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
Stucco Remediation
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 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
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
Finding Stucco Professionals Near Me: What to Look For
So you need stucco installation, repair, or remediation. You’ve Googled “stucco professionals near me,” and you see a long list of options. Who do you choose? How do you know who’s the best? How do you know if you can even afford the best? You look at reviews online and see some companies rated highly, but what about companies that sponsor reviews? Looking for unbiased information can be tough. Thankfully, we can offer you some tips on what to look for to identify the best stucco professionals near you. The Best … [Read more...] about Finding Stucco Professionals Near Me: What to Look For
Bubbling Stucco: Repair or Remediate?
In our professional blog posts, we've covered all sorts of stucco problems. From ivy, installation issues, and others. Continuing this series, we'll now look at what should you do if you see bubbles in your stucco. You might think bubbling stucco is just a cosmetic problem. But we wouldn't be writing this blog post if that were the case. Regardless, even if it were strictly a cosmetic issue, as a homeowner, you want your home looking its best. So, without further ado, we'll discuss whether you need bubbling stucco … [Read more...] about Bubbling Stucco: Repair or Remediate?
Resetting Windows: Sill-Pan Flashing and More
Has your window been leaking recently? Did you hire a contractor to fix the flashing? And after they were done, did they tell you that you shouldn’t have to worry about all of the other windows? Well, unfortunately, they may not have been completely honest. If your windows leak water, that can be disastrous to your home. This is often due to improperly installed flashing. So, today we’re talking about resetting windows, sill-pan flashing, and what you need to do to protect your home. Resetting Windows and Sill-Pan … [Read more...] about Resetting Windows: Sill-Pan Flashing and More
Most Common Stucco Moisture Problems
Stucco as a siding material has a long list of pros. It's energy efficient, fire resistant, low maintenance, and adds great curb appeal to your home's exterior. Its smooth, traditional look has made it a popular choice for homeowners. However, every rose has its thorn, and one of stucco's spiky thorns is moisture! Read on to learn about the most common stucco moisture problems, and the steps you can take to remedy these issues. Moisture: Stucco's Arch-Nemesis Stucco is great in climates that are warm and dry, … [Read more...] about Most Common Stucco Moisture Problems
Outdoor Stucco Repair: When Is It Time for Remediation?
When it comes to outdoor stucco repair, fixing cracks is usually simple and straightforward depending on the size. But when is it time for remediation? How do you know when there’s a deeper problem causing the damage? While stucco repair won’t break the bank, remediation can get expensive. So, in today’s brief blog, we’ll cover all the basics you need to know about stucco repair and remediation. Outdoor Stucco Repair First, let’s cover when you might need some stucco repair. As with everything, normal wear and … [Read more...] about Outdoor Stucco Repair: When Is It Time for Remediation?
What is the Average Cost of Stucco Remediation?
The average cost of stucco remediation is dependent on the region you live in given that stucco problems arise from environmental factors like climate. Our area, Eastern Pennsylvania, is known as the stucco failure capital of the U.S., which means stucco damage can be extensive and sometimes cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to fully remediate. The True Cost of Stucco Repair When faced with the cost of a full remediation, homeowners may be tempted to opt for quick-fixes to the surface of the stucco, like … [Read more...] about What is the Average Cost of Stucco Remediation?