Although stucco is a superb decorative surface choice for the majority of homeowners, most stucco applications completed in the past two decades are improperly installed. Poorly done stucco can eventually cause leaks, mold, and various structural damages. Surprisingly, most of these issues may go undetected since many of the damages are inside the wall until it’s too late to repair.
Fortunately, with the help of a professional stucco inspector, these issues can be detected early enough to avoid stucco removal. However, if left unattended for a long time, the surface may require being taken off or a part of the house may even need to be torn down.
What Is A Stucco Inspection?
Stucco refers to a type of exterior plaster applied as a coating directly onto masonry or wood frame structure. The materials contained in stucco include aggregate, a binder, as well as water. Typically, it is applied wet and gradually toughens to a very dense solid state. Most individuals use it as a siding material due to its attractiveness and durability plus being a relatively low-maintenance exterior finish.
Stucco inspection is a series of tests and analyses performed on your home’s interior and exterior surfaces to determine moisture levels. These tests may include the use of moisture reading and special equipment for use on your home’s surfaces.
Due to stucco’s permeability, proper installation is very important. As part of your home inspection, some details like weep screeds, expansion joints, head flashings, joints around windows and doors and kick out flashings can be visually inspected. However, the majority of the fine details, such as drainage planes, window and door flashings and moisture barriers that are behind the stucco also need to be looked at.
Thus, to comprehensively assess the performance of the system, the wall’s interior wood behind the stucco/veneer stone and brick must be tested as well by a certified home inspector.
What Are The Different Levels Of The Inspections?
Typically, the stucco inspection process is divided into three distinguishing levels that are:
First Level-Siding Identification
This phase includes visual identification of the type of stucco siding in your home as well as any condition that may appear as a potential glitch to the inspection process. Some details concerning siding installation faults or oversights that can present problems, for instance, are conditions that create moisture intrusion, that are taken into consideration. However, this phase does not dwell too much on improperly installed siding or moisture penetration.
Second Level Non-Invasive Inspection
This phase focuses on performing a comprehensive visual inspection on the exterior siding to identify physically damaged spots and any improper installation. This level entails the inspection of:
This phase focuses on performing a comprehensive visual inspection on the exterior siding to identify physically damaged spots and any improper installation. This level entails the inspection of:
- Window and door frames
- Flashings and visible edges
- Siding penetrations: hose bibs, utility systems, wires, electrical, plumbing fixtures, and other areas of concern.
This inspection is aimed at detailing the deficiencies detected regarding the installation as well as the extent of damage to the stucco sidings. A more non-invasive assessment for moisture penetration is performed using specialized equipment, for example, infrared technology, which helps detect temperature variations on the surface as a result of trapped moisture beneath the stucco cladding.
Third Level- Invasive Inspection
This phase includes visual assessment and penetration of the siding in areas identified as having moisture using specialized probes to contact the substrate. Recording moisture meter readings is critical to authenticate information collected in the two previous steps.
In order to properly and precisely obtain moisture meter readings, two-quarter inches holes are drilled in the stucco finish in spots suspected of having elevated moisture levels. After the readings and photographs are taken, the holes are then sealed using a caulking material to protect holes from further damage.
Reasons To Perform An Inspection?
Stucco being a durable and attractive exterior finish, if properly maintained, can stand the test of time and be incredibly appealing. However, it is virtually impossible to determine the level of damage to the wood sheathing under the stucco devoid of precise moisture probe testing. Successfully performing a stucco inspection benefits you, as a homeowner in the following ways:
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Offers Exceptional Peace Of Mind
Once a thorough inspection is conducted on your home, you are issued with a Moisture Free Warranty that helps ease the concerns of potential homebuyers while selling your stucco home. The buyers are guaranteed that your home is moisture free and worth every penny. This can substantially reduce the period your home is on the market by nearly 50%.
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No Excessive Repairs Required
The stucco inspection helps you identify the essential repairs to perform and avoid making unnecessary repairs that may cost you hugely. The stucco inspector helps you understand the necessary modifications to be done, and advises you on the typical costs for those repairs.
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Minimal Maintenance Costs
After the stucco inspection is conducted in your home, you are saved from costly damage that may have gone undetected. Moreover, you are also protected from incurring huge costs on maintenance in the future.
