While stucco siding can bring a lot of beauty and panache to your home, like any siding it’s not without its problems. However, must issues with stucco siding stem from poor installation. If you don’t hire a top company to install your stucco, you could pay for it down the road. Thankfully, Ai Restoration is here to help. We’ll tell you about the top 3 most damaging stucco construction problems, and what you can do about it.
Stucco Construction Problems: Below Grade
First, you can tell your stucco hasn’t been properly installed if it extends below grade. In other words, your stucco should rest 6-8 inches above the soil because that’s where the foundation meets the soil. However, if your home is built on concrete, your stucco should rest about 2 inches between the stucco and the concrete. If your stucco sits below either of these marks, then your stucco is below grade. Unfortunately, stucco below grade serves as one of the main reasons for structural damage in buildings with stucco. In fact, a 1999 study by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center demonstrated that below grade stucco was a primary reason for water infiltrating the system. This can lead to deterioration and require expensive remediation.
Stucco Construction Problems: Weep Screed
Second, a missing weep screed can be detrimental to your stucco system. Located at the framed wall and foundation joint, the weep screed provides a way for water to flow out or “weep” out of the exterior wall to the screed. If your weep screed is missing, you’ll have no way for that water to get out. Furthermore, a properly installed weep screed should sit at the foundation sill line and/or approximately six inches above grade.
Stucco Construction Problems: Too Thin
Third, your stucco hasn’t been installed properly if it’s too thin. Thin stucco can cause all sorts of water-related problems. There’s a few signs that can indicate thin stucco:
- Cracks easily
- Water leaks throughout the house
- Wet and muddy around the home’s exterior
- Stucco unable to hold water
If you notice any of these signs, then sadly your stucco wasn’t properly installed.
Hire Ai Restoration Instead!
Finally, what can you do about stucco construction problems? Contact the professionals at Ai Restoration. We can install stucco right the first time or fix any installation problems you face. So reach out today!
