Stucco Remediation Philadelphia is an extensive process that fixes the underlying issues with your stucco walls. It is different than repair, which addresses surface-level damage only.
If you notice cracks, mold or mildew growth, or water leaks around windows and doors, a professional stucco inspection can determine whether you need remediation.
Stucco is one of the most popular exterior materials for new homes, but it doesn’t last forever like anything else. Over time, water intrusion can damage stucco and underlying issues that need to be addressed. This can result in cracking, mold and mildew growth, wall rot, and other serious problems that require remediation. If left untreated, the damage can lead to major structural issues that will cost you thousands in repairs.
To avoid this, it is important to keep up with regular maintenance to help prevent problems before they get out of hand. This includes a regular inspection by a stucco repair contractor and the use of preventative techniques to help protect your home from moisture damage in the first place. A stucco professional will be able to recommend the right maintenance services that fit your climate and housing style, such as regular caulking and the use of gutters to direct water away from walls.
Moisture damage to stucco can also cause other issues, such as rotting wood, which is not only unsightly but can seriously compromise your home’s integrity. One of the best ways to identify moisture damage to your stucco is by looking for moisture stains, which can look like white or hazy streaks or dark blotches. You may also notice a musty smell, which is another sign of moisture problems.
Once you’ve identified signs of moisture damage, a repair contractor can seal the problem areas and restore the appearance of your stucco. However, suppose the problem has been allowed to continue for an extended period of time. In that case, you will need to consider remediation instead, which is more extensive and will fix all the underlying issues that are causing moisture infiltration.
Remediation is much more expensive than repair, but it’s worth it to protect your stucco and your home’s underlying structure from damage. If you choose to go with repair, you should still be vigilant and check your walls regularly for new cracks and deterioration, especially after a harsh winter of freezing and thawing. By keeping up with this maintenance and preventing water damage in the first place, you can significantly extend the life of your stucco and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Removing the Stucco
Stucco is a mixture of cement, fine sand and lime — sometimes strengthened with fiber mesh or other materials — that can be applied wet over stone, brick or concrete walls. It can also be layered on wood or metal frames and meshwork. Over time, stucco can fade or deteriorate. It can be cleaned with water pressure, but the most effective treatment is a thorough tuckpointing process to fill in damaged mortar and protect the brick.
If a home has extensive stucco damage, it may be worth removing all or most of the material to reveal the original brick and mortar beneath. If this is the case, a professional should be involved to avoid further deterioration and ensure that proper restoration work is performed.
Removing stucco from an existing brick wall or foundation is a complicated project that requires a lot of patience, strength and skill. Start by hammering lightly at a small area in a hidden spot to loosen the stucco from the brick or foundation. Then use a chisel or crowbar to slowly force away loosened pieces. Once you have a good idea of how much material you will need to remove, reassess whether or not the brick underneath is in salvageable condition.
It’s important to be careful while removing stucco, especially around doors and windows. The process is messy, and it’s easy to accidentally break glass or damage the framing of a window or door. A professional should be hired to avoid this, and the work should always be done outside in a well-ventilated area.
Inspecting a stucco house should be done regularly to look for holes, cracks, crumbling or other signs of deterioration. If a problem is found, it should be repaired right away to prevent the situation from getting worse. A qualified home inspector will know how to inspect a stucco house and will recommend any repairs that are needed.
In addition to routine inspections, a homeowner should hose down the stucco annually or as needed to keep it clean. Salt efflorescence should be dry brushed and removed, as should any algal growth that may develop. It’s also a good idea to keep the gutters free of debris and repair any leaks promptly so that water doesn’t seep behind the stucco.
Replastering the Walls
Stucco has become one of the most popular building materials for new single-family homes in recent years, and it’s no surprise. This cement-based plaster is a beautiful and durable material that can enhance the appearance of your home, and it’s also one of the most energy efficient building materials available. However, as with anything else, stucco will eventually wear down and need to be repaired or replaced.
If you notice cracks or other damage to your stucco, it’s important to contact a contractor right away. They will perform a thorough inspection of your stucco and underlying structures, and they may use specialized tools to check for water damage. This is essential, as water infiltration can lead to mold, rot, and other serious issues. Once the inspector has identified the problem, they will determine if remediation is necessary.
Remediation is more expensive than a simple stucco repair, but it’s worth the investment when you consider how much longer your home will last and how many repairs will be avoided. Remediation can help you avoid the expensive and time-consuming process of replacing your entire stucco, and it can ensure that any underlying problems are taken care of.
During the remediation process, your stucco will be stripped down to the sheathing and framing. Once this is complete, your stucco contractor can replaster the walls with a new layer of cement. This will be a thicker coating than the original stucco, and it will provide more protection for your home. It will also be easier to maintain, since you won’t need to worry about repairing minor cracks or abrasions as frequently. During the replastering process, your contractor will also fix any underlying issues that they have uncovered. For example, if your stucco has leaked extensively, you may need to repair the frames of doors and windows as well.
Finishing Up
When you’re ready to find a contractor that can help you with stucco remediation, look for one with extensive experience. A professional will be able to perform a comprehensive inspection of your home and run moisture tests on your exterior walls, which will allow them to determine the source of the problem and identify what areas are most affected. They will also be able to explain the process in detail, answering any questions you may have along the way.
During the repair process, a contractor will completely replaster every wall to tend to the underlying issue that’s causing damage. This involves stripping the stucco, cleaning the sheathing and removing any damaged insulation. The contractor will then install a new, high-quality finish on your walls and apply a water-resistant protective coating to prevent further moisture intrusion.
After the stucco is finished, you’ll be able to enjoy your home again, knowing that it’s protected against moisture intrusion. If you’re thinking about repairing your stucco, be sure to choose a company with a reputation for customer service and quality workmanship. Read online reviews to get a feel for how past customers have interacted with the company and what their experiences were like. Also, look for a contractor that offers warranties on their work, as this will give you peace of mind in case the project goes wrong.
Remember that remediation is a much more in-depth and time-consuming service than simple repairs, so it’s understandable that you might not want to perform it unless absolutely necessary. However, if your stucco is showing signs of significant damage that can’t be fixed with a quick patch-up, then remediation is the only way to keep your home safe from further problems.
Moisture intrusion into the space between the sheathing and the stucco layer can lead to rotting framing, toxic black mold, and other serious issues. Don’t let it go untreated any longer! Contact a contractor today to discuss your options for stucco remediation. You’ll be glad you did when your house is restored to its original beauty and you don’t have to deal with the problems caused by moisture intrusion!