Stucco Repair Philadelphia is the process of fixing a hole or crack. Remediation, on the other hand, is more of a long-term procedure to identify and treat the cause of the damage.
It can be tempting to use store-bought stucco patching products to fix hairline cracks. However, if other structural issues cause these cracks, a professional may be needed to assess and complete the job.
Although stucco is a highly water-resistant material, it’s not impervious. Moisture seepage into the walls can cause various problems, from discoloration to structural damage. Whether you’re facing small cracks or major voids, it’s important to call a professional to fix the problem before it worsens.
Stucco is most likely to develop moisture damage in the areas surrounding windows and doors, but the problem can happen anywhere on the home. Your first indication of a moisture problem may be staining, which appears as white hazy streaks or dark blotches in the color of your stucco. Staining is caused by moisture getting into the walls and evaporating, leaving dissolved salts behind on the surface of the stucco. If left untreated, staining can lead to efflorescence and blistering.
Other signs of moisture damage include cracked plaster, mold growth, moss, and musty odors. Moisture intrusion can also cause voids on the exterior of your home, which can lead to insect infestations and structural damage. In addition to a visual inspection, your stucco repair expert should use advanced detection technologies to identify pockets of trapped moisture, such as moisture meters or thermal imaging.
After identifying the source of moisture damage, your stucco repair company will recommend any necessary repairs. This could include caulking or re-sealing, depending on the severity of the problem. It’s also recommended to clean your stucco at least twice a year to remove dirt and organic matter. This will help keep the environment for fungal growth and mold growth to a minimum. Finally, gutter systems should be installed to help direct water flow away from problem areas.
Cracks
When cracks appear in your stucco, it may seem like an obvious sign that it’s time to repair it. However, not all cracks are equal and some can actually be a sign of structural issues that should only be dealt with by a stucco professional.
Cracks and small holes are often the result of moisture or weathering, and if left untreated can lead to bigger problems. These can include rot, mold, and even structural damage to the house. It’s important to catch these issues quickly and seek out a professional stucco repair service if you notice any of the following signs:
Hairline cracks are often due to the house settling or shifting and can usually be corrected by patching. However, more serious cracks in the stucco can be an indication of a larger problem, such as seismic movement or structural problems with the house. It’s important to note that these kinds of cracks will only worsen if left untreated.
Stucco can also become cracked due to changes in the temperature or moisture content of the building material. One way to avoid this is to apply a barrier that will help your building material withstand extreme conditions.
Another solution is to mesh and blend the cracks with a base coat or mesh and then a finish coat. This can be done by hand or with a machine and is effective at stopping the cracks from reappearing in the future. However, blending the new finish with the existing stucco can be difficult and requires extra attention to detail.
A final option is to use a bonding agent to adhere the new scratch coat to the wall. This is a thick glue that can be applied by hand or with a machine and is highly effective in preventing cracks from returning. Once the bonding agent is dry, a new scratch coat can be applied with a trowel.
After your scratch coat has been set, it’s important to pay attention to the texture of the surrounding stucco. This will ensure that the repaired area matches seamlessly with the rest of the wall. It’s also crucial to use a trowel that will be able to get into all of the crevices and pores of the existing stucco.
Rot
While stucco is a tough material, it can still succumb to dry rot. If rot goes untreated, it will eventually damage the structural wood that supports the walls of your home, which can lead to the collapse of entire walls or portions of the building.
Detecting rot under stucco requires regular inspections. In addition to checking for cracks, buckling and bubbles, you should also keep an eye out for any areas that feel spongy or soft. A musty odor is another surefire sign of hidden dry rot. If you encounter these signs, a professional should be called immediately to prevent further damage and more costly repairs in the future.
Even minor breaches in your stucco surface can allow water into the underlying structure. Hairline cracks, gaps around doors and windows, and the area where the stucco meets other materials are all potential entrance points for moisture. Water penetration can cause loss of adhesion between the stucco coats or from the substrate, resulting in bulging and ultimately collapse of the wall. Trapped water can also contribute to fungus growth and salt efflorescence.
Stucco repair is a complicated process that should only be undertaken by a trained and experienced contractor. The proper application of a new scratch coat and the correct use of bonding agents is essential to avoid additional cracking or water damage.
Proper installation is also important to ensure that your repaired stucco wall maintains its integrity. It’s crucial to use a quality lime product that will not only set quickly but also stay set long enough to protect the wall from further deterioration. Using the wrong type of lime can actually exacerbate deterioration, as it will not set properly and may not adhere to the existing stucco.
Moisture damage and rot are a huge threat to your home’s structural integrity. If left unchecked, the damage can spread to the wood beams and other structural components that support your walls. This can be incredibly expensive to remedy, and could ultimately cause a wall to collapse. The best way to prevent this is by performing routine maintenance and scheduling frequent inspections from a qualified stucco contractor.
Mold
Mold growth can be very destructive to stucco. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also penetrate between the outer stucco and the underlying structure of your home. This can lead to rot and serious structural damage that will require expensive repairs. Thankfully, there are several ways to prevent mold from growing on your stucco. One way is to ensure that water doesn’t pool along the base of the walls. Another way is to wash your exterior stucco on a regular basis to remove dust, dirt, and stray plant matter that provide food for the mold. If you notice dark spots or discoloration on your stucco, it’s important to get a professional to check for mold.
The best way to prevent mold from forming on your stucco is to have it regularly cleaned by a trained and qualified stucco contractor. A reputable contractor will use a water-resistant barrier to keep moisture away from the stucco surface.
Many homeowners are unaware of the fact that their stucco may be infested with mold even if the surface appears intact. This is because molds are very stealthy and can hide in the smallest crevices, cracks and voids of the stucco. Molds are also very difficult to see with the naked eye, and they are only noticeable when the condition becomes severe.
Moreover, molds aren’t only a problem in wet climates, as they can grow anywhere that moisture is trapped in the wall cavity. This is particularly true when the underlying wall material is not water-resistant, such as when a cement based render is used instead of a lime based render in a repair job.
The only way to truly fix a problem caused by moisture intrusion is to perform complete mold remediation and waterproofing of the stucco. Simply repairing the affected areas is like putting tape over a leaky pipe—it will only last for a short period of time and can create even more damage to the structure. To avoid costly repairs, consult an experienced stucco specialist about mold testing and remediation. They should also be able to offer advice on how to protect your stucco from future problems.