Stucco exteriors should inspire confidence in homeowners. Why? Because stucco is incredibly durable and resilient. However, sometimes problems can arise with your stucco home. In this blog, our team of experts at Ai Restoration will explain what causes delamination in stucco and what you should do about it.
What is Stucco Delamination?
When stucco is installed, it is applied in separate layers. Each layer must completely cure, or dry, before the next layer can be applied. This ensures each layer adheres to the next fully. Delamination is the separation of the layers, or separation within a single layer, and can lead to major problems like cracking, crumbling, mold, and rot.
What Causes Delamination?
- Improper Amounts During Mixing: Stucco is formed from a measured blend of Portland cement, lime, sand, and water. If the proportions during the mixing process aren’t correct, the stucco won’t set properly, and delamination within a single layer occurs.
- Using the Wrong Sand: Sand in a stucco mix should not be too fine. If too fine a sand is used, the result is a higher water-sand ratio to the other ingredients. Again, the stucco will not set properly, and the result is separation within a single layer.
- Insufficient Curing: Curing, or drying out, each layer before applying a new layer is necessary. If the layers are applied too soon before proper curing, they will separate from one another.
- Delamination Between Coats: Each coat of stucco serves a different purpose. If an error is made during any step of the process, the layers can separate from one another.
- Rusting of Metal Lath: Installers use metal lath during the installation process as a surface for the stucco mixture to adhere to. No moisture should reach this metal lath. However, improper stucco installation leads to water problems within the stucco. One of these problems is the rust and corrosion of the metal lath, which also causes stucco delamination.
How Can YOU Prevent Delamination?
Preventing stucco delamination is simple. Only use a knowledgeable, fully insured company like Ai Restoration. Our team has nearly two decades of experience in stucco remediation and installation. To help avoid what causes stucco delamination or treat any stucco or siding problems, call for a free consultation today!
