The weather in El Monte, California changes quickly when the Santa Ana winds arrive. Homeowners in El Monte already know that local weather swings from baking dry heat in the summer months to damp chill when winter arrives. That kind of weather takes a heavy toll on exterior walls. El Monte Stucco & Plastering spends a lot of time fixing cracks caused by thermal shock, which is the process where stucco expands when it is hot and shrinks when it cools down too fast.
Timing Your Stucco Work Around El Monte Weather
Homeowners cannot just apply fresh stucco on a wall whenever they feel like it. If the temperature hits triple digits out near Whittier Narrows, the moisture in the wet mix evaporates too fast. That ruins the curing process and leads to weak, crumbly walls that crack in no time. El Monte Stucco & Plastering always tells homeowners to schedule major plastering work during the cooler spring or fall months when temperatures sit comfortably in the seventies and low eighties. Morning shade matters too, especially on west-facing walls that catch the afternoon glare.
Summer Heat Protection
When summer hits full blast, exterior stucco needs attention. The relentless sun beats down on exterior walls day after day, drawing out every drop of moisture. If homeowners notice hairline cracks starting to spiderweb across the surface, they should not ignore them. Left alone, occasional winter downpours will force water right into those gaps. Once trapped moisture heats up inside the wall, it expands and blows the plaster right off the lath. Homeowners should keep an eye on their exterior, and hose down dusty walls occasionally to keep them from drying out prematurely.
Winter Rains and Moisture Control
People often forget that El Monte gets its share of chilly, damp mornings and sudden winter storms. While stucco handles moisture fairly well, it is not completely waterproof. Water can seep in through neglected window seals, flashing, or unsealed hairline cracks. When night temperatures drop, that trapped water freezes and expands. Fixing small cracks before November rolls around saves homeowners thousands of dollars in major patch jobs later. Make sure gutters are not dumping water directly against the base of exterior walls either, because damp soil sitting against stucco invites trouble from rising dampness and efflorescence, which is that white powdery salt stain you sometimes see near the ground.
Year-Round Maintenance Habits
Taking care of exterior walls does not have to be a full-time job. Walk around the property every few months and look at the walls with a close eye. Power washing can help clean off the smog and dust that settles on houses near the 10 freeway, but keep the pressure low so you do not chew up the finish coat. If you spot a problem area, patch it early or call in a crew to take a look before small problems turn into costly structural repairs.