Stucco is a versatile and durable building material that has a wide range of colors and textures for homeowners to choose from. Stucco is resistant to many threats, including fires and extreme temperatures, and, when cared for properly, can last up to 100 years. But, even stucco is susceptible to certain types of damage and there are a few steps that a homeowner can take to protect their stucco from these issues. Water damage is one thing that can happen to stucco that may cause a big issue, if not properly repaired in a timely manner. The team at Titan Stucco is breaking down water damage: what causes it, how you can repair the water-damaged siding, and how our Phoenix stucco repair team can help.
What Causes Stucco Water Damage?
Stucco is generally water-resistant, but damage to the stucco exterior can cause water to seep below the surface and grow mold, or damage the internal walls of your home. There are a few common issues which may cause stucco water damage, including:Faulty Stucco Installation
Even a high-quality stucco composition can cause issues if it is not properly installed. Stucco can require a complex installation process, involving mixing the stucco materials, applying a metal lath, and properly applying the three-coat system with proper drying times, which allows the stucco to properly harden. If there is a break in any of the three coats: the scratch coat, the brown coat, or the finish coat, it can cause cracks or damage in the stucco which will provide an opportunity for water to breach the stucco and cause damage.Incorrect Flashing Installation
Flashing is the protective barrier that is installed on the seams of the house, and it acts as a barrier between water and the home. Aluminum is typically used for flashing, as it is a lightweight material that is very inexpensive. However, aluminum can also quickly decay and once the flashing decays it can easily allow water to break the flashing barrier and penetrate the home. Using a stronger sheet metal is a better option to provide long lasting flashing and prevent water penetrating the barrier.Stucco Cracks
There are a variety of factors that can cause cracks in stucco siding, from natural weather events such as strong winds or earthquakes to direct impact or expansion. Water can seep beneath these cracks and cause damage, when left unrepaired. Patching these cracks in a timely manner can help prevent water seeping beneath the surface of your stucco and causing damage beneath the siding. Regular inspections of your stucco siding will help ensure that any cracks are spotted and repaired before they can be left to cause further damage.Improper Stucco Composition
The durability of your stucco siding will depend on the quality of your stucco, which relates back to the composition of your materials. A well balanced mixture of Portland cement, sand and water is required to form a strong stucco mixture, and the mixture must be completely cured before being applied to the home for quality results. Improper mixing or curing can lead to lower integrity of your stucco siding, which can contribute to cracks or other issues that may allow water to penetrate your stucco. Working with a professional who understands the composition of the material can help ensure you are working with a high quality and properly cured mixture.Signs of Water-Damaged Stucco
There are a few common signs that will indicate to a homeowner that their stucco siding has fallen victim to water damage. These indicators include:- Water stains on the exterior walls of the stucco siding or the interior walls of the home.
- Tear-like stains where the stucco intersects with the flashing, windows or other joints on the exterior of the home.
- Mold growth on the home.
- Increased humidity within the home.
- Bubbles and cracks along the exterior stucco.
- Dark streaks or discolored patches along the stucco siding.
- Soft spots on the exterior or the interior walls.
How to Repair Water-Damaged Stucco
Most water damaged stucco will be repaired following a similar, four step process. You can use this process to determine your best course of action when working on your water damage repair.- If your stucco has noticeable, extensive water damage, including mold and structural damage, it is important that you stop and seek out professional help instead of attempting to patch over the damage. A professional can offer assistance removing water damaged stucco, replacing it with a new stucco siding and can check your home to ensure that deeper structural damage will be properly repaired and mold is properly removed so your home is safe.
- If you think that your water damaged stucco only requires a minor repair, you can start by removing the damaged section of stucco. This will follow a similar process as removing damaged drywall or rotted wood from the home.
- Using a new stucco mix that matches the exterior of your home, you can mix and cure the stucco then use it to patch the area where the damaged stucco had been removed.
- Apply the stucco patch using the three coat system, allowing proper time for the stucco to dry in between applying layers.
