how do you know if your stucco is bad

• Bad stucco effects houses that were built around 20 years ago located primarily in the Northeast region of the country. ...
• Check for visible signs of mold. The moisture that collects behind the stucco creates the ideal environment for mold growth. Keep in mind that mold can be a health hazard. ...
• A musty, dank odor is another sign of bad stucco. This odor comes from the moisture and may also be a result of mold growth.
• Leaks that do not originate from plumbing could be due to bad stucco. Whether the leak occurred recently or years ago, this is a sign that needs attention.
• Crumbling or missing caulking that has become aged.
• Siding that is pulling away from the house or has become cracked.
• Wood rot in the exterior walls or fixtures in the home.

How do I know if my house has stucco damage?

Cracking and discoloration are perhaps the most common indicators of stucco home problems. Look at your home’s stucco siding and try to identify these common signs of damage: Heavy staining. Thin cracks. Long cracks. Bulges in the stucco wall finish. Missing stucco.

Is the stucco on Your House cracking or turning black?

Is the stucco cracking or turning black? Cracking and discoloration are perhaps the most common indicators of stucco home problems. Look at your home’s stucco siding and try to identify these common signs of damage: Even if you can only find some of the issues listed above, these stucco failure warning signs are often just the tip of the iceberg.

What happens if you don’t clean stucco?

When your home’s stucco doesn’t have this space or is below grade, it can trap water and moisture. As a result, you get mold, rotting, and cracking. Unfortunately, only a home inspector or someone with great attention to detail can notice this.

How do I know if my stucco window sealant is bad?

There should be sealant around the entire perimeter of the window and door opening. If you see shrunken, dried caulking, or if the adhesion is no longer present, then that area has a higher probability for water and air intrusion. Remember, stucco failure begins when water is allowed into the wall cavity.

What does bad stucco look like?

While stucco is designed to naturally retain some moisture, lasting water spots on the exterior of your stucco home can indicate serious problems. Stucco water spots, commonly referred to as staining, can be seen as either white hazy streaks or as dark blotches in the color.

What is the main problem with stucco?

There are several stucco problems that you can encounter. The most common ones are staining and discoloration, stucco cracking, and moisture intrusion. Other problems include stucco extending below grade and caulking. Some of these issues will need either repair or remediation.

How often does stucco need to be replaced?

50-80 yearsStucco is a very durable finish material with a typical life span of 50-80 years or more. Although it is one of the most durable surfaces available, it also features the lowest annual maintenance cost when compared to other siding materials. Stucco is a natural material consisting of an aggregate, a binder, and water.

What does water damaged stucco look like?

Cracks and bubbles along the bottom edge of the wall — Resulting from a poor drainage system, water leaking through stucco walls shows up along the bottom edge. If you see dense cracks or odd bubbles, you're looking at the signs of stucco damage.

How do you inspect stucco?

12:1416:59Tips on Inspecting Stucco and EIFS During a Home Inspection - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne other key point you need to keep in mind as a property inspector looking at stucco if you seeMoreOne other key point you need to keep in mind as a property inspector looking at stucco if you see EPS or XPS don't jump to the conclusion. That. You have an e ifs. System one of the major.

What happens when water gets behind stucco?

Water leakage is a common issue with stucco in areas where seasonal rain is the norm. If water gets behind stucco it will soften the areas it comes in contact with, eventually causing the stucco to break away and fall off in sheets.

Should you power wash stucco?

Yes, you can use a power washer or pressure washer to clean stucco. Just make sure to maintain a good distance between the nozzle and the surface, use the 1,500 PSI, and a 25- or 40-degree nozzle. Although, given the intensity of a power washer, seeking the help of a professional is always best.

How often should stucco be inspected?

every two yearsRecommended Time for Inspections It is recommended that you inspect your stucco every two years or so to ensure that it's showing no signs of damage. You can certainly inspect this material on your own, though it will help you greatly to have the professionals stop by and perform this inspection.

What is the maintenance on stucco?

The good news is that cleaning indoor stucco usually takes nothing more than water and a bit of elbow grease. Simply scrub the dingy stucco with a dampened nylon brush to saturate the surface, then rub away the buildup with a moistened microfiber cloth (or clean cotton rag).

Are stucco leaks covered by insurance?

Though some stucco cases are in fact covered by homeowner's insurance, your insurance will most likely not pay for your home damages if you purchase insurance after the stucco damage was discovered. Many insurance companies also don't cover insurance claims for work done by unlicensed professionals.

Can water seep through stucco?

Despite what many people think about stucco walls, stucco walls are not water-resistant. As a matter of fact water actually absorbs into the stucco. In most cases, the problem with water leaking through stucco is that the building envelope has been breached.

When should I be concerned about stucco cracks?

Larger cracks, we're talking 1/16 of an inch, are cause for concern. If you can slide your credit card into the crack in your stucco, it's time to seek some professional help. Larger cracks like these can indicate a structural issue that needs to be addressed prior to repairing the stucco.

