Stucco is an excellent choice for the exteriors of homes because it is robust and adaptable. If properly installed and maintained properly, stucco is able to last for over 50 years. If you are thinking of installing a stucco-clad exterior, you might be wondering whether the stucco you choose to install is prone to getting wet. In the end, you don't want anything to damage your exterior. We've conducted an investigation for you to determine the best answer.

The process of wetting stucco is an essential component of the process of installation and is required for the stucco's cure. Stucco must be kept damp until at minimum 48 hours following the installation.

Stucco will last for over 50 years if properly maintained and installed. It is vital to know how to apply water to stucco so that it can cure properly. However, is it possible to wet the new stucco too often? What can you do to repair stucco that's been destroyed by rain?

Why Is It Needed To Wet Stucco When Installing It?

In the process of constructing an exterior stucco, water is required to complete the process of installation. Stucco is made up of an amalgamation of sand, lime, and cement and is combined with water to make it into an emulsion. A consistency that is similar to a paste is essential to use.

Water aids in the creation of an emulsion by covering the particles of the stucco mix. When the mixture is cool, it must be applied with a thickness that is at least 1/3 of an inch. If it's not applied sufficiently, the paste won't fully harden.

After the application, water will dissolve some stucco particles. This causes the temp of the stucco material to increase while the particles bond to form a solid unit. As the particles are joined, the stucco will begin to become hard. This is referred to by the term "curing."

Once the stucco is sprayed, it is essential to keep it moist for a minimum of 48 hours in order to allow the curing process to continue. If the stucco isn't kept moist, it will be soft and may not dry as it should. As you will see, wetting the new stucco isn't just a good idea, but it is an essential part of the process for installation.

How Often Should You Wet New Stucco?

In general, you should be sure to wet your new stucco at least every day for two hours to ensure it stays moist for the minimum period of 48 hours following installation. But, depending on the weather and where you reside, it could be necessary to soak stucco more often than twice per day.

For instance, if the area you reside in is a hot region, you'll have to soak stucco more often than twice per day since it will dry faster. This is also true in areas that have lower humidity since there is less humidity within the atmosphere.

When you want to wet the stucco twice every day, the ideal time to do it is early in the morning; after that, the stucco has the chance to warm up, and at night after the surface has been able to cool down. If you apply the wetting when it's hot, it will dry more quickly.

How Long Does Stucco Need To Dry Before a Rain?

Stucco must dry over a minimum of 48 hours prior to when it begins to rain. It's all dependent on where in the process of installation you're in; it can impact the process of drying by creating a situation where the mix becomes too moist that it slips off of the wall or alter the appearance of the stucco when it is dry.

If you are expecting rain, then you can shield newly laid stucco by covering it with a plastic or tarp. If you put in stucco several days prior to rain, it is possible to include an accelerator in the mix to speed up drying.

Why Does My Stucco Look Wet?

It is common for the stucco to appear wet during drying or after it has rained on. If your stucco appears wet even just a few days after it dried, it could be an indication of the presence of water. The majority of water infiltrations are the result of one or more of the following issues:

• The stucco is not well-made.
• It wasn't properly installed.
• It was not properly sealed around doors and windows.
• There isn't a drainage system.