One common incident with stucco in homes of certain designs is the appearance of stair step cracks in the stucco. Maybe you've noticed cracks or lines in your stucco going up, then across, then up again, and then across again, like a set of stairs. It's helpful to know what causes these sorts of cracks in order to address them appropriately. After all, how do you know if this has a simple solution or a costly one? Today we'll tell you what causes cracks like stair step cracks in your stucco. Stair Step Cracks in … [Read more...] about What Causes Stair Step Cracks in Stucco?
Stucco Damage
Stucco Water Damage: How and Why it Happens
Handling stucco water damage is no picnic. However, in order to fix the damage appropriately it's important to understand how stucco gets damaged. As remediation professionals who work closely with homeowners and other contractors in the industry, we make it a priority to educate homeowners about possible causes of stucco failure, how we remediate those problems, and how we prevent them from happening in the future. In today's blog, the professionals from Ai Restoration are here to tell you about the most common … [Read more...] about Stucco Water Damage: How and Why it Happens
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
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
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?
Ivy on Stucco: Is it a Problem?
Have you noticed ivy growing on your stucco? You might think that because it's natural, it shouldn't be a problem. While sometimes that's the case, it's certainly not always true. It's important to know how to determine if ivy growth presents risks. Additionally, what problems ivy growth can cause and what you can do about it. So, without further ado, we'll answer the question, "Is ivy on stucco a problem?" How Can Ivy on Stucco Damage It? First, you'd hate to spend all sorts of time and money getting rid of … [Read more...] about Ivy on Stucco: Is it a Problem?
The Importance of Water Resistive Barrier Under the Siding on a Home
Every home needs a water resistive barrier under its siding. In fact, most states require one by law. But if you’re looking to buy or sell a home, you need to understand the importance of a water resistive barrier under the siding. Now, if you’re not sure what a water resistive barrier is, or why it’s so important, don’t worry. That’s exactly what this blog is about! Water Resistive Barrier Defined First, a water resistive barrier (WRB) is a protective material installed between the sheathing and the siding. It … [Read more...] about The Importance of Water Resistive Barrier Under the Siding on a Home
What is the Correct Above Grade Stucco Clearance?
When building, renovating, or remodeling a home, it's essential to know local building codes. The old adage, "It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission" doesn't apply here. If your home isn't up to code, that will cost you even more in repairs and remodeling. The same applies for above grade stucco clearance. In this blog, we'll cover when it means to have above grade stucco clearance, potential problems with above grade clearance, and what you can do about it. Above Grade Stucco Clearance … [Read more...] about What is the Correct Above Grade Stucco Clearance?
Can You Repair Stucco with Caulk?
Caulk can seem like a wonderful option to fix leaks or drafts around your windows, but often doing stucco repair with caulk is merely putting a band aid on a much bigger problem. So what should you do? Can you ever repair stucco with caulk? When Caulk Seems Like a Good Solution When stucco cracks around windows, caulk appears to be a quick and simple way to fill in the cracks and move on with your day. However, this only helps in the short term, and could be covering up more serious problems down the line. … [Read more...] about Can You Repair Stucco with Caulk?