There is one common issue that comes with stucco: water leakage. This is especially common in areas where seasonal rain is the norm, like Florida. If water gets behind stucco then it will soften the areas it comes in contact with, eventually causing the stucco to break away and fall off in sheets.
So how do you know if your stucco home has any leaks? You’ll likely see staining around the corners of windows or doors, possibly dark spots where at the roofline, and even hairline cracks. All of these are indicators of possible water damage and are signs of where water runs on or behind the stucco.
There are a few major causes of stucco failure that leads to leaks and here’s an overview of the most common problems.
Common Locations for Leaks
Windows have a tendency to lead to water leaks if they were improperly installed and leaves gaps or improper flashing. Sometimes flashing is applied prior to the window being installed is heavily degraded or it’s installed on the outside of the window flanges after the window was installed. Both instances can eventually lead to water leaks. Sometimes, the flashing is not installed at all.
Doorways can also become a source of water leaking behind stucco siding. The installation process is similar to that for windows and they are susceptible to the same leaking problems as windows. Like windows, the flashing needs to be installed correctly before the door is installed.
Even though water leaks are most commonly found in an around the openings, the leak is rarely caused by the windows or doors themselves. The home’s exposure, coupled with poor or inadequate flashing can create water penetration problems. For most areas in the west, southern exposures are where most of the seasonal, wind-driven rain comes from, thus where most of the window and door leaks are found. If your stucco home is leaking, I would bet it is on the south exposure with a gable top.
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