When in good shape, stucco is one of the most attractive of all materials, but this beautiful material can quickly lose its appeal if not maintained and repaired properly. Fortunately, making simple repairs on a stucco wall or other surface is not that difficult a job, and it is well within the skill set of most do-it-yourself-ers.

So, take a look around your home, identify those areas where the stucco needs some TLC, and follow these easy steps:

1. Look first at the direction of the crack in the stucco. If the crack is vertical, such as from the base to the window or from the roof to the door, there could be a problem with the foundation of the home. When dealing with vertical cracks, you might want to call a foundation specialist - you may have a much more serious problem than cracked stucco.

2. If the crack is horizontal, you can move on to needed repairs. Small cracks can be filled by using a high quality caulk. The best caulk to use is one that can be easily and invisibly painted over. The caulk can be pressed into the crack with your fingers. After the caulk is in place, use a damp cloth to smooth and clean the area. Once the caulk has dried it can be painted to match the color of the wall.

3. Wider cracks can be cleaned out using a screwdriver or a cold chisel. The area to be filled should be soaked thoroughly to prevent the stucco from leaching the water from the new mortar. If the new mortar becomes dry it could crumble.

4. Next, mix the mortar using a shallow bucket. Mix one part Portland cement, four parts builder’s sand and a small amount of water. The mortar should be thin enough to work easily but not too runny.

5. First cover the area to be patched with a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) bonding agent designed specifically for masonry.

6. When the bond is still slightly sticky, fill the crack with the mortar mix.

7. Then cover the patched area with a piece of bitumen-coated fiberglass. The bitumen-coated fiberglass can then be pressed into place using a paint roller. The coat of bitumen should be applied directly over the patch.

8. Allow the bitumen to dry, and after it has dried, apply a second coat. The second coat should be carefully stippled with a soft bristle brush so that it matches the rest of the wall.

9. The area can then be painted over, using a primer made specifically for stucco. Allow the primer to dry, and then repaint the area to match the rest of the wall.

Popped Nails and Screws

This problem occurs if the drywall isn’t fully fastened tightly against the framing, when the framing lumber shrinks or twists, or when an object strikes the wall or ceiling. This causes the joint compound to become loose and pop off the fastener.

Before any drywall repairs are made, concerning popped nails or screws, make sure the drywall is fully fastened to the framing. Apply hand pressure next to the popped nail or screw. The pressure will verify if the drywall panel is loose. Now apply a new screw 1-1/2 inches away and reset the existing screw. As you install the new screw apply hand pressure to the area.

If the drywall paper surface isn’t damaged apply 2 coats of light weight spackle or heavy joint compound. After the patch has fully dried lightly sand the area.

If the paper has torn or the core of the wallboard is damaged the area will need a small piece of paper drywall tape and 3 thin coats of joint compound. After final sanding apply texture to match the existing finish.

In southern California we can swim in our pools for many months during the year. Adding a pool to your backyard can be an investment but safety is the number one priority.

A fence is a must to ensure child safety around the pool. Make sure your fence is at least six feet tall and difficult to climb. Fences are the best way to ensure safety.

You can soften the look of a fence by training vines to grow over the surface. Avoid bordering the fence with trees or shrubs because they could provide an easy boost for curious children to climb over the fence. Keep the door or gate leading to your pool locked at all times.

Be sure to keep rescue equipment easily accessible around the pool. It is also a good idea to have someone in your household trained in CPR.

Develop a plan for what to do in case of an emergency and teach it to your children.

Pool Fences

Swimming Pool Nets

When the weather is warm, you want to get out of the kitchen and into your backyard. Before you fire op the grill, you may want to take some time to review some basic grilling safety precautions. Below are some tips to help keep you and your family safe when you cook outdoors.

1. Check the grill hoses for cracking.

2. Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping grease.

3. Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.

4. If you detect a gas leak, immediately turn of the gas at the take and don’t attempt to light the grill until it is repaired.

5. Never use the grill indoors; always place it at least 10 feet away from buildings or structures.

6. Keep the lid open when lighting the grill. If it does not light in the first several attempts, wait five minutes before trying again so the gas can dissipate.

7. When storing gas tanks, keep containers upright. Never store a space tank under or near the grill.

8. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case and never leave a fire unattended.

When selecting a tile design for your kitchen, take all of your elements into consideration: including cabinetry, appliance finishes and furniture. Take pictures of each when shopping for countertops, backsplashes and floor tile.

During a remodel or new construction, it’s best to select paint colors last. Paint is much easier and less expensive to change than countertops and flooring.