Stucco naturally absorbs some water, but excessive absorption will cause problems. Moisture trapped behind stucco causes unsightly stains and nasty, toxic black mold that can damage underlying framing and sheathing.
While surface repairs can help, remediation is the best solution for addressing extensive moisture damage. Stucco Remediation involves stripping the exterior surface to inspect and properly repair the underlying issues causing moisture damage.
Moisture staining is one of the most common signs that stucco is leaking. Stucco is designed to hold some moisture, but if water infiltrates the material and stays trapped, it can lead to various problems, including black mold and rotting wood. Water damage to a stucco exterior is difficult to detect because it can take years before the problem shows itself on the surface of your home’s walls. Moisture intrusion in a stucco wall can lead to cracks and crumbling, which can then compromise the integrity of the rest of your house.
Moisture stains are usually caused by dirt or grease, but can also be caused by chemical reactions with soil, salts and other minerals that can seep through the stucco. These stains appear as white hazy streaks or dark blotches on the stucco surface. When stains are caused by dirt, it is easy to determine the cause by inspecting the surrounding landscaping. In many cases, shrubbery and flowers are positioned too close to the home, which can rub against the stucco walls and leave unsightly stains. Stucco stains can also be caused by a buildup of algae and other substances on the stucco, which can result in a bubbly or flaky appearance.
If you notice that your stucco has a dark hazy appearance, it is important to contact a professional to perform a moisture inspection. A professional can help you determine the source of the stains and find the best solution for your home’s unique conditions.
Stucco remediation can involve a number of steps, including cleaning and treating affected areas with a mold-killing and bleaching detergent. It may also be necessary to remove debris and repair any damaged seals or flashing. In addition, the expert may recommend repositioning or trimming plants to keep them away from the house.
While stucco repair can be a quick fix to the immediate issue, it is important to understand that this is only a patchwork solution. A complete remediation of the stucco will address all of the underlying issues that have led to water damage and ensure that these issues don’t arise in the future.
Cracks
Stucco has a tendency to crack, and even the smallest of hairline cracks can be a sign of trouble. If left untreated, these cracks can eventually lead to a host of problems, including moisture seepage and structural damage. Fortunately, these cracks are relatively easy to fix, but it’s important to have them done quickly to prevent further damage.
To repair the crack, start by clearing away any loose debris with a scraper or wire brush. Next, apply a premixed stucco patching material with a putty knife or trowel. Make sure the product you choose matches your stucco color, and use a scratch awl to add texture as needed. Once the patching has dried, paint over it to hide it.
Typically, these cracks occur for a variety of reasons. Settlement of the building is one common cause, as it can put stress on the stucco and force it to crack. Moisture exposure is another factor – whether from rain or irrigation systems, excessive moisture can also cause cracking over time. Finally, large temperature fluctuations can cause the stucco to expand and contract in a way that leads to cracks.
The most serious type of stucco crack is the diagonal cracking you’ll notice around your windows and doors. These cracks usually indicate that your building is shifting or moving, and should be attended to immediately.
Once the crack has been repaired, it is important to regularly inspect your home’s exterior for signs of further issues. Any leaking interiors should be addressed as soon as possible, since this is often a sign of trapped water behind the siding. This can lead to unsightly spots and marks on walls and ceilings, so it’s best to catch this problem early on. As a result, homeowners need to be vigilant about checking their homes for any signs of deterioration, and hire builders who specialize in stucco remediation when problems arise. This can ensure the integrity of your walls, and keep future problems from occurring.
Mold
Moisture in the form of mold or water staining is a major problem for any home, especially when it gets behind the stucco. If left unchecked, it can lead to serious structural damage like wood rot and loss of the integrity of the wall. This can be quite expensive to fix. But even worse is that it can put your health and the safety of your family at risk, especially if you have children or elderly family members living in your house.
When you have a moisture issue, it’s important to seek the advice of a specialist as soon as possible. They will perform a complete inspection and run moisture tests to identify the source of the issue. Then they will assess the damage, identifying which areas need repair. This can include areas around windows, doors, and any landscaping that is near the building. They will also examine the base of the walls, checking for any signs of moisture.
The next step is to clean and remove any visible mold spots. Then, the contractor will install new sheathing and framing to stop any future moisture intrusion. If they find that the sheathing and framing are already saturated with moisture, they will need to do a full remediation, stripping the stucco and replacing it with new materials.
Remediation is more extensive than a simple repair and takes longer to complete, but it fixes the root cause of the problems instead of patching up surface-level damage. It’s often a more expensive option, but using small repair jobs to keep postponing the inevitable is only going to cost you more in the long-run.
It’s also worth mentioning that if you are worried about moisture in your stucco, then Rhino Shield, a ceramic coating company, can help. Their products can safeguard your walls from moisture and humidity, which will prevent molds and other harmful growths. Contact them for a free consultation.
Uneven Surface
Stucco remediation can involve more than just replacing damaged areas. A good contractor will also reapply the finish layer to give your stucco an even, appealing look. They’ll use a specialized thinning agent to smooth the surface and achieve the right texture or appearance. This technique will help ensure that your stucco doesn’t show any tool marks after application and looks like it was a natural part of the home.
When properly installed and cared for, stucco can last between 50 and 80 years. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of deterioration. These symptoms can include stains, cracks, and an uneven surface. If not caught early on, these problems can lead to water leaks and insect infestations. Insects such as ants and termites can gnaw through the stucco and cause extensive damage.
If you spot any of these signs, it’s important to take action quickly. This will protect your home from further damage and prevent more expensive repairs down the road.
In most cases, the most severe signs of deterioration will involve moisture intrusion and structural damage. This is because moisture can damage or weaken the lath that your stucco is anchored to. If this happens, your stucco will start to rot and may eventually collapse.
Another sign of a problem with your stucco is a widening of hairline cracks. These cracks can be caused by a variety of factors, including temperature changes and moisture fluctuations. If left untreated, these cracks can elongate and widen, which will cause moisture to penetrate the walls and damage the interior of your home.
If you’re noticing any of these warning signs, it’s time to call in the experts for stucco remediation. By catching these problems early, you can save thousands of dollars in costly repairs and avoid the need for a full replacement. Depending on the cause, your homeowner’s insurance may cover the cost of this work. However, it’s important to research a contractor’s previous projects, certifications, and client success rate before hiring them for this task. This will ensure that they have the necessary skills and experience to properly complete your project.