The best way to protect stucco from water damage is to understand how water damage occurs, and intervene as soon as possible when you see signs of damage. Below we discuss the 4 leading causes of water damage in stucco and outline our top suggestions to protect stucco from water damage.
Problem: Improper Stucco Composition
An appropriately balanced mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water will yield a durable and sturdy stucco composition. Standardized ingredients and a complete curation period will give a stucco wall with great integrity and resistance to water. If your stucco composition isn’t up to par, it’s just waiting for leaks, cracks, and water damage.
Problem: Faulty Stucco Installation
Even if the composition of your stucco is good quality, poor installation will lead to a mediocre finish and leave you at risk of water damage. Things like installing stucco directly on a wooden lath or a break in the three-coat stucco application can cause big problems down the line by giving water an opportunity to sneak in.
Solution: Work with a professional to understand what went wrong in your stucco installation, then work together to develop a solution to remedy the problem and avoid future water damage.
Problem: Ineffective Flashing
Aluminum is a popular flashing option to act as a protective barrier between the water and the seams of the house. Its lightweight and inexpensive nature makes it extra appealing to builders, but it also makes it susceptible to corrosion, after which water can easily seep through the holes.
Solution:
Problem: Cracks
Probably the most common problem with stucco that leads to water damage is cracking. Things like earthquakes, direct impact, expansion, and strong winds can all lead to stress cracks in stucco which leave a big space for water to sneak its way through and cause damage to your home.
The Solution: Call Ai Restoration
Unfortunately there is no simple way to protect stucco from water damage. The only way to ensure protection is to properly install the stucco in the first place. If you’re worried about your stucco, the best thing to do is reach out to a professional. The experienced professionals at Ai Restoration are more than qualified to help assess and restore your stucco to help prevent against water damage in the future.
