How To Identify Stucco Failure

Stucco is valued as a siding material for it's attractiveness, durability and as a relatively low-maintenance exterior finish in many parts of the US. For many, stucco is a huge upgrade from vinyl siding and yet is a less expensive option than brick or stone siding. Stucco is a porous material which absorbs moisture, making it an ideal choice for siding in parts of the country that experience an abundance of dry weather.

In the Northeast however, stucco failure is a growing problem since it is a region that experiences a significant amount of yearly precipitation. This precipitation will penetrate the stucco's porous surface and if the stucco was not installed properly and the installer did not employ the use of moisture barriers, weep screeds or flashing; the water will get trapped under the stucco and will absorb into other materials. This could cause a wide range of potential damages.

Aside from moisture problems; poor craftsmanship, inferior aggregate products and failure to install expansion joints are also common causes of stucco failure in our area. Improperly installed stucco can lead to a number of cosmetic and structural issues with your home and can also expose you and your family to potential health hazards.

Below is a list of examples outlining what types of damages stucco failure can cause and the resulting health hazards.

Cosmetic Issues: Cracking, Breaking, Rotting

Structural Issues: Wood Damage, Leaks, Moisture & Mold on Structural Columns

Health Hazards from Mold Exposure: Respiratory Problems, Nasal & Sinus Congestion, Nose, Throat, Skin & Eye Irritation, Central Nervous System Disorders


How to Identify Stucco Failure

There are several tell-tale signs of stucco failure. Take a look at the exterior and interior of your home, if you notice any of the signs listed below, your home may be experiencing stucco failure.

Exterior Signs: Cracking or Breaking, Brown streaks appear below the corners of windows or where windows are joined, Brown streaks appear at intersections of walls and roofs

Interior Signs:: Leaking windows or doors, Bottoms of windows are discolored, Base trim is warped, Wet carpet, Moldy smell in the home

As a home builder and home renovation contractor, I come across stucco failure quite often. In most cases home owners aren't even aware they have a problem until its uncovered while replacing windows or adding an addition onto their house.

 
Recommendations for Replacement

If you believe your home is experiencing stucco failure, the sooner you act, the better. In cases with moisture damage, much larger and more costly structural issues could occur the longer you wait to fix the problem. There have been cases where supporting columns effected by moisture deteriorated so badly that floors on the second story of homes began to sag as well as the ceilings on the first floor. Health hazards associated with mold are something you will want to take care of immediately as well.

Some people choose to hire a stucco remediation contractor and have their stucco patched or repaired. As an experienced home builder in Pennsylvania, I recommend removing damaged stucco in its entirety, repairing or replacing damaged windows and effected building products; and installing a more reliable siding product all together. If you live in an area with heavy precipitation, you should choose a better material fit for your home rather than repair a product that has a proven failure record.

There are many products and materials to choose from when re-siding a house. While you could opt to replace stucco with vinyl siding as a cheap fix, I do not recommend it. Vinyl siding doesn't have a long life span and is prone to buckling and weather damage. Other options include wood siding, stone siding, brick siding or fiber cement siding. Wood siding requires heavy maintenance and can become costly in the long run and stone or brick veneers are costly.

I recommend using Fiber Cement Siding for both siding replacement and new homes alike. There are several manufacturers of Fiber Cement Siding that offer products that fit a wide range of budgets. Fiber Cement Siding usually comes with a 30-year warranty and is: rot resistant, impervious to termites, highly durable (resistant to rain, wind, hail, snow and sun), has a real wood-grain look and feel and can be easily painted. I recommend the James Hardie Company's line of Fiber Cement Siding products. You can learn more about Fiber Cement Siding and James Hardie's products by visiting their website at www.jameshardie.com.