Why Stucco Repair Is Important

Stucco is a sturdy material that will last for years when it’s properly installed. However, it can be damaged by a variety of factors, including improper caulking around windows, impacts, and woodpecker holes (they love to peck at stucco for the sound and vibration it creates).

If left unchecked, these problems could lead to mold, insect infestations, buckling, and other expensive repairs. Fortunately, the sooner stucco remediation is completed, the better. For professional help, contact Stucco Repair Philadelphia.

While stucco is an incredibly durable material, it is prone to moisture intrusion. When this occurs, the moisture can cause a lot of problems, including mold and rot that threaten the structural integrity of your home. Fortunately, these problems can be easily detected and treated with a thorough stucco inspection from a professional contractor. This is an important step to take for both homeowners and builders, as it will ensure that moisture issues do not worsen and cause even more expensive problems in the future.

Moisture that seeps into and behind stucco is very problematic, as it rots the wood beams that support your walls. This rotting can compromise the structure of your house and lead to a variety of issues, including hairline cracks, sagging, or even collapses of your stucco walls. Moisture that penetrates your stucco walls can also rust the metal lathe and create holes through your stucco, allowing water to enter your home. This can rot the wood framing and make your home vulnerable to insect infestations, as well as cause mold and mildew damage that aggravates allergies and other health concerns.

The easiest way to prevent this type of moisture intrusion is to hire a skilled stucco contractor for your installation and to perform regular visual inspections to look for signs of problems. This can be as simple as performing a quick sweep of your home and looking for areas that are particularly vulnerable, such as the corners of windows or chimneys.

If you do notice hairline cracks, a simple repair is usually all that’s needed to remedy the problem. There are a few different products that you can use for this, including sanded caulking (Quikrete makes an excellent one). For more severe cracks, however, it may be necessary to chip out the old mortar and install a new patch. You can then fill the crack with a product like elastomeric caulking, which allows the patch to expand and contract without further damage, and it can be painted to match your home’s stucco.

Remediation is generally more expensive than a simple repair, but it is the only way to fix the underlying issues that are causing your stucco to fail. It is much like putting tape over a leaky pipe; it stops the water from leaking, but the underlying issue still exists and will continue to cause problems.

Impact Damage

Stucco is a durable and attractive material for walls, but it can be damaged by impact. Small impacts can cause cracks in stucco, which should be repaired by a professional before the cracks get bigger. These cracks may be caused by weathering, but they can also be a result of improper installation or damage from other sources.

Hailstorms are a common cause of damage to stucco and EIFS. Hailstones can break the waterproof outer layer of these materials, allowing water to reach areas that it shouldn’t be able to reach. This can lead to rust and mold. These types of damages are usually covered by homeowners’ insurance.

Another type of impact damage is caused by a lack of gutters. Without a gutter system, rainwater will wash off the roof of the house and run down the stucco wall. This water will cause surface moisture and staining, which can be difficult to remove. This problem can be avoided by installing gutters and ensuring that they are properly working.

If you notice that your stucco has a dark color, this is a sign that the material has been exposed to moisture for long periods of time. It’s important to call a professional right away so they can inspect the area and perform a repair. The longer this issue goes untreated, the worse it will be.

A professional will start by removing the old stucco, removing the lath with tin snips, and tearing up the felt paper or house wrap that was under the stucco. They will then patch the damaged areas and repair any internal damage that is found. They will then apply the appropriate finish to ensure the repair lasts.

While repairs are good for addressing small cracks and damage, remediation is the best option for preventing future problems from occurring. Remediation will solve the underlying issues that are causing the damage to your stucco. This process will include a full inspection of the wall system, including the areas around windows. If there is evidence of water damage, the professional will fix the source of the water so that it doesn’t cause more damage in the future.

Moisture Buildup

Stucco is a popular exterior finish for homes that improves the look of raw building materials like stone and concrete while acting as an insulator from the elements. While it’s durable, stucco is susceptible to moisture damage and needs regular maintenance to keep it looking good.

Moisture penetration can occur for a variety of reasons, including poor construction details and improper installation. If your stucco is experiencing moisture intrusion, it’s time to call in a professional for a stucco repair.

The most common sign of moisture penetration is cracking in the stucco. Hairline cracks less than 18 inches in size are normal and require little maintenance, but larger cracks indicate a problem that needs to be fixed. Stair-stepping cracking can be a sign of sheathing failure, but in this case, it’s necessary to remove the existing sheathing and replace it with new wood sheathing before proceeding with a stucco repair.

Leaking is another common sign of moisture problems in stucco. This is a serious issue because it allows water to get trapped behind the walls, causing wood rot and creating an ideal environment for mold growth. This can also cause drywall to deteriorate, and it’s best to fix this problem before it gets out of control.

You can check to see if your stucco is pulling away from the sheathing by pressing on it with your hand. If it’s loose, the sheathing may need to be replaced, or you can simply use a screwdriver handle to tap the wall and listen for a dull thud; this indicates areas of the wall that are coming loose and need to be repaired.

When it comes to moisture damage, remediation is the most effective solution. Remediation involves examining your home’s interior structures, especially around windows and doors, to ensure that they’re not affected by moisture penetration through the stucco. Once the underlying issues are addressed, your stucco can be repaired and protected from further damage. Whether you’re in need of a simple stucco repair or would like to consider converting your traditional stucco to EIFS (exterior insulation and finishing systems), a professional can help you find the right solutions for your property.

Pest Infestation

Stucco repair can protect homes from termite infestation and damage. Preventative measures include physical barriers like trimming synthetic stucco and maintaining gaps, sealing cracks in exterior surfaces, insect-proofing gutters, fixing leaks, and installing ventilation screens. Homeowners should also schedule regular inspections by pest management professionals and contact them immediately if they see termite swarmers on or around their property.

Homeowners should look for warning signs like dark spots or stains under windows and doors, stucco tears, and dampness near these areas. When caught early, these problems can be corrected before significant damage occurs. Advanced detection tools, such as radar-based termite detectors or baiting systems, can help homeowners stay one step ahead of these destructive pests.

Despite its desirable qualities for energy efficiency, EIFS stucco has many problems that can lead to water damage and structural issues. These problems are often caused by improper installation, moisture buildup, and a lack of maintenance.

If left untreated, these issues can cause serious damage to the structure of the house and lead to costly repairs. Homeowners should address these issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage and protect their investments.

A common problem with EIFS stucco is water penetration behind the wall. This can occur for a number of reasons, including the presence of gaps, loose or missing caulking, deteriorating wood, and improper flashings. If the water behind the wall is allowed to sit for too long, it can penetrate into the building envelope and cause major damage.

Stucco repair is a cost-effective way to prevent the occurrence of these problems. A stucco professional can evaluate the condition of the surface and recommend necessary repairs. They can also install ventilation screens, insect-proof the gutters, fix leaks, and maintain drainage systems.

Physical barriers, such as proper trimming of synthetic stucco and ensuring there is a gap of at least two inches between the ground and the bottom edge of the stucco, can help prevent termite invasions. In addition, homeowners can apply a chemical treatment to their property to deter termites from entering stucco structures. These treatments can include repellents, such as boric acid and diatomaceous earth, or non-repellents, such as bifenthrin, imidacloprid, and fipronil. When using these chemicals, it is important to follow label instructions for application to ensure safety and effectiveness.