A stucco finish offers a long-lasting, sturdy option for a structure’s exterior. It is adaptable and can be used in smooth, textured, rough patterns. Although it is a sturdy, cost-effective option for your building or home, it is nevertheless susceptible to damage, just like any other material.
By spotting the early signs of stucco damage, you can save time and money by only replacing parts of the structure—not the entire thing.
We’ve listed the possible problems with stucco and how to spot them to assist you in detecting these indicators.
What Causes Damage
Small cracks to blistering walls—if your stucco is damaged, it’s important to address it immediately to avoid worse issues and more expensive repairs. Here are a few typical reasons for stucco damage and how to spot them.
1. Damage Caused by Water
The most frequent and costly type of stucco damage is water damage. There are various distinct causes for it to happen:
- Weather: Your stucco is easily damaged by things like rainstorms, earthquakes, hailstorms, or strong winds.
- Improper Composition: Water damage can occur when a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water, is not balanced and combined appropriately.
- Improper Installation: If stucco is laid incorrectly, water damage will result even from properly balanced and mixed stucco. This can happen if your stucco was installed improperly or if a flashing, a connected metal piece meant to stop water from passing through, was installed incorrectly.
- Interior Problems: Although outdoor factors are frequently blamed for stucco water damage, your issue may originate inside. A leaking air conditioner, a busted pipe, or even a sprinkler that accidentally watered your walls instead of your flower beds can all result in water damage.
2. Damage Caused by Pest and Wildlife
Even the strongest building cannot withstand the onslaught of hungry or homeless animals.
Termites have been known to consume stucco, and squirrels will gnaw on your siding in exchange for the opportunity to build a nest in your walls.
Another serious culprit is the woodpecker, known to pound away at stucco and leave little holes behind frequently. Because they return to the exact locations, these birds can inflict thousands of dollars of damage each year.
Be sure to check your stucco for large and small holes and areas where it has been ripped away from the ground or no longer sits level.
Consult with local wildlife or exterminator professionals for solutions such as putting physical deterrents, taste repellents, or removal and making the necessary repairs to guarantee that your stucco remains protected from wildlife damage.
3. Damage Caused by Wear and Tear
Your stucco might endure between 50 and 80 years, depending on the type of base it was applied to and how well it is maintained.
Even if your stucco was well-maintained by the previous owner and spared damage from water or wildlife, you might eventually need to replace the old stucco.
We advise having a professional evaluate your building’s exterior if it’s older than 60 years.
Partially Repairing Stucco
Your walls might be able to be mended rather than completely replaced if you discover the damage at an early enough stage. A specialist can fix up smaller fractures or isolated spots of loose stucco.
Conclusion
Stucco is an exterior coating that can be applied over wood, brick, and concrete. Over time, even a well-built exterior wall supported by a sturdy frame can face problems—such as cracks, blistering, and mold or mildew—if you don’t take precautions. By knowing the problems that cause stucco damage and their signs, you can take better care of your home’s exterior and prevent issues from worsening.
Looking for the best commercial general contractors Tulsa, OK to take care of stucco installation or repairs? Forza Construction Services will assist you, whether you’ve already begun to notice stucco damage or you require a complete replacement. To decide the best solution for you, get in touch with us.