Homeowners love stucco siding for a few key reasons. For starters, it’s durable and able to stand up to most everything that Mother Nature throws its way. It’s also long-lasting and can be purchased in a variety of different finishes and colors.
Those are the good things about stucco. The bad things? Stucco isn’t immune to water damage, which can lead to the likes of wood rot and mold growth if such issues aren’t caught in time. When it comes to stucco damage, however, moisture issues can be difficult to diagnose.
Identifying Stucco Problems
So just how can you tell if your stucco is harboring hidden water damage?
There are two main ways – one is obvious to the naked eye, while the other will likely require a professional to execute testing:
Stucco Tears:
This is a term used to describe water stains that appear underneath windows that often indicate stucco moisture intrusion. These stains usually appear greenish-black in color and, in many cases, are actually fungus growing in the stucco itself.
Moisture Testing:
Even if your stucco is showing some heavy “tears,” it’s still a good idea to have a professional administer a moisture test before hiring a contractor to either repair or replace it. Conversely, if you smell musky odors around your stucco, that could be a sign of water intrusion, even if there are no tears or signs of mold growth. Regardless, a professional will test the stucco with a specialty moisture meter to determine if there’s a problem and what the extent of the problem is.
Repairing / Replacing Stucco
Most stucco incurrs water damage because of improper installation. With that said, in some circumstances, re-sealing the stucco around windows, flashing and joints may be enough to remedy the situation. However in other more dire situations, where water has long been penetrating the stucco, stucco remediation or replacement may be necessary. While stucco is a viable replacement, another type of siding that has been gaining popularity over the years is fiber cement. One of the big benefits of fiber cement is that it won’t rot and it won’t warp when exposed to various temperatures.
The best way to avoid a water damage situation when it comes to your stucco is to make sure that it’s installed correctly. Hire a reputable contractor that is licensed, insured, experienced and is certified by the various construction institutions and associations. If you’re considering buying a home with stucco, make sure to hire a building inspector that carefully examines the sealing around the common trouble spots. And finally, it’s never a bad idea to have your roof and stucco examined every few years to make sure that it’s holding up well. This way, repairs can be made before minor issues escalate into larger, more expensive ones.
Let the experts at Precision Contracting services help you with your stucco repairs and remediation. Contact Precision Contracting Services today to schedule a free consultation.
Want to learn more about whole home remodeling in PA? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Remodeling Your Luxury Home.