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
Weep Screed Gap: What Should It Be?
A proper stucco system has multiple elements. Each needs to be installed correctly in order for the system to effectively direct ware away from the structure of your house. These elements range from the stucco itself to water-resistant barriers, window sill pan flashing and more. One important but lesser known element is the weep screed, which plays an important role in directing water away from the foundation of the home. Part of proper installation for a stucco system is the appropriate weep screed gap, also … [Read more...] about Weep Screed Gap: What Should It Be?
Stucco Removal Contractors vs. Stucco Remediation Specialists
Time and time again on our blog we emphasize that damage to your stucco might mean a more fundamental problem than what is visible. For example, if you notice stucco cracking, it could just be routine wear and tear, but it could be a sign of faulty installation. Why do we always talk about this? Because one of the most frequently asked questions we get is whether we can just remove and replace stucco instead of remediating. Rather than getting at the root cause of damage, removing stucco will only put a bandaid … [Read more...] about Stucco Removal Contractors vs. Stucco Remediation Specialists
How Does Water Damage Lead to Issues With Stucco?
One of the main purposes of siding is to keep moisture from damaging the interior structure of your home. It helps deflect moisture and prevents leakage inside your house. An improperly installed or incomplete siding system runs the risk of catastrophic water damage. With stucco specifically, a proper system is able to effectively drain water after rain fall. But if the stucco system is installed incorrectly or missing a vital component, water will pool in the underlying materials and cause rot, mold and other … [Read more...] about How Does Water Damage Lead to Issues With Stucco?
The 3 Most Damaging Stucco Construction Problems
While stucco siding can bring a lot of beauty and panache to your home, like any siding it's not without its problems. However, must issues with stucco siding stem from poor installation. If you don't hire a top company to install your stucco, you could pay for it down the road. Thankfully, Ai Restoration is here to help. We'll tell you about the top 3 most damaging stucco construction problems, and what you can do about it. Stucco Construction Problems: Below Grade First, you can tell your stucco hasn't been … [Read more...] about The 3 Most Damaging Stucco Construction Problems
Stucco Upkeep and Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
A stucco exterior can serve as a beautiful feature of your home. However, left to itself without proper maintenance, it can become unsightly. Whether you want to learn more about stucco upkeep because you just bought a home, noticed some cracks in your stucco, or are deciding on new siding, Ai Restoration has the information you need. So, if you want your home to continue looking beautiful AND save money on future potential repairs, check out this checklist for all the basics. Stucco Upkeep … [Read more...] about Stucco Upkeep and Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Gaps in Stucco Around Windows and Doors
We've covered a lot of different issues with improper stucco installation on this blog, but one of the most common causes of moisture problems that we see is gaps in stucco around windows and doors. These gaps are an easy entry point for water and in today's blog, we'll talk about what complications that can bring, and what you can do about it. Stucco Around Windows and Doors: Purpose First, it's important to understand how stucco siding works. Considered a “reservoir type” exterior siding product, stucco will … [Read more...] about Gaps in Stucco Around Windows and Doors
