Alright, let's talk redashing. I get a lot of calls from Orem homeowners with stucco, and they're always wondering if it's time for a refresh. It's a smart question, especially with our crazy Utah weather. You've seen those homes where the stucco just looks tired, right? Maybe it's faded, has some hairline cracks, or just doesn't pop like it used to. Redashing can totally change that without a full tear-off. But people always have questions, and usually, they're the same ones. So, I figured I'd just lay out the answers to the most common stuff I hear from folks.
What exactly is stucco redashing, and how's it different from new stucco?
Okay, so redashing is basically putting a brand new finish coat right over your existing stucco. Think of it like giving your house a fresh, new skin without ripping off all the old layers. When we do a full new stucco job, we're often starting from scratch – lath, scratch coat, brown coat, and then the finish. With redashing, we're usually just dealing with that final layer, sometimes after a bit of prep work on the existing brown coat. It's a way to revitalize the look, fix minor imperfections, and boost curb appeal without the full expense and invasiveness of a complete re-stucco job.
How do I know if my stucco needs redashing, or something more serious?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Generally, if your stucco just looks faded, dirty, or has a bunch of tiny hairline cracks that don't go deep, redashing is probably a good option. It's like your car's paint job – it gets dull over time. If you're seeing bigger, structural cracks, areas that sound hollow when you tap them, or worse, actual water intrusion, then you might be looking at something more serious. We'd need to investigate for underlying damage, maybe even some rot in the sheathing. I've seen plenty of homes in older Orem neighborhoods, especially those built in the 70s and 80s, where the stucco just needs a good facelift, not a complete overhaul. But if you're unsure, get a pro to look at it. Don't guess.
Can redashing fix existing cracks or damage?
It depends on the cracks. Hairline cracks? Absolutely, a good redash will cover those right up and make them disappear. It's designed to create a new, uniform surface, after all. But if you've got wider cracks, or cracks that are clearly structural – meaning they go through the underlying layers – then no, redashing alone isn't the fix. We'd need to repair those deeper cracks first, usually by cutting them out, patching the base coats, and then applying the new finish. You don't want to just paint over a problem; you want to fix it properly. Redashing is a finish solution, not a structural repair.
What color and texture options do I have for redashing?
Oh, you've got tons of options! That's one of the fun parts about redashing. You're not stuck with the old color. We can match pretty much any color you can imagine, or go with something totally new. As for texture, you've got choices like a smooth Santa Barbara finish, a classic dash finish (which is where