Stucco has become a very popular exterior wall covering due to its insulating qualities, range of aesthetic options and durability make it a great choice for any area. But even with how wonderful this material is, there are still some flaws and maintenance requirements, like any other building material. One flaw being that stucco can cause water damage to your building.

If you live in a wet climate like Florida you might be very concerned by this, but lets break it down some more- an improperly installed stucco siding can not only allow water intrusion, but contribute to water damage to your building. Did you catch that key phrase- “improperly installed stucco”. So are you aware of what to look for in order to spot water damage before it causes lasting structural damage? Here are some helpful stucco maintenance tips:

STUCCO WATER DAMAGE SIGNS

Do you notice any stucco “tears,” the dark weeping of mold or mildew from areas where water was able to intrude into or behind the stucco? This usually happens around areas where the stucco joins up with flashing, windows or other joints—this means that the stucco was improperly sealed and thus cannot keep water and moisture out. Water damage can also manifest as spotting and stains—or even cracks, if the damage is particularly far gone.

Unfortunately if you don’t see any “tears” or stains, this doesn’t mean that you’re in the clear. Unfortunately water damage can occur with no visible signs, allowing mold and mildew to rot the structure before you even get a chance to notice there is a problem.

The best way to spot water damage is to hire a professional like CDP Stucco to conduct a moisture test. You’ll then know exactly how much damage has occurred and where exactly it’s located. Then you can decide whether to repair or replace your stucco.

REPAIR OR REPLACE STUCCO?

Whether you can repair or replace your stucco will primarily depend on how extensive the damage is—if you catch it early, it’s possible that simply patching the stucco could be a viable solution. That won’t permanently eradicate the possibility of further damage, however, especially if it was improperly installed across your whole building.

If the damage is more extensive, or you suspect shoddy workmanship in the original installation, you’ll probably need to replace the entirety of your stucco siding. While more time-consuming at the outset, it is likely to be the most cost-effective way to preserve your building’s structural integrity as well as the outer walls’ aesthetic.

No matter what you choose, always be sure to pick a reputable, licensed and insured stucco contractor who offers a warranty on their installation, materials and workmanship. You’ll be glad you did.

Cracked Brick and Stucco Repair from CDP Stucco

CDP Stucco has repaired cracked stucco for homeowners throughout Florida. If you are unsure if the cracks indicate foundation failure, a representative from CDP Stucco can provide an inspection to give you back peace of mind.

Contact us today for an inspection of your cracked stucco repair! If you are interested in Stucco Installation or Stucco Repair, call the experts at CDP Stucco now at 850-259-2283