Homes in our part of Pennsylvania are particularly prone to water damage; the changing temperature and wet, snowy winters wreak havoc on wood and stucco homes. The damage lurking beneath your stucco may not be noticeable on the outside, but it is important to inspect your home regularly for problems. The longer your home goes without stucco remediation, the more it will cost to fix it.
How can you tell if your stucco is a problem?
These tips will help:
1. Perform a Visual Inspection
If your stucco is stained or discolored, it could be a sign of trouble. Moisture and leakage causes this discoloration and if you can see visible stains, there could be mold or water damage lurking below the surface. Pay particular attention to the edges and corners of windows and doors and to the areas directly below the roofline as you look for damage.
2. Keep an Eye on the Neighborhood
The homes in your development were likely built around the same time by the same builder – meaning they can often end up with the same issues. If you notice that your neighbors are replacing the stucco on their homes, it might be time to take a look at your own. Since most problems lie beneath the surface, you can get a good idea of what might be lurking on y our own home if you take a look at the other homes in your neighborhood that are being repaired and upgraded.
3. Get a Professional Inspection
An inspector can take a look behind your stucco using infrared technology; this allows them to determine if your home is damaged without physically disturbing your stucco. This option does have an upfront cost; an inspector here in Bucks County could charge anywhere from $400 – $800 for the service, but it will allow you to take action before your home becomes too damaged.
What to Do if You Spot a Problem
If you suspect your home is experiencing water damage due to your stucco façade, then remediation can help resolve the problem. The sooner you catch the damage and opt for a higher quality siding, the better; even if your home is not yet impacted, our wet winters and fluctuating temperatures mean that for most stucco homes, it is just a matter of time before damage occurs. Simply repairing the damage and adding more stucco isn’t enough; you’ll need to replace the existing finish with a better product like hardieplank siding to truly protect your home.
Replacing Stucco with James Hardie Siding
We’ve found that homeowners in Chester County, PA and the surrounding area are opting to replace worn, damaged stucco with new James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding. This particular siding offers superior water resistance and a stylish, high-end look; the end effect is an appealing and stylish exterior without the water and maintenance issues caused by wood or stucco siding.
- Timing: It takes time to correctly install this precision engineered project; allow 8-10 weeks for the process to be completed.
- Choose the Right Team for the Job: The ideal contractor will be a preferred installer of James Hardie siding with plenty of experience in stucco remediation. Choosing a local contractor ensures that you are not placing your faith in a business without roots in the area or that doesn’t understand the unique challenges faced by a Pennsylvania home.
- Review your Design Options: With 25+ colors and a variety of sizes, it can be tough to pick the perfect finish for your home. The right contractor can help you choose the right look for your home and ensure that your new stucco replacement siding is not only impervious to weather, but enhances your property too.
Contact us if you are concerned about your stucco exterior or worried about water damage; our long history of serving the community ensures that your most valuable asset is in good hands. We’re here to help you choose the right finish and to protect your home from further damage.