We get asked all the time about the differences between remediating, repairing, and/or replacing stucco exterior. Understanding these differences is vital for homeowners to be able to make informed decisions, grasp risks and benefits, simplify complex problems, and know they'll get the best service. So, with that in mind, this blog explains the differences between remediating and replacing your stucco exterior. Remediating Stucco Exterior First, remediating your stucco has a vastly different purpose than simply … [Read more...] about Remediating vs. Replacing Stucco Exterior
Understanding Stucco Problems in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
For owners of stucco homes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the experiences with the material usually fall into two camps. For many homeowners, stucco is a wonderful building material, combining both form and function. Stucco is a very attractive material for the exterior of a home and also a very practical one. It’s very energy efficient, fire retardant, and reduces noise pollution. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to have positive experiences with their stucco. Over the past couple of decades, many … [Read more...] about Understanding Stucco Problems in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Leaking Stucco: Causes and Solutions
Leaking stucco might not sound like a big deal but if stucco begins to fail, that moisture can cause catastrophic damage. What's even more frustrating is that it can be difficult for homeowners to understand what's causing the leaking stucco and how extensive the damage beneath the stucco really is. As remediation professionals, we believe it's important for our clients to understand exactly what is happening beneath their stucco and how we intend to remediate the problem and keep it from happening again. … [Read more...] about Leaking Stucco: Causes and Solutions
Stucco Replacement Options: Stone, Vinyl, & Brick
Often after moisture problems, window drainage issues, and other concerns that lead to stucco failure, our clients choose a different siding or combination of siding for their homes. If your stucco needs to be remediated and you want to replace it with an alternate siding option, we can help. For each remediation project we undertake, we assign a dedicated project manager whose job it is to guide the homeowner through every step of the process—including selecting replacement materials. Every siding option comes … [Read more...] about Stucco Replacement Options: Stone, Vinyl, & Brick
Replacing Windows in Stucco Walls: Why Replacement Windows Don’t Work
Replacing windows in stucco walls is a job best left to a remediation professional. In our 20 years of experience, we've seen an abundance of issues with seal failure due to a window replacement in stucco. So, in today's blog, we'll explain why replacing windows in stucco walls can be damaging to your exterior, and why a proper remediation with new construction windows may be necessary instead. Problems When Replacing Windows in Stucco Walls Why do replacement windows cause such problems with stucco siding? As … [Read more...] about Replacing Windows in Stucco Walls: Why Replacement Windows Don’t Work
Why Is Water Leaking Through the Window Frame?
If you've noticed water leaking through your window frame, you have cause for concern. As exterior building envelope experts with over 20 years of experience remediating homes with water damage issue, we know just how common window frame leaks can be—and just how much damage they can cause. In this post we'll review some of the most common causes of water leaking through the window frame, and at what point it's important to call a professional. Water Leaking Through Window Frame Causes First, let's go over the … [Read more...] about Why Is Water Leaking Through the Window Frame?
Stucco Chimney Deterioration: When It’s Time for Remediation
Stucco installation mistakes can lead to extensive water damage on stucco homes, and stucco chimneys are no exception. Stucco chimney deterioration happens when a stucco covered chimney is missing vital components of a proper stucco system (or if the system was installed ineffectively). In this case, water is able to penetrate the surface, accumulate, and cause rot, mold and other damage. Of course, stucco chimneys can naturally deteriorate slowly over many years. But when the problem is quick, extensive, and … [Read more...] about Stucco Chimney Deterioration: When It’s Time for Remediation
EIFS Replacement: Understanding Underlying Damage
EIFS, or exterior insulation finishing system, is an exterior cladding system that was marketed as a stucco alternative when it gained popularity in the 70s and 80s. Like stucco, however, it was discovered that many homes with EIFS were not equipped with the proper drainage systems. Additionally, this resulted in catastrophic underlying damage beneath the surface of the siding. Since the underlying damage on EIFS homes can be so extensive, EIFS replacement alone is likely not enough to solve underlying issues. Most … [Read more...] about EIFS Replacement: Understanding Underlying Damage
Causes of Stucco Failure (and How to Fix Them)
Contrary to popular belief, stucco failure is usually not caused by the stucco itself. Stucco failure is almost always the result of improper or incomplete installation. When stucco gained popularity in the late 20th century, many homes were constructed with stucco siding without proper knowledge of waterproofing material. As a result, extensive moisture problems lying beneath the surface of the stucco started showing through the surface of stucco homes all over the country, but especially in our region of … [Read more...] about Causes of Stucco Failure (and How to Fix Them)
Stucco Separating from Wall: When You Need Remediation
If you notice your stucco separating from the wall, that means your stucco is buckling. Far from being a merely cosmetic issue, buckling stucco can be a sign of deeper damage. That's why simply replacing the stucco won't help to solve the problem. It may initially fix the cosmetic issue, but the buckling will soon return if the underlying concerns are not addressed. So, in this blog, we'll explain some of the main causes of stucco separating from the wall, and what you can do about it. Stucco Separating … [Read more...] about Stucco Separating from Wall: When You Need Remediation
