What to do with stucco finish that is chipping off cabin foundation?

Question

I have a log cabin in the mountains where it receives a lot of snow in the winter.  When I bought it, the previous owner had put stucco over the cement foundation.  The stucco is chipping off and I am not sure what to do.  I can't afford the $20,000 - $30,000 it would cost to change to cultured stone.  Would sure appreciate any ideas.

Mogie · Answer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZH3XgqLKZQ

Cheryl A · Answer

here is info for you and you could also use faux stones to cover the bottom areas which is much cheaper

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZH3XgqLKZQ

https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-Peeling-Stucco

Ann|The Apple Street Cottage · Answer

I would remove it and replace with something that will hold up to the weather - siding or faux stone.

Redcatcec · Answer

Faux stone panels are an option, here are some from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=manufactured+stone+veneer&adgrpid=1346902313998543&hvadid=84181466550811&hvbmt=bb&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=52044&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=b&hvtargid=kwd-84181750984862%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=13548_10604786&tag=mh0b-20&ref=pd_sl_55u917hps_b

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Patch it up and paint over, or cover bottom half of cabin with Waterproof sealer (Black) or Clad the bottom of Cabin in UPVC cladding or Decking boards.

Kmdreamer · Answer

Scrape off what I’d coming off and chipping off then get some stucco or cement to repair it then paint it.

Dee · Answer

Patch it up. Mix up a batch of stucco following the second-coat recipe, and trowel on a 3/8-inch-thick coat, working from the bottom up. Pack down the edges with a brick trowel. Wait for the wet sheen to disappear, then trowel the patch smooth, just below the level of the existing stucco. Cover again with a plastic sheet.

Then paint.

Kathy Gunter Law · Answer

You can remove where the stucco is pulling away, etch the area, and re-stucco. It's fairly simple to do. Mortar can be used. The most difficult part is matching the stucco pattern, especially if they used an applicator instead of a trowel. Once you have it replaced then paint will disguise the shade difference on the finish.

Kathy Gunter Law · Answer

Shelley, I couldn't reply to your reply on my comment so here's something else. I completely understand. I was a single mom with 2 kids and hiring was always out of my budget so I learned to do some things myself. I was wondering - if it's really bad you might be able to use a pressure washer to remove a lot of it and possible just clean up and paint. Hoping it's a surface underneath that is decent and someone was just "going for a look". Everything is so expensive these days, even if you could do it on your own. I live in Alabama where snow is a rarity so I don't have any advice on the type of finish that would be best. Maybe drive around and look at houses that appear to be holding up well. Too bad you can't do brick - that's the most rugged I think. I wish I could afford it, I'd do it in a heart beat.

Also, check with United Way to see if there are resources for helping you out. Many charitable organizations are targeted for people past retirement and on a fixed income.

Betsy · Answer

Hi Shelley: You can scrape off all the peeling bits and cover it with new stucco along the entire surface, as high as the messy part. You can re-stucco the bottom and either paint or add fake stone between the two areas like a chair molding. Here is a site that talks about repairing stucco. Check the sites on the right hand side for more information:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG7nz1mGOn0

Good luck