Stucco is prized as a home siding material for it’s good looks, durability and as a comparatively low-maintenance exterior finish in numerous parts of the United States. For many consumers, stucco is a considerable upgrade from vinyl siding and yet is a cheaper option than brick or stone exterior siding. Stucco is a porous substance which absorbs water, making it a great choice for exterior siding in certain sections of the country of the United States that enjoy an abundance of dry weather.
In the Northeast however, stucco failure is an increasing problem given that it is an area that experiences a considerable amount of yearly precipitation. This precipitation will permeate the stucco’s porous exterior surface and if the stucco was not installed appropriately and the installer did not employ the use of moisture barriers, weep screeds or flashing; the moisture will get entraped under the stucco and will absorb into other building materials. This could very well lead to a broad range of hidden damages.
In addition to moisture problems; poor craftsmanship, inferior aggregate products and failure to install expansion joints are also typical root causes of stucco failure in our location. Poorly installed stucco can create a number of cosmetic and structural problems with your home and can also expose you and your family to potential health hazards. redirected
Here is a list of examples outlining what forms of damages stucco failure can produce and the resulting medical risks.
1. Cosmetic Issues
2. Cracking
3. Breaking
4. Rotting
5. Structural Issues
6. Wood Damage
7. Leaks
8. Moisture & Mold on Structural Columns
9. Physical health Hazards from Mold Exposure
* Breathing Problems
* Nasal & Sinus Congestion
* Nose, Throat, Skin & Eye Irritation
* Central Nervous System Disorders
Ways to Determine Stucco Failure
There are a number of tell-tale clues of stucco breakdown. Take a look at the exterior and interior of your property, if you see some of the indications listed below, your residence may well be experiencing stucco failure.
Exterior Signs
Cracking or Breaking
1. Brown streaks surface below the corners of windows or where windows are joined
2. Brown streaks show at intersections of walls and roofs
Interior Signs
1. Leaking windows or doors
2. Bottoms of windows are discolored
3. Base trim is warped
4. Wet carpet
5. Moldy smell in the home
As a residential home builder and home improvement professional, I observe stucco failure quite often. In many cases property owner are not even cognizant they have an issue until it is revealed while changing out windows or adding an addition on their house.
Recommendations for Replacement
If you believe your property is experiencing stucco failure, the sooner you act, the better. In cases with moisture damage, much larger and more pricey structural problems could quite possibly take place the longer you wait to take care of the trouble. There have indeed been cases where supporting columns effected by moisture deteriorated so extremely that floors on the 2nd story of houses started to sag alongside the ceilings on the first floor. Health threats related with mold are something you will need to deal with immediately as well.
Some homeowners opt to obtain a stucco removal service provider and have their stucco patched or repaired. As a a professional home builder, I suggest eliminating damaged stucco in its entirety, repairing or replacing damaged windows and effected building products; and putting up a more reliable siding product all together. If you reside in a region with considerable precipitation, you should choose a better material fit for your home rather than repair a material that has an undeniable failure record. seattle home services
There are a lot of products and materials to select from when re-siding a home. While you could decide to switch out stucco with vinyl siding as a low cost solution, I don’t recommend it. Vinyl siding doesn’t have a long life expectancy and is prone to buckling and weather damage. Other options consist of wood siding, stone siding, brick siding or fiber cement siding. Wood siding demands heavy maintenance and can easily get expensive in the long run and stone or brick veneers are downright costly.
I recommend highly using Fiber Cement Siding for both siding replacement and brand-new houses as well. There are a variety of producers of Fiber Cement Siding that offer products that suit a wide range of budgets. Fiber Cement Siding often includes a 30-year warranty and is definitely: rot resistant, impervious to termites, highly durable (resistant to rain, wind, hail, snow and sun), has an actual wood-grain look and feel and is easily painted.