Stucco Cracking – When is it an Issue?

Stucco is a great exterior finish for any home. It gives a sharp, pristine appearance and truly can give your home the curb appeal that you desire. But, of course, nothing great comes easily. Unfortunately, there are a lot of contractors out there who are not experienced in applying this particular cladding, thus causing a lot issues. One issue in particular is cracking.

Some stucco cracking is natural, as it is a porous finish that will absorb water, so seeing minor, shallow lines over the surface of your home is nothing that you should panic about. The appearance of more severe and more abundant lines however, should cause a little more stress.

In order to understand the severity of your issue with stucco cracking, it is important to know some of the reasons that these cracks occur. Here are a few common reasons.

Too Much Sand: Stucco is made up of three main ingredients: water, cement, and sand.  This combination of materials allows for the proper stress and water relief for the material, but getting the proportions wrong while mixing of any or all of these parts can be a fatal error. Using too much sand is the most common mixing error. Using too much sand in the mix weakens the mixture and can cause it to shrink during the drying process which can cause deep, severe cracks the finish.

Coat Thickness: Another common stucco issue is applying inconsistently thick coats of stucco to the home. Although there are one and two coat applications, usually three coat stucco is applied to the exterior of most residential buildings, and making sure that each coat has a consistent thickness across the entire surface of the structure is important. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, namely the application of stucco around architectural details of the home where the stucco coats can be thicker, but having two sections of a wall with two different coat thicknesses is unacceptable. This creates varied strength within the wall, which in turn causes cracking.

Hydration Issues:  If the stucco is not properly hydrated, or evenly hydrated, it will not cure properly. Each separated coat will act as one coat of stucco which will reduce the strength of the material, causing serious cracking. Hydrating stucco properly is pretty easy; simply flood the surface of the wall after the coat is applied about three times. This will allow each coat to absorb the proper amount of water as it cures so it will not steal the moisture from the coats that come after it.

Applying stucco is a simple process as long as it is done properly. Making sure that you have the proper amount of each ingredient in your stucco mix, applying the coats of stucco evenly, and ensuring that each coat is hydrating is a great way to prevent structural damage later in the life of the home.  If you are noticing cracking, especially severe cracking, in the surface of your home, it might be a good idea to call a stucco inspector. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and calling a stucco inspector will ensure that you are protecting the structural integrity of your home for your future.

Stucco Home Inspection Common Results: What Should You Expect?

If you happen to be the owner of a home clad in stucco on any or all sides, you have probably heard about the problems that this exterior material tends to have. Whether your neighbors are getting their homes repaired or you have heard some of the media buzz around this issue, you might be wondering what will happen on the other side of your stucco home inspection.

After your stucco inspector is done with looking over your home to see what problems you might be facing, here are the things that you might hear. Granted, this is not a complete list, but it will give you an idea of the types of problems your home might be facing.

Stucco Moisture: The primary stucco issue facing homes today is an excess of moisture. Generally speaking, the majority of stucco homes that face moisture problems have been clad incorrectly, which allows for water to enter the inner structure, but does not allow it to escape. This creates a prime environment for mold and decay, which can affect your health, the appearance of your home, as well as its structural integrity. Don’t be surprised when you hear from your stucco inspector that your home is holding moisture and is suffering because of it. Stucco moisture is also the culprit of many of the other problems that these homes face.

Stucco Cracking: Cracking in stucco is a common and natural occurrence. All stucco will crack over time, so seeing some fine lines on the outside of your home is completely normal and is no reason to panic. What is more concerning is an overabundance of cracking or large, more severe cracks in the stucco finish. Generally, excessive cracking in the stucco finish is a result of improper application - for example, not allowing enough time between coats for curing, etc. Large cracks can be troublesome, especially for those who live in colder climates because water can enter and freeze in these cracks making them larger. Large cracks may require repairs, which can range from minor sealing to a more full exterior replacement.  Your stucco inspector will be able to tell you what your home needs more specifically based on his visual assessment of the crack(s).

Wood Rot: Based on the type of stucco home inspection that you get, your inspector may tell you that you are having issues with wood rot.  Wood rot occurs when water gets behind the building paper, entering the wall cavities. This can potentially impact the framing members below the stucco finish. This is a serious issue and can reduce the structural integrity of your home. Repair to this particular stucco issue is crucial and should be done as soon as possible to help you avoid further structural damage.

Stucco home inspection does not have to be a scary or panic-inducing process. Hiring a certified stucco inspector to take a look at the exterior of your home might produce some information that you do not want to hear, but going into your inspection with a little bit of knowledge regarding what to expect will help you leave with a little more peace of mind.

Steps to Take When You Need Stucco Removal in PA

In the current economic climate, saving money is something most families prioritize. In some instances, the best way to save money is to take on a job by yourself, but in other cases, the best solution is to leave the issue to the professionals to avoid further problems down the road. In our experience, families in need of stucco removal in PA and the greater Delaware Valley should choose the latter.

Identifying that you need stucco removal is the first step towards minimizing the financial loss suffered. Most stucco repair needs originate from poor installation. With poorly installed stucco, a homeowner will begin to see cracks and delamination throughout the exterior of their home. This can lead to severe monetary consequences caused by water penetrating into the wall cavities.  

