When traditional stucco or EIFS (Energy Insulation and Finish Systems), begins to fail, homeowners are often faced with a decision between repair or remediation.
Stucco Remediation Philadelphia addresses the underlying issues that lead to stucco damage. This process is permanent and will also protect your home from more significant problems, like toxic black mold and rotting framing.
Stucco is an attractive, durable building material that has been used in construction for centuries. It’s often found in drier climates and is made of Portland cement, sand, and water. Builders sometimes add glass or acrylic fibers to the mix to improve its strength. It’s a popular choice for home exteriors because it looks elegant and stylish. However, stucco can also be prone to damage from moisture. When this happens, it’s important to take action to stop the damage before it gets worse.
A company that specializes in stucco remediation can perform a thorough inspection to determine the extent of the damage and to find out what’s causing it. This process may involve taking moisture meter readings around windows and doors, looking for signs of interior leaks, or examining the caulking around doors and windows for cracking or other problems. A professional can also recommend ways to prevent future problems, such as replacing the caulking.
Remediation is a more extensive fix than repair, but it’s typically much more effective. This is because repair only fixes the surface damage, while remediation goes much further. Remediation solves the underlying cause of the damage to the stucco and protects your home from further moisture intrusion, which can lead to wood rot or mold issues in the interior.
It’s possible for homeowners to save money by opting for repairs instead of remediation. However, this can be a false economy in the long run. It’s best to invest in a service like remediation as soon as you see signs of water damage in your stucco. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse and could lead to major structural damage in the future.
If you suspect that your stucco is leaking or that it’s showing other signs of damage, don’t wait to contact a company that offers stucco remediation services. It’s far better to act early on, before the problem gets out of hand and leads to even more expensive and time-consuming repairs in the future. The longer you wait, the more damage your home will sustain and the higher the chances of mold and structural problems in the future.
Removal
The first step in a stucco remediation project is to remove the existing stucco. This is a labor-intensive task that requires special tools and should only be performed by qualified professionals. During this phase of the process, it is important to protect the surrounding area with plastic sheets or drop cloths. This will keep furniture, fixtures and other items from becoming damaged by stucco debris or dust that may fall from the ceiling. It is also a good idea to cover any electrical outlets or switches to prevent accidental shock.
Before starting, a contractor will prep the work area. This includes laying out tarps to contain debris and erecting scaffolding where necessary. Workers will also use a hammer and chisel to chip away the stucco. This can be messy, so it is a good idea to wear protective gear such as eye protection and a dust mask during this stage.
Once the stucco is removed, contractors will inspect the underlying brick for any damage. If they notice severe cracking or deterioration, it is recommended that you find a local mason to fix the problem before installing new stucco. This will ensure that the new stucco is properly installed and will not exacerbate existing problems.
When the wall is ready, it can be covered with a new finish such as wallpaper or paint. It is a good idea to sand the surface before applying a new finish to smooth out any rough spots. After the surface has been sanded, a primer can be used to provide a clean and even canvas for painting.
Although some homeowners choose to take on the task of removing their own stucco, it is not a job for beginners. This is a complex and time-consuming project that requires specific application tools, safety gear, and a thorough understanding of the material. This is why many homeowners prefer to trust the expertise of a professional. In addition to saving them the hassle of doing it themselves, a professional will also do the job correctly the first time, which can avoid expensive repair costs down the road.
Repair
When stucco damage is not addressed, it leads to serious problems that affect the structural integrity of a home. If left unchecked, these issues can include mildew and mold growth, ugly discoloration on the exterior, and wall rot that can lead to costly structural repairs. In order to address these problems, a thorough inspection must be completed by a qualified contractor. This inspection typically includes moisture meter readings around windows and doors, which are often the source of water intrusion in stucco walls.
Once the underlying issues are identified, a full remediation process can begin. This will include removing the old stucco and sheathing, repairing wet and damaged framing, sheathing, and insulation, draining house wrap, new flashing, and rain screen, as well as a complete set of new stucco. Stucco remediation is more expensive than a simple repair job, but it provides a long term solution that maintains the integrity of a home.
Cracking of a stucco surface is often the first sign of trouble. This is usually the result of poor installation, and if it continues to spread, it can damage the sheathing and framing below, as well as the interior of the home. In order to avoid the need for extensive repairs, cracking should be addressed as soon as it occurs.
Discoloration and dark spots on a stucco surface are also signs of moisture penetration and trapped moisture. High moisture meter readings around the base of a window or door can indicate moisture penetration, and any warping or bulging on the exterior of a stucco wall suggests internal structural issues.
Leaking is another major sign of impending stucco failure. If the underlying issue is not found to be broken plumbing or a failed foundation, leaking can be caused by trapped moisture that seeps through the stucco and creates unsightly marks on walls and ceilings.
When a homeowner decides to repair their stucco instead of remediating it, they must consider the long term consequences. If a homeowner settles for several smaller repairs to patch up surface-level damage, it can lead to even more significant and expensive issues down the road.
Reapplying
Stucco remediation is a complex process, and the best way to know whether it’s necessary for your home is to have a professional inspection. If your stucco is in need of remediation, it will likely be due to significant moisture damage from poor caulking, missing caulking or the outer layers being loose. Moisture that penetrates the exterior of your stucco can lead to a variety of issues, including mold and rot within sheathing, framing and insulation.
Stucco is a beautiful and durable material that adds beauty and value to your home, but it doesn’t last forever. If your stucco is in need for repair, it’s important that you find a reputable contractor who can provide you with quality work. Check out online reviews and testimonials to get a feel for a potential contractor’s work before you contact them.
A good contractor will be honest and let you know whether a repair or remediation is the best option for your home. It is also important that you choose a contractor who will not use shady sales tactics to try to persuade you into using their services.
Repairs are surface-level fixes that are cheaper and quicker than remediation. However, they may only be a temporary fix. If the cracks that appear on your stucco are larger than 1/4 of an inch, it’s a sign that you have underlying damage and that repairs won’t solve it.
Remediation is a more in-depth service that includes stripping the outer layers of your stucco, repairing any internal sources of damage and replastering. The replastering will ensure that your stucco is protected for the long term and will prevent further damage to the underlying structures of your building.
Remediation is a more expensive option than repairs, but it can save you money in the long run by protecting your home from costly structural damage that may be irreparable with other methods. Moisture penetration into your stucco can cause a wide range of problems, from unsightly stains to mold and rot that could threaten the structural integrity of your entire home.