~ Delaminated (Bowed) Walls ~ Crack and Damage Repair ~
Window, Door and Facia Sealing* ~ Cleaning/Pressure
Washing Stucco ~ Kick-out/Diverter and Other Flashing ~
Any Other Stucco-Related Problem!
One type of synthetic
stucco One type of synthetic stucco, known as
EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish
Systems),
has been associated with moisture problems. The
underlying wood on EIFS sided homes may suffer rot
damage. However, other types of synthetic stucco are
quite durable. It's always a wise to have a professional
inspection before purchasing a stucco-sided home.
Many homes finished in
Synthetic Stucco (EIFS, Dryvit, etc.) were done
with the stucco terminating BELOW grade. Small cracks in
the bottom of the seal (if there is any seal at all)
invites termites to freely and easily eat through the
polyurethane foam and into the studs, baseplates,
windows and any other wood in the home. Because they are
invisible from the outside, protected from detection by
the stucco finish, they often aren't detected until they
appear in swarms inside the house!
(See illustration 1 -
Illustrations not to scale)
NOTICE: Many
hard-coat (REAL) Stucco homes have a layer of foam
and/or other voids between the stucco and the
foundation. These homes are also vulnerable to termite
infestation.
The Stucco Solution...
The BEST solution is to have an
experienced professional trench, as needed, around the
house where the stucco terminates below grade. Have them
neatly cut the stucco 4-6 inches above ground level and
remove it from the foundation. They should then seal the
bottom of the cut to the foundation with adhesive
basecoat, making it impossible for termites to re-enter.
The exposed foundation can then be refinished and/or
painted below the cut to match the house if the
homeowner requests it.
(See
Illustration 2) Foam Board & Termites - The Problems...
Many homes finished with siding have foam insulation
board applied below the siding for insulation,
moisture-barrier,
to cover imperfections in the poured concrete slab and
to build out an "un-square" foundation. This foam also
terminates below ground level. This invites termites,
undetected from the outside and protected from
predators, to freely eat into the wood of the home.
(See illustration 3)The Foam Solution...
Foam and outer coatings should be removed by an
experienced professional down to the foundation, up to
the siding level and below ground level. This removes
termites' tunnel system and they will no longer be able
to reach the wood to freely feed on it undetected. The
residue should then be removed and, if preferred by the
homeowner, the exposed foundation slab can be re-coated
and/or painted to match the siding or house trim.
(See illustration 4)
Traditional Stucco
Traditional stucco is a cement mixture used for siding,
usually on Mission or other Spanish style homes. The
cement is combined with water and inert materials such
as sand and lime. Usually, wooden walls are covered with
tar paper and chicken wire or galvanized metal
screening. This framework is then covered with the
stucco mixture. Sometimes, the cement mix is applied
directly to specially prepared masonry surfaces.
Stucco-sided Homes
Although stucco-sided homes became popular in twentieth
century America, the concept of using cement mixtures in
architecture goes back to ancient times. Wall frescoes
by ancient Greeks and Romans were painted on
fine-grained hard plaster surfaces made of gypsum,
marble dust and glue.
Stucco Techniques
Stucco techniques were elaborated by the Italians during
the Renaissance and spread through Europe. This marble
dust compound could be molded into decorative shapes,
polished to a sheen or painted. Many homes built after
the 1950s use a variety of synthetic materials which
resemble stucco. Mock stucco siding is often composed of
foam insulation board or cement panels secured to the
walls. Although synthetic stucco may look authentic,
real stucco tends to be heavier. Walls made of genuine
stucco sound solid when tapped and will be less likely
to suffer damage from a hard blow. Also, genuine stucco
holds up well in wet conditions. Although it is porous
and will absorb moisture, it will dry easily, without
damage to the structure.
