We get asked all the time about the differences between remediating, repairing, and/or replacing stucco exterior. Understanding these differences is vital for homeowners to be able to make informed decisions, grasp risks and benefits, simplify complex problems, and know they'll get the best service. So, with that in mind, this blog explains the differences between remediating and replacing your stucco exterior. Remediating Stucco Exterior First, remediating your stucco has a vastly different purpose than simply … [Read more...] about Remediating vs. Replacing Stucco Exterior
Stucco Remediation
Leaking Stucco: Causes and Solutions
Leaking stucco might not sound like a big deal but if stucco begins to fail, that moisture can cause catastrophic damage. What's even more frustrating is that it can be difficult for homeowners to understand what's causing the leaking stucco and how extensive the damage beneath the stucco really is. As remediation professionals, we believe it's important for our clients to understand exactly what is happening beneath their stucco and how we intend to remediate the problem and keep it from happening again. … [Read more...] about Leaking Stucco: Causes and Solutions
Stucco Chimney Deterioration: When It’s Time for Remediation
Stucco installation mistakes can lead to extensive water damage on stucco homes, and stucco chimneys are no exception. Stucco chimney deterioration happens when a stucco covered chimney is missing vital components of a proper stucco system (or if the system was installed ineffectively). In this case, water is able to penetrate the surface, accumulate, and cause rot, mold and other damage. Of course, stucco chimneys can naturally deteriorate slowly over many years. But when the problem is quick, extensive, and … [Read more...] about Stucco Chimney Deterioration: When It’s Time for Remediation
EIFS Replacement: Understanding Underlying Damage
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
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