Attempting to repair small cracks and holes without first checking for underlying issues can lead to severe problems. Full stucco remediation will address internal sheathing, framing, and insulation damage while building proper drainage and drying space into the entire wall system. Complete remediation costs more than simply patching the stucco, but it’s the only way to resolve the moisture issues fully. Here are some of the main things to consider.
Stucco is a popular material for exterior walls and has recently been a common addition to new homes. But this beautiful material can’t last forever, and moisture damage can cause stucco problems. Stucco Repair Philadelphia is a more extensive service than a simple repair, and it involves fixing the underlying issues causing moisture penetration.
Moisture in the concrete can damage a stucco wall and the structures inside the walls, including drywall, framing and sheathing. It also creates the perfect environment for mold and fungi to grow. If left unchecked, this moisture can eat away at the structural materials of your home and create major damage that could lead to structural failure and safety hazards for your family.
While any stucco-built home can have moisture damage, this issue is more prevalent in houses built in the early ’90s and to around 2010. The most common signs of a problem are cracking and staining, especially below windows. It’s important to find a qualified contractor to inspect the stucco and perform moisture tests.
If you notice signs of a problem, have a professional do a full inspection of the stucco and underlying structures with a thorough visual and non-invasive inspection. A professional should also run moisture tests using a probe or borescope to detect the presence of moisture behind the stucco.
Stucco repair is less expensive than a full replastering, but it doesn’t fix the underlying moisture penetration. This means that the problems will likely resurface, and you will need to make additional repairs. If you do opt for repair, you should hire a professional with the experience and training to do a quality job.
To begin the repair process, remove the damaged areas of stucco and clean the surface to prepare for patching. Loose stucco often bulges and feels spongey to the touch, and it is easy to break off large sections of the material. Use a hammer and chisel to remove loose stucco, but be careful not to disturb the lath or other structures underneath. To determine how much stucco needs to be removed, tap gently with a wood or acrylic hammer and listen–weak spots will sound hollow while intact sections will sound solid.
Moisture is a necessary part of life, but excess moisture causes damage to the stucco and leads to mold and fungi growth. If left unchecked, mold and fungi can cause serious structural damage to the home. It can also lead to health and safety issues for the family and pets. Mold can grow in a variety of ways, but leaks and water damage are common causes of mold growth. When a homeowner notices signs of mold and fungi, it is time to call a stucco remediation specialist to assess the situation.
Mold and fungi often appear as discoloration or staining in the exterior of the house. If a homeowner notices dark spots underneath their windows (often called “stucco tears”) or around light fixtures, it may be an indicator that there are more significant underlying problems with the home.
It is important to note that stucco remediation is the only long-term solution for water and mold damage to a home. The remediation process will remove the damaged sheathing, framing, and insulation and replace them with new materials that provide a solid barrier against moisture and mold.
Remediation is a much more comprehensive service than simple repair, which is why it is important to hire the right company to handle your project. Look for a company with an extensive portfolio of past projects, certifications, and client success rate.
Although repair is cheaper and quicker than remediation, it only addresses the surface level problems. This leaves homeowners with the same problem in the future unless the underlying issues are addressed. It is worth the investment to get the job done right the first time by hiring a contractor with the proper experience. When it comes to your stucco, you only have one chance to get it right! Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a free quote. Our experts will make sure your stucco is remediated properly so you can enjoy a safe and healthy living environment for years to come.
When moisture infiltrates a stucco wall, it can cause structural damage. Typically, the wood framing underneath will begin to rot and decay. This can lead to drywall and flooring damage, as well as other structural problems in the home. These issues can be costly to repair, so it is important to catch these problems as soon as possible.
Moisture damage can also destroy the integrity of concrete, making it more susceptible to cracking and crumbling. When this happens, it is a good idea to have the concrete inspected by a professional before deciding whether to repair or replace. If the concrete is damaged, it will likely need to be resurfaced and re-patched to ensure a lasting repair.
If the problem is caught early, you may be able to do a repair instead of a remediation. Stucco repairs are generally surface-level fixes that can be done by less-skilled workers than remediation. Remediation is more extensive and comprehensive, which means it will take longer to complete. However, this type of service will provide a long-term solution and prevent future moisture damage to the home’s walls.
While it is not possible to stop all moisture damage to the home’s exterior, there are ways you can slow down the process. To do this, you should look for signs of a moisture problem in the stucco, such as large cracks, mold growth, or staining around windows. You should also check the condition of the wood framing in the house, including checking for rotting and damage to the door or window frames.
Moisture damage is a serious concern for any homeowner with a stucco home. It can lead to expensive and time-consuming repairs, so it is important to check your stucco regularly and have any underlying problems addressed as soon as you notice them.
To spot a potential moisture problem, look for cracks in the stucco that are wider than a dime or feel spongey to the touch. If you find any of these problems, it is best to contact a stucco repair specialist right away for a full inspection.
Stucco is one of the most popular building materials in new single-family homes, but this cement-based plaster isn’t indestructible. In fact, it’s prone to moisture intrusion, mildew and mold problems that often need remediation.
In addition to regular inspections and termite (wood-destroying organism) reports, stucco repair and remediation should be considered for homes that are older than five years. If left untreated, these issues can cause serious damage to the underlying wood framing and sheathing that supports the walls.
The first step in diagnosing a problem is a thorough visual inspection and moisture readings of the stucco surface. Then, the contractor can determine the extent of the problem and whether it is a simple repair or if remediation is needed.
Some of the most common red flags of water intrusion into a home’s stucco are white, hazy streaks or dark blotches on the exterior walls. These are signs of trapped moisture that can lead to black mold and rot. Moisture damage to a house’s stucco can quickly spread to the sheathing, wood framing and insulation and cause significant structural damage over time.
If you see these signs in your home, call a professional immediately for an inspection. Remediation is generally more expensive than repair, but it is one of the best long-term investments you can make in your home. Stucco remediation will deal with the underlying issue that is causing the damage to your home’s exterior surfaces, and it will ensure that you don’t experience recurring problems in the future.
It’s important to know the difference between repair and remediation, so you can determine which solution is right for your home. Repair is for minor damage that doesn’t have an underlying cause, and remediation deals with the underlying issue to prevent moisture intrusion in the future. If you’re not sure which solution is right for your home, call a professional stucco expert to do an inspection and run moisture tests. They can help you decide which option is the best for your home and budget. They can also recommend steps to keep moisture away from your stucco in the future, such as grading and sloping soil and gutter systems and installing downspouts, flashing and other water management tools.