When it comes to the exterior of your home, stucco is one of the most beautiful and appealing materials. It also looks great with the right amount of maintenance.
However, there are some problems with stucco that can make your home look bad if left untreated. Some of these problems can include water damage, mold, cracks, and more.
Stucco homes are designed to hold some moisture, however, permanent water damage can happen when it’s not properly addressed. Most water damage to stucco is first observed as staining.
Whether it’s white hazy streaks or dark blotches, staining indicates that your home is having problems with water. If left untreated, trapped water can lead to mold growth and other structural damage.
Another way to spot a potential problem is to check the condition of your landscaping. Shrubbery, Ivy, and clinging vines can all hide cracks in the wall that may allow water to penetrate into your home.
If the bushes or vines are too high or buried too deep they can also cause water to get into the home. They can also affect the sealants that are on a home’s exterior.
If you see any of these signs of water damage, it is important to address them as soon as possible. This will ensure that you don’t have to deal with any additional issues in the future.
Mold is a major issue in homes and can be particularly bad for stucco homes. It can cause damage to your home's foundation and health problems for anyone inside the house.
It can also hide underneath your stucco, making it difficult to spot until a significant amount of mold has grown and gotten worse. This is why you need to have a stucco remediation expert inspect your home.
Stucco is only mildly porous, and it should be protected with a water-resistant sealant. This will prevent moisture from penetrating the stucco surface and causing mold to grow.
Another problem that can occur due to stucco homes being damaged is wall rot. If the interior walls of your home cannot dry out properly, they can rot down to the wood that supports them. This will lead to rotting of the wood beams that support your house and may even result in structural failure or a collapsed structure.
Many new homes have some hairline cracks in the stucco that are not structural. These are called shrinkage cracks and generally do not cause concern.
However, larger, hairline types of cracks that are 1/16 or less in length and are not caulked are a good indicator that something may be wrong. If a homeowner notices these kinds of cracks, it is time to call in a professional to assess the damage.
A few of the more serious issues that can cause cracks in stucco include foundation settlement and moisture intrusion into the wall.
In both instances, these cracks could lead to wood rot and mold. This type of damage can be very expensive to fix, and it is best not to ignore these cracks.
Pattern cracking that occurs in the middle of a wall is also a warning sign that there may be some kind of structural problem. These typically appear in areas where the lath that covers the stucco is not nailed on properly and is causing stress and movement.
One of the biggest challenges for stucco homes is how to prevent water from getting behind the veneer and causing problems with wood rot, mold and other damage. This is best accomplished by using a weather-resistant barrier.
The nitty gritty: There are numerous ways to do this, from weatherproofing your doors and windows, to installing downspouts and gutters that can handle the occasional heavy rain or snowfall.
Regardless of the solution you employ, it’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of moisture damage. This includes checking your window caulking, looking for cracks or gaps in the seal, and examining your roof for leaks.
Are you ready to transform your home or business with beautiful, durable stucco? Look no further than Wallder Construction LLC. Our team of expert stucco professionals is dedicated to delivering top-quality results on every project. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards enhancing the beauty and value of your property. Don't settle for anything less than the best – choose Wallder Construction LLC for all your stucco needs!
Disclaimer: This post was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence, and we have edited it to the best of our abilities for accuracy and relevance. Please note that pricing may vary and is not one-size-fits-all. Additionally, we have no affiliation with any of the companies or products listed in this post besides Wallder Construction LLC.
