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.