Restore exterior surfaces to revive the beauty.
Manufacturers formulate exterior spackling compound to withstand weather conditions. Homeowners use exterior spackling compound to repair holes, cracks, depressions and other damage on masonry, stucco and wood. Typically, exterior-grade spackling compound resists shrinkage and is mold and mildew resistant. Repairing damage on the exterior of a home protects the structure from water damage and insects. Open cracks and holes allow water entry, which can severely damage the structure of the house.
Instructions
Large Holes in Stucco
1. Hold a masonry cold chisel straight along the edge of the damage. Tap the chisel with a hammer to break out loose pieces of the existing surface.
2. Rub the edges of the hole with a wire brush to remove small loose bits.
3. Cut a piece of metal mesh to the exact size of the hole on the stucco surface with metal shears. Fit the metal mesh inside the hole and fasten it to the substrate with galvanized nails or galvanized heavy-duty staples.
4. Scoop up exterior-grade spackle on a trowel and apply a layer over the metal mesh. The first coat will fill the hole halfway. Press the spackling paste into the mesh so the spackling paste touches and adheres to the substrate. Drag the pointed tip of the trowel through the wet spackling paste to create shallow, horizontal lines.
5. Pick up exterior-grade spackle on the trowel and fill the hole the remainder of the way making it flush with the existing wall.
Large Holes in Wood
6. Cut thin strips of wood 3 to 4 inches larger than the hole.
7. Apply a 1-inch bead of construction adhesive along each end of the wood strip from the end toward the middle. Insert the wood strip through the hole with the adhesive facing you. Pull the wood toward yourself and hold for three to five minutes to allow the construction adhesive to set.
8. Add more wood strips as necessary to cover up the hole from the hole's interior. Leaving a gap between wood strips of no more than 1 inch is fine.
9. Scoop up exterior grade spackling paste on a pointed trowel and fill the hole. Scratch the surface of the spackling paste to make lines with the pointed end and apply a second coating of exterior-grade spackling paste to build it up even with the surface.
Cracks & Small Holes
10. Rub the surface of cracks and holes vigorously with a wire brush to remove loose pieces of stucco, wood or masonry.
11. Sweep out dust with a hand-held broom or old paintbrush.
12. Pick up exterior-grade spackling paste on a trowel. Drag the trowel over the cracks or holes while pressing the spackle in firmly. Make the edges of the spackling paste thinner and thinner as you move away from the crack or hole.
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