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?
Problems with EIFS More Common Than You Think
EIFS problems are more common that you may think. Homeowners across the US have experienced EIFS problems that resulted in damage to their home. In order to understand the problems with EIFS, you first need to understand the product itself. What is 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 … [Read more...] about Problems with EIFS More Common Than You Think
EIFS Remediation – Why It’s So Often Needed
EIFS, also know as artificial stucco, is an insulating and protective finish system for exterior walls. EIFS provides excellent insulation and is almost completely waterproof. And because it is cheaper and easier to install than traditional stucco, it has become popular among builders. However, this synthetic stucco has been known to cause problems and to require EIFS remediation. What is EIFS Remediation? Remediation is the process of fixing the faults and deficiencies in the stucco or EIFS. Both stucco and EIFS … [Read more...] about EIFS Remediation – Why It’s So Often Needed
Stories of New Jersey Stucco Problems Running Wild
Being in our line of business, we hear many stories from homeowners about their stucco problems. And from what we’ve heard, New Jersey stucco problems are running wild! The Problem with New Jersey Stucco Many of the homes built in New Jersey over the past decade (not to mention thousands of homes nationwide) are coated with an artificial stucco that was sprayed on. The material is called EIFS, which stands for "exterior insulation and finish system". EIFS was originally created in Europe over 75 years. It has … [Read more...] about Stories of New Jersey Stucco Problems Running Wild
Why Many Stucco Crack Fillers Fail
When you first notice a crack in your stucco, it can be tempting to DIY the repair with a stucco crack filler. But before you spend the money and the man hours, let's talk about why many stucco crack fillers fail. Stucco Crack Fillers are No Match For Moving Buildings One reason cracks can appear in the stucco walls is because of wet/dry annual seasonal patterns. As we go from winter to summer to winter again, the ground beneath your home shrinks and swells and shrinks and swells. With time, this seasonal ground … [Read more...] about Why Many Stucco Crack Fillers Fail
Why Patching Stucco Cracks Might Not Be Enough
When your stucco cracks from normal wear and tear, you might patch it up at first, but it’s important to know that patchwork usually isn't enough. It’s better to call in a professional to fully repair the patched stucco cracks as soon as possible! Ai Restoration is a stucco repair company outside of Philadelphia, and we know stucco inside and out! Our skilled craftsmen have been working with residential and commercial stucco buildings for years. In this blog, we’ll tell you a bit about the realities of … [Read more...] about Why Patching Stucco Cracks Might Not Be Enough
Why DIY Stucco Repair Can Cause Serious Problems
We live in the age of “Do It Yourself” - also known as DIY. From homemade beauty remedies to full-house renovations, it almost seems there is nothing you can’t do yourself if you are up to the task. This can be great - sometimes it saves money, and of course, it feels good to know you’ve accomplished the job on your own. But DIY has a downside too. Not all projects are meant to be DIY. When it comes to stucco, it’s possible to grab some tools and attempt a DIY stucco repair, but the experts at Ai Restoration highly … [Read more...] about Why DIY Stucco Repair Can Cause Serious Problems