Is stucco good for a house?

Stucco is a cement, sand, and water mixture, so it stays rigid, even in strong winds. Many folks may even prefer buying a stucco home over, for example, a brick structure. Additionally, stucco is fire- and pest-resistant, making it one of the most ideal residential building materials.

Does water go through stucco?

Despite what many people think about stucco walls, stucco walls are not water-resistant. As a matter of fact water actually absorbs into the stucco. In most cases, the problem with water leaking through stucco is that the building envelope has been breached.

Why is my stucco falling off?

Cause: If stucco is crumbling or falling off of your home, the culprit is simple but destructive—water. Improperly installed or poorly maintained stucco leads to cracks and water creeping through to your home's foundation. Unfortunately, unsightly breaks and cracks in your stucco exterior are the least of your worries.

Does stucco attract bugs?

Stucco is very affordable and virtually maintenance-free; cement-based stucco resists fungus, rot, and is insect resistant.

What is precision contracting?

At Precision Contracting, our Downingtown, PA-based team of stucco remediation contractors is committed to helping clients avoid future costs and damages by providing superior stucco remediation services. We’re experts when it comes to fixing failed stucco siding, and we can recommend a replacement process to ensure that your home will be up to current standards with excellent moisture-control systems at an affordable price.

How to tell if stucco is damaged?

Cracking and discoloration are perhaps the most common indicators of stucco home problems. Look at your home’s stucco siding and try to identify these common signs of damage:

How to tell if a window is rotting?

Try to visually identify signs of rot near windows and doors. You may see dark spots, stains, cracks, or even entire missing pieces of stucco. There could also be a telltale smell of wet, rotting wood if you get close enough.

Can stucco be used on a wood framed chimney?

Wood-framed chimneys just do not get along with stucco, but for whatever reason, it seems that hundreds of homes have tried (and failed) to marry the two together. To see if your chimney is causing stucco problems in your home, you must first determine if the stucco is applied to block masonry or wood framing.

Is stucco rotting in Pennsylvania?

Stucco failure is an all-too-common problem in Southeast Pennsylvania, where over the past 15 years over 80% of stucco installations have been defective. An unsightly and dangerous issue, the moisture intrusion that results from failed stucco can lead to extensive damage and rot.

Do you have to seal stucco?

If you have Stucco or EFIS on the exterior of your home, any dissimilar materials must be separated. Those junctions must be sealed with an approved sealant.

Why do stucco cracks appear?

These larger stucco cracks could indicate that the house has settled, heaved, or lacks proper expansion joints. In others, the cracks could be the result of water intrusion damage, especially if there are stains at the cracks. Regardless, structural or stucco repairs may be needed along with cosmetic crack repairs. Note: simple spot patches of stucco cracks are typically not recommended due to the unsightliness of the repairs.

Why does stucco crumble?

Stucco Crumbles. Crumbling stucco could be due to age, stress, pest infestations, settling, water damage, vibrations, impact accidents, and even improper stucco installation . As more stucco crumbles away, the problem worsens because the stucco integrity is breached and additional water can seep inside.

What happens if stucco is EIFS?

If your stucco is EIFS or has EPS Plant-On bands, then there may be impact damage from lawnmowers, weed whackers, kids, flickers, and woodpeckers . If your stucco has cracks, stains, moss, crumbles, indentations, soft spots, or doesn’t look right, it’s a good idea to have the stucco inspected before further damage occurs.

What does it mean when you notice water indentations on stucco?

By the time you notice indentations or soft spots in your home’s stucco, your house could be telling you that there’s water damage lurking beneath the plaster. Unfortunately, water damage can require extensive structural repairs with complications that include mold and rot.

Can stucco be painted over?

Stucco Stains. As unsightly as stucco sta ins may be, avoid the temptation to paint over them as the wrong paint often does not adhere and can mask the condition. One should always address the underlying problems first.

Can stucco be moss?

Stucco Moss. It’s not unusual for the stucco to become discolored at the bottom as rainwater splashes dirt onto the home. It’s also not unusual for moss to grow in these wet, shady areas. Moss can be scrubbed away with a water, borax, bleach, and soap solution; call for details.

What happens when moisture gets trapped in EIFs?

Once the moisture gets trapped, EIFS just holds the moisture there. The termites in the system love such moist environments. Then termites get in there and gradually eat the framing of the whole structure. Besides, the trapped moisture gradually rots the structure.

Why did water infiltration happen in the 1980s?

This way, in the 1980s and ’90s, water infiltration, because of poor installation, behind barrier EIFS caused the structure to delaminate, buckle, mold, crack, rot and many more. Consequently, there were numerous lawsuits filed against the manufacturers and builders.

How much does stucco cost?

Traditional Stucco is the best choice for you if you are considering the cost. It costs only $7 to $9 per square foot.

Can stucco sand cause water damage?

At first, improper installation is very likely to allow water infiltration, which result in water damage over time. The other serious issues include, cracking (if stucco sand becomes mixed with soil around the home), staining, crumbling and mold. When there are excessive water retention and moisture problems, mold becomes a persistent matter of concern.