For any homeowner, moisture is the enemy. When cracks are visible, our experts in stucco removal in PA will inspect the stucco and moisture content of the sheathing. Catching this problem early is paramount to stopping water getting inside your walls which can lead to mold growth. When mold grows in dampened areas, it can spread quickly. This will not only cause financial headaches, but the potential of respiratory and other harmful health issues always exists when dealing with mold.

Cracks in your stucco can lead to thousands of dollars in water damage.

Trusting experts like us to remove and replace your stucco will provide a long-term solution. Once the stucco is removed, the replacement process begins with a layered approach. The first layer will usually consist of plywood, but it's the water resistive barrier that is applied next where building owners find real value. This barrier will not only protect the walls, but the windows along the exterior of the surface, too. We will be more than happy to discuss your options and find you the right barrier that will eliminate the need to worry about moisture invading your home.

When it comes time to apply new stucco, it's a three coat process. The first coat will need two days to dry, and it will crack. However, the second coat applied will fill in those cracks and provide a building with the protection it needs.  Finally, about seven days later, it's time for the final, finished coat. The finished coat is where style comes into play. Fortunately, the look of your finished product can be determined before the stucco removal process begins on your Delaware Valley home. High-quality stucco can provide protection and aesthetic appeal for decades while poor quality stucco can only last a few years. For this reason alone, paying a little more now can lead to big savings later.

Stucco Remediation in PA Proves Spring Cleaning Should Include Your Siding

As we near the start of the spring season, homeowners throughout the Delaware Valley are looking forward to a little spring cleaning. This year, don't limit your home organization to the inside. While you are clearing out closets and washing windows, consider calling our experts to spruce up the exterior as well.

Stucco is often used for siding because it offers aesthetic appeal and value. However, if your stucco was installed improperly, the winter season can cause some real havoc on the exterior of your home. Whether it is small cracks or large holes, April showers can result in more than May flowers.

Moisture can penetrate the holes and cracks in your siding and the freeze thaw cycle can make them worse. You may also notice water marks on the interior of your home or a musty smell. These issues should never be dealt with using a can of paint and an air freshener. The longer the problem is allowed to go on without stucco remediation, the greater the potential risk for financial loss or health complications.

This spring, make your home look beautiful inside and out. Apart from the health issues and costs of extensive mold removal, the actual appearance of cracked stucco can be a real detriment to the curbside appeal of your home. Even the nicest lawn and flower beds in the neighborhood can't make up for walls that look beaten down. Our stucco remediation process can provide water resistant, wind proof protection that will look great for years to come.

When you call upon our stucco remediation in PA services, we will not only fix damaged stucco; we will identify the root of the problem. This way, the same problem won't arise during the next big winter storm. With our help and a few full boxes of tucked away winter coats, your home can look beautiful inside and out.

Consider Stucco Repair in NJ to Lower Your Energy Bills

Properly installed stucco impacts your home in a number of ways. For starters, it improves the curbside appeal of your building by enhancing the beauty. In addition to that, it keeps moisture from penetrating your walls and causing mold growth and other serious issues. While these factors seem obvious, many don't realize the impact stucco repair can provide for New Jersey homes when it comes to energy efficiency.

Air filtration in an improperly installed stucco system can increase your energy costs. The protection comes not in the form of the stucco itself, but rather what happens before the stucco goes on. The WRB’s (water resistive barrier) needs to have the seams sealed in order for it to serve two purposes; one, keep liquid water out and allow water vapor to move back and forth, two, sealing the seams prevents air infiltration and air exfiltration. “Infiltration is the uncontrolled passage of outdoor air into a building through unintended leaks in the building envelope (e.g., cracks between wall sections, wall-floor connections, corners, the roof-wall interface, around windows and doors).18 Exfiltration is the opposite process.

 Increase the energy efficiency of your home with stucco repair.

When our experts in stucco repair in NJ arrive at your home, they can determine via infrared thermography if you’re missing insulation behind the stucco of your home. With the right amount of insulation, any residence can see a major drop in their monthly energy bills. In addition to the insulation, our professionals can determine if your stucco is in need of repair (and your money) isn't flying out the window.

When stucco repair is necessary, the plywood sheathing of your home might be rotting. Fortunately, we have experience replacing each layer behind your exterior stucco. By replacing the wood, insulation, water resistant barrier and stucco, you will not only see improvements on your energy bills but notice the impact on air quality in your home. There is no better way to go green than to save some green in the process.

Give us a call and enjoy a home that is comfortably cool in the summer, nice and warm in the winter, and beautiful to drive up to each and every day.

Stucco Professionals to Repair Stucco

Stucco repair is generally not a do-it-yourself project. Bringing in a professional to perform repairs is usually a better course of action because of their expert skill and experience in the stucco field. To repair stucco damages in a house which are severe, you need a stucco professional. Stucco professionals are adept, efficient, and effective in fixing any stucco related problems in a house. Also, hiring a professional to repair stucco damage is cost efficient.