When deciding on the best exterior finish for your home, there are a number of things to consider: durability, protection from the elements, fire resistance, aesthetics. With a number of different finishes to choose from, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. A lot of homeowners ask us about the difference between stucco vs stone, here's what we tell them. Stone Veneer vs Stucco Stone veneer is a decorative, protective building material manufactured to replicate the look of natural stone. There are two types … [Read more...] about Stucco vs Stone – The Problem They Both Share
Stucco Stain Removal
While beautiful and protective, stucco does require maintenance. Regular inspections and cleaning are both necessary to keep your stucco looking and performing its best. It's not uncommon to find stains on your stucco. But before you start scrubbing, there are some things you should know about stucco stain removal. Types of Stucco Stains Stucco is a naturally porous material, which means it can absorb water and other substances that leave a stain. There are a few different causes and types of stains that can … [Read more...] about Stucco Stain Removal
How to Remove Mold From Stucco
We recommend regularly cleaning your stucco as part of its overall maintenance. Still, even the most diligent homeowner can end up with mold growing on their stucco. And when they come across mold, a lot of homeowners are unsure about how to remove mold from stucco. How to Remove Mold From Stucco When it comes to cleaning and killing mold, oxygen bleach is a powerful tool (and is more environmentally friendly than chlorine bleach). A diluted mixture of oxygen bleach and water is safe to use on stucco. Make a … [Read more...] about How to Remove Mold From Stucco
Popcorn Ceiling Patch – Avoid This Common Mistake
If you have a popcorn ceiling, you’ll know it offers several advantages. They are known for their acoustical properties, making for a fairly soundproof room. Popcorn ceilings also hide imperfections in the ceiling. And given it's imperfect texture, it seems easy enough to DIY a popcorn ceiling patch job. But before you Google "how to patch a popcorn ceiling", you will want to know what mistakes to avoid. Common Mistake With a Popcorn Ceiling Patch Job When your popcorn ceiling has a water stain or other signs of … [Read more...] about Popcorn Ceiling Patch – Avoid This Common Mistake
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Stucco Damage
We've heard this story too many times before; a homeowner finds out too late that there is significant water damage behind their stucco. When the extent of the damage is discovered, the homeowner is left with a lot of questions. One of which is, "Does Homeowners Insurance cover stucco damage?" Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Stucco Damage? The short answer is: It depends. The type of damage will dictate whether or not homeowners insurance will cover stucco damage. How the damage occurred also plays a factor in … [Read more...] about Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Stucco Damage
The Real Way to Waterproof Siding
A lot of homeowners assume that siding is waterproof. But what they don't realize that if not properly waterproofed, siding will eventually show signs of water damage. The truth is that you must waterproof your siding in order to protect your home. Why You Need to Waterproof Siding Exterior siding is not the watertight covering many homeowners think it is. If the proper steps to waterproof your siding aren't taken, you're risking expensive water damage. There are a number of ways water and moisture can get … [Read more...] about The Real Way to Waterproof Siding
Signs of Siding Water Damage
Many homeowners are interested in siding as an alternative to reinstalling stucco. They believe that siding will spare them the water damage often associated with stucco. However, if not installed properly, siding can be prone to the same moisture problems as stucco. One common misconception is that siding products do not need a water resistant barrier system installed underneath them. Without that barrier, water can seep behind the siding and cause damage to the wooden studs and wall sheathing. Here are some signs … [Read more...] about Signs of Siding Water Damage
Common Stone Veneer Problems – Here’s Why and What To Do
What is Stone Veneer? Stone veneer is a decorative, protective building material manufactured to replicate the look of natural stone. There are two types of stone veneer, natural stone veneer and manufactured stone veneer. Natural stone veneer is made from real stone that is either collected stone or from quarried stone. Often referred to as "thin stone veneer," the stone is cut to a consistent thickness and weight for use as a veneer. Manufacturers pour a lightweight concrete mix into forms of different style … [Read more...] about Common Stone Veneer Problems – Here’s Why and What To Do
Stucco Lawsuits-Are Homeowners Winning Them?
When stucco is not installed properly, it can result in a range of different problems for the homeowner. Some of those problems result in costly repairs. Homeowners across the country have begun filing lawsuits against the builders of their home in order to recoup their money. Why Are Homeowners Filing Stucco Lawsuits Stucco, real or synthetic, works well in hotter and drier climates. However, the material will become compromised in areas with changing seasons and variations in moisture. In these areas, the … [Read more...] about Stucco Lawsuits-Are Homeowners Winning Them?
Should I Buy a House with EIFS?
With all of the controversy surrounding EIFS being used in home-building, you may be asking yourself, "Should I buy a house with EIFS?" What is the Problem with EIFS? EIFS stands for “exterior insulation and finish system” and is often referred to as fake or synthetic stucco. EIFS was originally created in Europe over 75 years ago. The product has become popular with builders in the US because it can be cheaper and easier to apply than traditional stucco. However, EIFS has a proven reputation of resulting in … [Read more...] about Should I Buy a House with EIFS?