Is stucco environmentally friendly?

When you plan to install stucco or repair an existing coating, you might want a chance to make your home coating environmentally friendly. The good news is, both synthetic stucco and hardcoat are environmentally friendly.

Is stucco hard coat or EIFs?

There are two kinds of stucco: Exterior insulation and finish systems ( EIFS) and hard coat stucco. From time to time both the types have earned bad reputation because of improper installation. However, the former, EIFS, is a bit worse than the latter, hard coat stucco, in a sense that EIFS systems are designed with no integral drainage facility. EIFS is usually adhered to wood or gypsum board. When the installation is incorrect, the EIFS system allows water intrusion.

Is synthetic stucco good for maintenance?

Ease of Maintenance: If you consider ease of maintenance, Synthetic Stucco (EIFS) is the ideal choice for you. Both the stucco systems require regular inspections, and clearing. But if you paint on hard coat stucco, you may face difficulties in maintaining the stucco in the long run.

What are the problems with stucco?

The most common ones are staining and discoloration, stucco cracking, and moisture intrusion. Other problems include stucco extending below grade and caulking. Some of these issues will need either repair or remediation.

Why does stucco crack?

Some of the reasons are the result of land shifting, wrong mixing proportions, and mediocre stucco installation. All of these tend to cause mostly general cracking.

How to tell if stucco is leaking or discoloring?

You can identify these spots or staining by searching for white hazy streaks or dark blotches. This staining and discoloration can result from a poorly installed flashing.

How to tell if stucco is moisture?

If you believe you’re getting moisture intrusion on your stucco, then you’ll have to beware of some signs. Firstly, look for missing chips or chunks of stucco. If you notice this, then you can be sure there are moisture problems underneath. Another sign of moisture or water intrusion is when your stucco looks damp.

What does it mean when stucco extends below the foundation?

Still, you should worry as stucco extending below grade can bring severe issues for your home. Below grade means the stucco is applied below where the foundation meets the ground.

What are the signs of stucco remediation?

This involves the complete replacement of your home’s stucco exterior. These signs mean you need stucco remediation: Missing pieces of stucco. Large cracks.

What does "below grade" mean?

Below grade means the stucco is applied below where the foundation meets the ground. This is wrong because there should be at least two inches to allow proper drainage for the stucco. When your home’s stucco doesn’t have this space or is below grade, it can trap water and moisture.

What does it mean when stucco is brittle?

When you touch stucco and apply slight pressure, it should not be brittle or crumble under your fingertips. If it feels brittle or it crumbles, that indicates an underlying problem that should be examined by a professional. If you feel any damp spots, that’s another indication that there is water damage and possibly mold.

Why does stucco have a hairline crack?

Hairline cracks are caused by expected stresses or vibrations around your house. Cracks on foam trim are cracks where two pieces of stucco were improperly joined at their seams during stucco installation. Spider cracks occur because the base coat of stucco under the top layer did not cure properly during installation.

Does stucco smell like rotten food?

Yes, we said it! As silly as it might sound, just as rotting food smells awful and noticeably different from fresh food, damaged stucco smells different (e.g., because of growing mold or the presence of other unwanted substances) than undamaged stucco.

Can you see mold on stucco?

While you might not be able to see the mold on the surface of the stucco, you may notice staining or discoloration. You’ll also want to check for water damage/streaks/stains around your windows and where the roof meets the walls. Check the base of your windows for any discoloration.

What does it mean when stucco cracks?

Now stucco cracks don’t always mean that there is damage, but it is usually a common sign of stucco moisture problems.

Why do stucco walls leak water?

Cracks and bubbles along the bottom edge of the wall — You may notice water leaking through the stucco walls and showing up along the bottom edge due to poor drainage systems. If you start to see dense cracks or odd bubbles, then you’re looking at the signs of stucco damage.

Why does drywall feel soft?

If the drywall is feeling soft to the touch, then that’s a sign that there is moisture weakening your walls from the outside in!

What is the caulking around stucco?

Window caulk gapping or cracking — The caulking around the windows are common places for stucco water intrusion. A good place to look for any signs of damage is the windows. If you spot any damage here then you might have to have your windows replaced as well. Missing chips and chunks of stucco — Any surface damage to the stucco is ...

What does it mean when stucco is missing chips?

Missing chips and chunks of stucco — Any surface damage to the stucco is a clear sign that there is some type of water damage underneath. If you start to notice that the stucco is tearing or breaking off, then it is worth calling an expert to come out and investigate the issue further.

How long does stucco stay wet?

Damp looking stucco — After it rains it is obviously normal for the stucco to be wet, however if the stucco stays wet for about week after the rainstorm then that is not normal.

Why is my stucco looking bad?

If you have any moisture-based stucco problems then the main is usually a result from these issues: Poor Sealing — Sealing stucco around windows and doors is a vital step to keeping it strong.