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Stucco is a prime choice for families — it’s fire-resistant, non-toxic, insulating, sustainable, durable, and easy to maintain. However, if you already have it, you need to inspect it on the regular, because if you have damaged or deteriorating stucco, you may have other issues such as water damage, or mold, too.
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Why Stucco Is Safe for Children
As I mentioned, it’s a safe, non-toxic material made of common resources such as sand, lime, and Portland cement. And it lasts for ages! With some maintenance and proper installation, it can last decades, meaning no contractors and drills every couple of years, which is a nightmare in itself (let alone when you have little ones running around).
It’s also an insect deterrent, which means a lot in a changing climate (and also means less need for spraying pests). With proper installation, it is highly robust, resistant to cracks and flying toys, and finally it’s a natural fire retardant. And while it has been popular for centuries, even in 2023, 27% of newly built single-family homes in the US had it as an exterior material, according to the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction.
How to Recognize Problems (and How to Fix Them)
If you chose it, too, or if you plan to, it’s important to know what to look out for and how to maintain it. IT can show signs such as stains, cracking (due to structural shifts or weather conditions), water damage (a serious mold growth concern), and detachment (which is the last, most severe stage, which is a safety hazard).
If you notice any of these and you have small children in the home, your best option is to get someone to check it out and perform repairs or complete stucco remediation, as fixing it yourself may only cover up a symptom.
How Stucco Remediation Protects Play Spaces
The first part of stucco remediation is a professional assessment, and the process involves a thorough, detailed upgrade of your home’s exterior, allt he way down to finishes and aesthetics. Here’s how it helps.
Preventing Structural Damage
Remediated stucco reinforces the structure of your home, meaning fewer chances of any loose structures or falling debris, especially if your kids like to throw the ball against the wall. Damaged stucco can pose a risk to your family, especially as most cracks and issues are caused by the underlying structures being faulty or weakened.
Moisture Control
Proper stucco remediation improves the waterproofing of exterior walls. Water infiltration can lead to mold growth and structural damage, which, if it gets too bad, poses a significant risk to your family’s safety. With proper waterproofing, you can be a little bit more relaxed when a storm hits (the Nerf guns shouldn’t be a problem at all).
Improving Air Quality
With moisture control comes mold prevention, and the less chance there is for mold growth, the better the air quality. As the CDC says, there is always some mold around. What we do not want is to find a cozy place to spread. Inspecting your stucco regularly can prevent this from happening.
Ensuring Safety
Kids fall and it usually isn’t a big deal. However, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make their play spaces as safe as possible. Remediation ensures that stucco surfaces are smooth and free from sharp edges or rough patches, especially if some parts have fallen off the wall.
Pest Prevention
Remediated or well-maintained stucco doesn’t have cracks and gaps, which are ideal entry points for pests. By making sure the exterior of your home is safe, you reduce the risk of infestations that could spread to play areas and pose health risks to children.
Aesthetics and Safety
Regular inspections and maintenance are generally a good idea, especially when you have kids. Checking out your outdoor area for hazards, whether they’re related to your siding or anything else, and contact professionals from time to time to ensure everything’s alright. You will not only improve safety but also ensure your home is aesthetically pleasing and your family is spending time in a cozy, beautiful area.
Photo Credit: Unsplash.com
