Stucco is common on a lot of homes, but it also can come with a lot of problems. Lucky for you, the House Whisperer shares some tips on how to solve this common stucco problems.
Weep screed
1. Allows moisture to escape
2. Expansion joint allowing the wall to shrink and expand throughout the year because the stucco doesn’t stick to the slab
Cracks
Clean the crack and blow out the dust!
Not even professional grade caulking will adhere to dust
Acrylic is paintable
Wider cracks
10 lb box of rapid set stucco for surface retexturing with a sponge float, not a trowel
Play with the sandiness and feather the edges - the wetter your float the more sand rises to the surface, the less the smoother it remains
Efflorescence
Mineral salt deposits which form on the surface. Salts in the brick, stucco and mortar or in soil behind a retaining wall are dissolved when wet and carried to the surface where it recrystallizes
Dry brush efflorescence - DONT wash with water! Water redissolves the salt and puts it back into the surface
EC Pull Out organic acid crystal powder dissolves deposits that make leave visible stains
Must fix moisture problem whether in or behind wall
Peeling paint
Improper priming
Excessive moisture
Detachment
Verify vapor barrier is intact
Use lime resistant screws to drill back to studs and patch
Mold, Moss, Staining
Stucco is permeable and porous - things get washed in and embedded
Warping and Buckling
This is a common issue for vinyl siding. Unlike wood siding, vinyl should not adhere tightly to the house. It should be fastened properly to allow for slight movement such as expansion and contraction as the temperature changes. If it is tightly attached, it may warp or buckle.
Cracking
There are several reasons the siding cracks. One of them is physical damages caused by the heavy impact of falling tree branches, rocks hurled by a lawnmower, and the like. Additionally, if not properly treated, it may allow moisture to seep in, which could lead to mold growth. Exposure to extreme weather conditions may also cause the siding to crack due to contraction and expansion.
Fading
The main culprit for this problem is the sun. Direct exposure can fade or discolor the siding. Although this is not a problem resulting from improper installation, when not given attention, not only does it ruin the appearance of the siding, but it may also lead to more serious problems such as cracking.
Moisture Problems
One of the most important components of siding installation is waterproof barriers. They keep moisture at bay, protecting the siding and giving it extra room for expansion and contraction. If moisture is allowed to penetrate the siding, mold and mildew can grow. Rotting will follow next, destroying both the external and internal parts of the siding.
Noise
When the siding is installed improperly, it can create irritating noises whenever it contracts or expands as the temperature changes or during a windy day. Loose siding should be repaired immediately.
For more information, listen to Dean explain it all below: