. If the old material is crumbling, throwing a new layer over it is just wasting your money.
How long is this whole process going to take?
For an average single-family home around Pasadena, figure on about three to five days depending on the weather and the size of the crew. Stucco needs specific curing conditions. If it is one of those scorching dry days with local winds, Apex Stucco has to mist the walls down so the mud does not dry out too fast and crack.
Will I be able to match my existing texture?
Texture matching is one of the trickiest parts of the job. Whether you have a heavy skip trowel, a light lace dash, or a smooth Spanish finish, it takes an experienced hand to blend the new work into the old style. Apex Stucco always does a small test patch on an inconspicuous spot first so you can sign off on the texture before we cover the whole house.
Do I need to paint after a redash?
Not necessarily. Apex Stucco can mix the color right into the finish coat, which is called an integral color. It holds up much better against the harsh Southern California sun because even if it gets dinged, the color goes all the way through. That said, some homeowners prefer an elastomeric paint on top for extra waterproofing, especially if the house takes a beating from winter storms.
What is the best time of year to get this done?
Spring and fall are ideal. Pasadena summers get brutal, and high heat makes the finish cure too fast, which weakens the bond. Winter brings rain delays, though our team can work around mild weather if we have to. Mild temperatures give the cement the slow, steady cure it needs to last for 15 to 20 years or more.