Exterior Finishes

The primary exterior finish on Fulton Homes is stucco and wood fascias. Some homes have stone or brick accents. These finishes were chosen for their beauty and durability in this area. Because they are exposed to constantly changing weather changes, the exterior finishes on your new home require routine maintenance and care. We recommend that you inspect the exterior surfaces of your home every three months.

Stucco
Stucco is a cement product and takes approximately 28 days to cure or harden after it is applied. Stucco is susceptible to cracking due to expansion and contraction. Cracks should be expected during the lifetime of the home due to fluctuating temperatures. This is normal and does not reduce the function of the stucco in any way.  The white, powdery substance that sometimes accumulates on stucco surfaces is called efflorescence. This is a natural phenomenon and cannot be prevented. Consult your home center or hardware store for commercial products to remove efflorescence.

Other suggestions for maintaining the stucco on your home are:

• Avoid spraying water from irrigation or watering systems on stucco surfaces. Check the spray from your lawn and plant irrigation system frequently to make certain that water is not spraying or accumulating on stucco surfaces.
• Keep dirt a minimum of 6-8 inches below the bottom of the stucco finish. Do not pour concrete; construct masonry or brick walls or place dirt on, or up against, the stucco finish.

Wood
Wood is found throughout your home. Because wood is natural, porous material, it requires protection with paint if it is exposed to the elements. Inspect your exposed wood surfaces frequently. If you find cracking or peeling of the paint, sand the area and repaint it promptly. All exterior wood on your home will require repainting every two to four years or more if necessary.

Surfaces that receive direct sun in the morning and mid-afternoon will require more frequent repainting. Inspect these surfaces every six months. Repaint every year or as needed.

Split or damaged wood, particularly on the ends of beams, should be repaired or repainted to avoid further damage. Small splits on the ends of beams are called checking. This is normal and does not affect the integrity of the beams. The natural drying of wood can result in gaps and splits in wood molding and trim parts. Nails can work loose. Reset all popped nails and reposition trim parts that have been moved by natural drying of the wood. In case of severe warping, replace the trim parts. Fill any cracks with commercial wood filler and use touch-up paint.

Fencing
Please note that fencing height around your home may vary from that in the models and from homes with different grade elevations.

Do not add to the height of your fence. Your fence footers are engineered only for the existing height. You’re C.C. & R.s., homeowners association and local building authorities also govern the height of your fence.

Gates
Wrought iron gates with wood slats require annual sealing or oiling of the wood. Sprinklers should be directed away from gates to avoid discoloration.

Wrought Iron Fencing
The fencing on your property may be made of wrought iron, an attractive material that adds beauty to your home. Wrought iron is subject to rusting if it is not maintained properly. Use touch-up paint on nicks and scratches every six months or as needed. Repaint every one to two years. The wrought iron portion of the gates should be inspected for corrosion on a regular basis. Use touch-up paint or repaint as needed.