Home > Blog > Stucco Damage
While some may prefer the aesthetic of a stucco home, stucco can be a significant issue for homeowners. Stucco siding is prone to a variety of common problems that can cost you thousands of dollars of damage to your home. Among those problems are water damage, staining, and mold.
Water damage is the most expensive stucco siding problem. Often times, this is caused by incorrectly installed flashing. Flashing is a piece of metal that is supposed to prevent water from getting into the joints in the structure of your home. Flashing is installed on the roof and around windows. Water damage for stucco siding is highly problematic, and, if left untreated, holds potential for mold.
Water damage can also result in cracks around windows and doors.
Crumbling stucco and soft spots or indentations can be indications of very serious water damage.
Staining is also a typical problem for stucco siding. When it rains, the water brings contaminants from the roof and windows onto the walls, which can then leave stains on the stucco. Not only is this visually unappealing, but, in some cases, it can actually cause the stucco to break down and deteriorate. This deterioration can also come from wicking when moisture gets absorbed into the stucco’s plaster.
As with other stucco problems (and almost anything involving mold), water is the big problem here. Water may be getting behind the stucco through windows or other areas (possibly through improperly installed flashing). Some homeowners will deal with the mold at the surface and think that knocks the problem out. However, there is typically a reason that mold is growing, and simply addressing the surface won’t eliminate the problem. In fact, leaving the cause unchecked could only make things worse long-term.
As mentioned above, smaller cracks around the windows and doors are usually the results of water damage. You might also see spider web-like cracks; those are more often the result of installation errors. Cracking is not something to be ignored, because water can enter through the cracks, leading to some of the problems outlined above. Tears in stucco are typically quite serious.
Stucco damage can be very serious and should not be ignored. It can lead to damage to walls and therefore weaken the structural integrity of a home or building. If you’re dealing with any of the problems above that are specified as more serious, you are likely dealing with a very expensive repair or replacement on your hands. In situations like this, we always recommend James Hardie siding as a more appropriate replacement option for its numerous benefits, especially its durability combined with a low need for maintenance. Read more about James Hardie siding and its benefits here. The problems that stucco siding causes simply aren’t worth the time and money required of long-term stucco maintenance, especially with a superior alternative like James Hardie siding.
If you’re in the Columbus, Ohio area and need siding replacement or installation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to ask any questions you may have or to schedule service.
The Architectural Products Company
The Architectural Products Company
