If your home’s stucco is deteriorating, it may be time to consider remediation or replacement. Leaving this issue unchecked will lead to further decay and cost more money in the long run.
One of the biggest signs of a stucco problem is interior leaking. This occurs when moisture seeps behind your siding and manifests as unsightly marks or spots in walls and ceilings. Contact Stucco Remediation Philadelphia now!
Water damage to stucco is more than just unsightly; it can threaten the structural integrity of the walls. It’s essential to know what signs to watch out for so you can take prompt action to protect your home.
Stucco is designed to be able to handle a little moisture, but if it’s exposed to too much moisture for too long, the material will start to suffer from structural issues. Eventually, this can lead to mold and mildew, as well as rot of the underlying wood supports.
If you see any moisture marks on your stucco, you should call for a remediation service right away. This service will include a thorough inspection of the stucco wall system to see if there are any underlying problems. Moisture detection and leak detection tests will also be performed to uncover the source of the moisture.
Typically, the first sign of moisture in a stucco wall is staining or discoloration. These stains are caused by trapped water in the wall, which can then erode the surface and cause other damage. Moisture stains often appear as white, hazy streaks or dark blotches on the surface of the stucco. This moisture can also lead to rot of the underlying wooden support structures, which in turn can compromise the integrity of the entire wall.
Cracks and stucco tears are other signs of a problem. These can be caused by a variety of reasons, including shifting foundations, bad mixing proportions or poor workmanship during the original installation. Cracks around windows and doors are particularly common, as they are typically the entry point for moisture into a building. A skilled masonry contractor will be able to spot these early warning signs and get to the root of the problem before it escalates.
Another cause of moisture in a stucco wall involves the sprinkler system. If the sprinklers are not properly adjusted, they can wash away the stucco’s protective barrier and allow moisture to sneak in. This type of moisture damage is especially common in older homes with EIFS stucco, which is prone to water absorption and can be damaged by excessive moisture exposure.
Cracks
If you have cracks in your stucco, repair or remediation is necessary to protect the appearance and structure of your home. While minor cracks are normal and to be expected, major ones can cause water damage that ruins the integrity of your walls. Water that seeps behind stucco causes paint failure, wood rot, musty smells, swollen drywall and other irreparable issues. It’s important to address any cracking as soon as possible to prevent further problems.
Stucco is a common building material in drier climates and it’s often used on homes to add beauty and curb appeal as well as protect the underlying home from weather conditions. It’s made of Portland cement, sand and water and sometimes builders add acrylics, lime or glass fibers to improve its strength. Even though it’s designed to withstand severe weather conditions, the concrete can crack over time, especially in extreme climates.
There are several reasons for this cracking, including wrong mixing proportions, insufficient or excessive drying shrinkage, a lack of waterproofing, seasonal changes, seismic movement and poor construction techniques. Newly built houses should not develop exterior cracks because they should be set up on a concrete foundation, which helps keep the stucco in place and avoid movement. If your house has developed cracks shortly after being built, it’s likely because of a problem with the foundation or structural design that should be addressed immediately.
Small cracks can be repaired with stucco patching materials and the help of a professional. You can also use a waterproofing coating to stop moisture from penetrating the wall and causing further problems. However, if you notice hairline cracks that are not only unsightly but also offer a pathway for water and moisture to enter the walls of your house, it’s likely that repair or remediation is the wiser long-term investment.
If you have diagonal or stair-step-shaped cracks, these are more serious and require immediate attention from a stucco remediation expert. They are usually a sign of structural problems that could result in extensive and expensive damage to your home. These types of cracks occur when the foundation shifts or settles and this can lead to separation between the stucco and the underlying walls.
Interior Leaks
If you spot stains on your interior walls or ceilings, it could be a sign that moisture is seeping through the stucco into your home. Water leaking behind your stucco can cause unsightly marks, and it may also rot wood framing and insulation inside your walls or attic, potentially leading to severe structural damage over time. Water can also create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which emit a musty odor and pose health risks to you and your family.
Moisture trapped behind your stucco can also lead to delamination, which is the separation of layers of your stucco. When this occurs, your stucco will be more prone to cracks and crumbling. Excessive moisture can even erode the concrete foundation beneath your stucco, which can compromise your home’s structure and weaken its overall durability.
The first step in addressing moisture problems in your stucco is to have an expert conduct a full inspection and run moisture tests. This will uncover any underlying issues that are causing your stucco to fail, such as improper installation or an old job that no longer holds up.
Depending on the results of the moisture tests, your remediation specialist will recommend either repair or replacement. If the underlying issue is minor, repair might be enough to restore your stucco and protect your home from further damage. However, if your stucco is showing signs of significant age or severe damage from other causes, replacement may be the best choice for you.
When deciding whether to have your stucco repaired or replaced, consider your budget and long-term goals for the appearance of your home. Repairs can be cost-effective, but replacing your stucco will typically be a wiser long-term investment for homes with serious moisture and other underlying issues.
When choosing a contractor to perform your stucco repair or remediation, look for an experienced company with a reputation for quality work and outstanding customer service. Ask for client testimonials and request a portfolio of past stucco projects. A good contractor will take the time to answer your questions thoroughly and educate you on your options.
Remediation vs. Replacement
When stucco is damaged, homeowners may need to choose between remediation or replacement. Stucco remediation involves identifying and fixing the underlying issue, while stucco replacement means completely replacing your existing stucco with a new, properly installed system. Remediation is the more comprehensive option, and it can also minimize the need for future repairs. It is also the most expensive, but it can save you money in the long run by preventing further damage and lowering your energy costs.
Remediation involves a thorough inspection of your stucco, including looking for signs of moisture intrusion and mold growth. A trained professional can help you determine whether the problem is simply cosmetic and surface-level, or if it’s a sign of deeper structural problems. A professional will check for the presence of moisture around windows and doors, and in other areas where water is most likely to penetrate.
Stucco repair is typically recommended for surface-level damage like small cracks, no signs of mold or moisture, and other surface issues that don’t threaten the integrity of your home’s structure. While this option is cheaper and less time-consuming than remediation, it isn’t always effective, especially if moisture and mold continue to damage the underlying building materials.
A thorough stucco remediation will include a full replastering of your exterior, which is often necessary to fully address major structural problems and prevent further moisture penetration. It will also involve re-sealing the entire stucco surface to protect your home from moisture and the elements.
Removing your existing stucco and installing a new one will require you to have current framing members, sheathing, and insulation removed as well. Your contractor will then install the new stucco to your home’s specifications and ensure that it’s secured to the structure’s underlying components.
While replacement is more expensive than remediation, it can save you money in the long run. Moisture and mold can cause rot, weakened framing, and more serious structural issues that will be costly to repair down the road. It’s also possible that your old stucco is outdated and not as efficient as more modern options.