Stucco remediation is a long-term investment that helps your home avoid costly damage in the future. It is more expensive than repair, but it provides lasting value to your home and prevents moisture damage from destroying the sheathing and framing behind the stucco.
If you notice signs of moisture problems in your stucco, it’s time to call Stucco Repair Philadelphia. Otherwise, the damage will worsen and lead to mildew and mold, cracks, and wall rot.
Moisture stains are a common problem in stucco homes. These unsightly blotches indicate that moisture is leaking into the walls and causing serious damage to the house’s structure. Moisture that accumulates in the wall or behind the stucco can cause rotting of sheathing, insulation, and joists. It can also lead to the development of mold and mildew, which are often visible on the surface.
Stucco contractors use a variety of methods to detect moisture problems in the home. The most accurate is an exterior probe test. This involves drilling a set of holes and then inserting a probe that is connected to a moisture meter. The meter is then used to determine the level of moisture damage. A less accurate but still effective method is to use thermal imaging to sense warmer and cooler areas in the home’s exterior.
If you spot water stains on your stucco, it is important to contact a qualified contractor as soon as possible. The longer the moisture is left unattended, the worse the damage will be. A skilled contractor can repair the cracks that appear in the stucco, but it is a lot easier and cheaper to get rid of the moisture before it causes any permanent damage.
Another sign that it is time to call in a stucco remediation specialist is when the caulking appears to be shrunken or dried. This is a key sign that moisture has seeped through the stucco and into the walls, and it is vital to have this problem addressed immediately.
Stucco cracks can be caused by a number of different things, including land shifting, incorrect mixing proportions, and mediocre stucco installation. While these factors tend to cause cracking throughout the entire wall, they can also be concentrated in specific areas. Moisture intrusion can then cause these localized cracks to become deeper and more widespread, which is why it is so important to have a professional stucco inspection as soon as you notice any cracking. This can save you hundreds of dollars in costly repairs and renovations that recur on a regular basis.
Cracks
Stucco cracks are often a sign of structural problems. If a homeowner spots cracks in their stucco that do not seem to match up with the foundation of their home, it’s a good idea to call a professional to examine and assess the situation. These “red flags” can indicate a serious problem and may point to moisture intrusion issues or even structural damage to the home’s framing.
The majority of stucco hairline cracks are caused by benign factors and don’t pose a threat to the integrity of a structure, but the widening or deepening of these cracks is cause for concern. This is due to a buildup of moisture, and if left untreated, these cracks will eventually cause rot in the wood that supports a stucco wall.
Moisture also corrodes metal fasteners used to hold the stucco lathing on to a plywood or OSB substrate or shear panel. Once this happens, it can result in a failure of the fasteners or a collapse of the shear panel and cause structural problems in a building. Moisture can also result in the development of fungus or mold within the wall cavity. Moisture is also a major cause of wood rot, and this can impact beams, studs, joists, drywall, shear panels, and other framing members in the building.
When a crack penetrates all layers of a stucco system, it’s time to get professional help. This type of crack can be a more serious issue than a cracked finish coat, especially in older EFIS synthetic stucco systems. Once a crack penetrates all the way through to the inside of the wall, there is a greater probability that water will leak into the wall cavity and cause damage to the interior finish materials, like drywall and vapor barriers.
To repair a stucco crack, use a putty knife to scrape out any loose debris in the crack. Apply a premixed stucco patching material to the area. Once it has dried according to the manufacturer’s instructions, use a wire-bristled brush or broom to add texture to the patch to match the existing stucco.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot can be extremely damaging to stucco and a home or building. It is often caused by a lack of ventilation and can lead to severe mold problems as well as weakening the structure of the building. Dry rot occurs when the wood cannot properly dry out and will continue to spread if it is not corrected. This problem is more common in climates that have a regular freeze-thaw cycle or lots of moisture from coastal fog and ocean air. It can also occur if a rain gutter system is not functioning properly or if the sheathing of a house or commercial building is improperly sealed.
It is important to check for signs of rotting wood around windows and doors, as well as in the crevices where walls meet and in the wall siding. Discoloration, warping of the wood, or a musty, earthy smell can be signs of wood rot. Stucco that is sagging or showing signs of water damage, like peeling paint, should also be examined.
Stucco remediation can include removing wet framing and sheathing as well as repairing leaks to prevent future issues. A qualified contractor can identify and fix the source of the moisture to prevent costly repairs in the future.
Keeping your stucco in good condition is critical to the long-term integrity of your home or business. It is a smart investment that can save you money in the future by preventing serious damage. Contact a professional to discuss your needs and schedule an inspection of your stucco today.
The best way to keep your stucco looking great is to regularly perform routine maintenance. This includes having your stucco professionally cleaned to remove dirt, mildew, and mold. It is important to do this every 3–5 years to maintain the look and durability of your stucco.
Stucco remediation should include a moisture test, especially for older homes. These tests will assess multiple areas of your home and include the roof, chimney, vents, window frames, and doors. These tests can identify hidden moisture issues and can be a good indicator of what you should do next.
Mold
Mold grows on stucco when there is water present, which is common in humid climates like ours. Moisture also feeds the mold, so it’s important to inspect your home for signs of moisture penetration and possible rot and mold behind the stucco. These signs include damp or musty areas, rotting wood, discoloration of the stucco, condensation, and even peeling paint. If you notice any of these issues, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection with a reputable stucco remediation company.
Stucco holds up to water quite well, but when it starts causing problems, especially with the wood framing behind the walls, then it’s time for stucco remediation. This involves completely removing the stucco and materials that have been damaged by mold or moisture, such as OSB and plywood. Then, the wall is replastered with new materials to tend to the underlying issues.
If the problem is left unattended, moisture can rot the wooden beams and foundation of your house. This can cause serious structural damage and collapse the walls, which isn’t an ideal situation for any homeowner. Luckily, if you catch the issue early enough, it can be remedied before this happens.
Another sign that it’s time for remediation is when you notice that the mold is spreading or has gotten worse. Mold spreads very quickly, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any spots of mold that appear on your exterior stucco. Mold stains on stucco generally look like white or hazy streaks and blotches.
Remediating stucco is a more extensive and expensive service than simply repairing the stucco, so it’s understandable that you wouldn’t want to do it unless it was absolutely necessary. However, if you continue to postpone remediation, then the damage will only get worse and cost more in the long run. It’s a much better idea to invest in remediation as soon as you notice any problems with your stucco. This will help you avoid costly repairs in the future and keep your home looking its best. This will make your home a safer place to live, too!
