Making upgrades to the exterior of your home is a great way to improve its value and curb appeal. However, when there is stucco present on the exterior of the home, one must be careful when having work performed. Drilling into a stucco house is not something you should simply do without taking precautions. Today, we’ll go over some things you’ll want to think about before you decide drilling into the stucco of your home is the best course of action.
#1: Was the Stucco Properly Installed?
One of the biggest concerns you should have before drilling into the stucco of your home is whether or not the stucco was properly installed. If the stucco was not properly installed, drilling into could cause or exacerbate water issues. Holes in the stucco could allow water to penetrate the surface and without proper drainage paths, moisture can cause mold and mildew growth. Mold and mildew cause rot, decay, staining and deterioration.
#2: Is it the Right Type of Stucco?
Believe it or not, you cannot just drill into any type of stucco. You need to have the right type of stucco installed on the exterior walls of your home in order to drill into it. If the stucco is made from cement, it will not be hollow. You can determine this by knocking on the wall. It will be hard and solid. Don’t knock too hard or you could injure your hand. It is ok to drill into cement stucco. If it is not hard and sounds hollow, it is likely EIFS stucco that is on your home. If it is EIFS stucco, contact the manufacturer to find out the steps you must take to drill into it without affecting the warranty.
#3: Is the Surrounding Area Clear?
The last thing to check before drilling into a stucco house is the surrounding area. Be on the lookout for any electrical wiring that might run behind the walls so that you don’t drill into it and cause a fire or get an electrical shock. You also need to avoid drilling deeper than what is necessary. If you drill too deep you could risk damaging the walls of the home. Selecting the right size screws for the job will ensure there is no extra room for moisture to pool up and cause problems.
Worried About Your Stucco? Call Ai Restoration
If learning about the problems drilling into stucco can cause is concerning you, we can help. An expert from our team can provide a consultation to help you understand what might be the cause of your stucco concerns and how to fix it. Our clients know that they get an honest and informative explanation from us every time they have a question. We can help you get some peace of mind: call us at 215-794-6858 to schedule an appointment.