You’ve decided it’s time to restore your home’s exterior, and you know you want to go with a stone veneer. Now what? There are more types of stone veneer than you expected and you have no idea which one to choose. Have no fear, Ai Restoration is here to help you break down the different types of stone veneer and figure out which one is the best option for your home. Natural Stone Veneer Natural stone veneer is exactly what it sounds like: naturally occurring stones, usually less than 1-inch thick, that are … [Read more...] about What are the Different Types of Stone Veneer?
Why Stucco Without Control Joints is a Bad Idea
When going through a big project such as residing your home, it can be tempting to take any shortcut you can to cut costs. One such shortcut is to apply your stucco without control joints. Many homeowners don’t know what control joints do, but they are actually a vital part of the stucco application process to help prevent cracking and reduce cracking over time. Here we discuss what stucco control joints do - and why skipping them is a bad idea. Types of Control Joints Stucco control joints can either be one … [Read more...] about Why Stucco Without Control Joints is a Bad Idea
How to Protect Stucco from Water Damage
The best way to protect stucco from water damage is to understand how water damage occurs, and intervene as soon as possible when you see signs of damage. Below we discuss the 4 leading causes of water damage in stucco and outline our top suggestions to protect stucco from water damage. Problem: Improper Stucco Composition An appropriately balanced mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water will yield a durable and sturdy stucco composition. Standardized ingredients and a complete curation period will give a … [Read more...] about How to Protect Stucco from Water Damage
What Does a Stucco Control Joint Do?
We've already discussed why stucco without control joints is a bad idea - but what exactly do stucco control joints do? How can stucco control joint installation improve the longevity of your stucco exterior? We took a deep dive to answer these questions and more. What do stucco control joints do? The purpose of a stucco control joint is to relieve stresses on the stucco and reduce cracking and other damage caused by those stresses. Things like changes in temperature, humidity, and even ground movement can … [Read more...] about What Does a Stucco Control Joint Do?
Artificial Stucco (EIFS) Construction Problems
Artificial stucco, or EIFS, is a product used on home exteriors throughout Pennsylvania and the rest of the northeast. However, many homeowners encounter synthetic stucco problems resulting from improper installation or the properties of the material. In today's post, we discuss common EIFS construction problems that can damage your home. The stucco remediation team from Ai Restoration can help fix problems caused by moisture damage and mold. Damage to Wood EIFS stucco's makeup makes it desirable for energy … [Read more...] about Artificial Stucco (EIFS) Construction Problems
3 Things to Check Before Drilling into a Stucco House
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 … [Read more...] about 3 Things to Check Before Drilling into a Stucco House
What is a Weep Screed?
One of the most frequent questions we get asked when explaining how stucco is installed is "What is a weep screed?" Homeowners—whether they own a stucco home or want to add stucco to their home—should understand how their exterior system works. And no stucco system is complete without a weep screed, the material that allows water to drain out of the wall above the foundation. What Is A Weep Screed? A weep screed is a piece of metal trim found at the bottom of the stucco wall. It should be used in every stucco … [Read more...] about What is a Weep Screed?
How is Stucco Made?
Have you ever found yourself wondering: how is stucco made? This blog covers the basics of stucco: how it's made, how it gets its color and how it's applied to your home. How is Stucco Made? When it comes down to it, traditional masonry stucco (used on the exterior of homes), contains a mixture of lime, sand, and cement. When properly mixed, the stucco hardens into a material that can be applied to the exterior of your home and is incredibly easy to maintain. What is a Basic Mix of Stucco? When applying stucco … [Read more...] about How is Stucco Made?
Should I Buy a Stucco Home?
Are you in the market for a new home? No matter your price range, or where you are looking, one of the features you should be on the lookout for is the presence of stucco. You might ask yourself, should I buy a stucco home? Stucco is durable, long-lasting, and when it is installed properly, helps prevent moisture from entering the home and increases its value in the long run. Let's take a closer look at what to look for when purchasing a stucco home. Was the Stucco Installed Properly? The most important thing to … [Read more...] about Should I Buy a Stucco Home?
Is Stucco Flammable? Is it Water Resistant?
Homeowners often wonder about the safety of their homes in various natural disaster scenarios, like floods, earthquakes and fires. Homeowners with stucco siding might be curious how stucco holds up during flooding or may be wondering, is stucco flammable? Let's explore the safety of stucco and how proper installation can affect your home's safety. Stucco is Fire-Resistant One of the benefits of having stucco installed on the exterior of your home is that it is fire-resistant. Since stucco is fire-resistant, and … [Read more...] about Is Stucco Flammable? Is it Water Resistant?
