Stucco siding is a great way to make a more energy efficient and beautiful home. However, this is only when the stucco system is installed properly by a trained and certified professional. If stucco is installed incorrectly or the siding is an older application, it is more prone to failure. Not only is damaged and failing stucco unsightly, but it can lead to moisture getting trapped underneath, causing further damage and rotting to your home. Fortunately, there are warning signs to detect failing stucco systems.
Stucco Damage
Typically, homeowners notice stucco damage but rarely consider whether or not the system has failed. Stucco with a few small dings could be perfectly fine but heavier damage is a strong indicator of underlying issues. This type of damage includes long, thin cracks, heavy staining, bulging at various points of the wall finish as well as stucco that is falling off and missing. If you notice these signs, call in a trained professional for stucco repair or remediation.
Leaks
One of the biggest red flags of stucco damage is when you notice leaking in your house. If you’ve seen water stains on your walls or ceiling, there could be a leak from the exterior of your home. Check to see if the stains could have been caused by damaged plumbing or some other issue first. If it’s clear that the leaks are coming from the exterior of your home, your stucco could be the problem. Rainwater and moisture can get trapped behind the stucco siding and seep through the walls or ceiling. This creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew that could be detrimental to your health.
Caulking
Another way to identify stucco damage is through inspecting the interior trim on the doors and windows of your home. When stucco fails, it is more likely for moisture and air to enter from the exterior of the home. This will cause the caulking to shrink and dry or the adhesion may wear away. While this isn’t a definitive sign of stucco failure, it is definitely something to look out for while making an assessment.
Proper Sealing
In any stucco or EFIS system, there are different materials that meet at junctions that need to be sealed. During the initial installation of these systems, an inexperienced stucco contractor may have improperly sealed the system or used the wrong sealant. Looking for information on how your stucco was installed can give you a better sense of whether or not it is failing or could fail in the future.
Rotting
Rotting is a common form of stucco damage that often leads to failing stucco systems. Inspect the fixtures on the stucco exterior and look for dark spots and staining around windows, doors, electrical outlets, meter boxes, pipes, and spotlights. You may be able to smell rotting wood if you get close to the stains.
It’s also very common to find rotting wood-framed chimneys that come in contact with the stucco. These chimneys are just not very compatible with stucco exteriors. If you want to check your what kind of chimney is attached to your home, you will need to approach its surface with safety in mind. Lightly knock a few feet from the base of the chimney to see if it has a hollow or soft surface. If so, the chimney has a wood frame and could potentially cause stucco failure.
Stucco Contractors
If you are having issues with your home’s stucco or are considering using stucco in the future, it is imperative that you hire reputable and skilled professionals to do the job. Royalty State Construction is your go-to center for stucco repair in NJ. Royalty State Construction specializes in stucco and stone installation on the exterior and interior elevations in New Jersey. Contact Royalty State Construction today for high-quality service, a better home, and better living.
