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 ivy from your home only to find out maybe you didn’t have to. When it comes to ivy growth, you need to know how ivy can damage your home, and what risk factors determine whether or not you need to get it removed.
Whether it’s English, Virginia, or Boston ivy, ivies grow by twining around an object and traveling up it. They develop aerial roots, or little suction cup-like pads along their roots and stems. These latch onto surfaces so they can climb them. Now, while these roots and pads cannot create new cracks in stucco, they can find existing ones. Their roots can invade these cracks, cause them to expand, and cause massive damage. So, if you notice cracks in your stucco along with ivy, you may need some repair work.
Relevant Risk Factors for Ivy on Stucco
Second, thankfully it’s not all bad. In fact, a study from Oxford University demonstrated that ivy on homes can actually protect surfaces from damage and help insulate the building. So, how can you tell when the ivy is helping or hurting your home? Several risk factors need to be considered. These include:
- The age of your home
- The age of your stucco
- The quality of your stucco installation
- Whether you’ve had stucco moisture problems in the past
- How much ivy covers your home’s surface
Basically, all of these risk factors come down to determining the likelihood of existing cracks in your stucco. If any of the above risk factors are true for your home or your stucco, then growing ivy will become a problem.
Ai Restoration: Exterior Building Envelope Experts
Cracks in stucco can be a sign of a serious underlying moisture problem and ivy growing in cracks can make them worse. It’s best to have an experienced professional who understands all facets of the exterior building envelope system to take a look at your home and evaluate the damage. In Southeastern PA, Ai Restoration is the leading stucco remediation company and we’re happy to help ensure the integrity of your home’s exterior. Call or fill out our form to schedule a consultation.
