The exterior siding used in most buildings around Philadelphia is stucco; this is because stucco has a beautiful design look and also lasts longer. Still, there are one or several weak points in the stucco because of lack of proper maintenance, which can lead to cracks, moisture seepage, and other damages.
Checking your stucco inspection for problems is imperative as it can save you from the preventive repairs of such issues and expensive fixes in the long run.
For Philadelphia homes and similar buildings, this blog offers a straightforward guide to the inspection of stucco siding and trim. We’re going to look at which sort of equipment you will need to use, identifying the problem areas and what warning signs you should be aware of.
With proper knowledge and regular checks, maintaining the quality of Philly stucco should not pose any difficulty.
Stucco Basics
Stucco consists of a wet mortar mixture applied over lath, a reinforcing material that gives the stucco something to adhere to. Traditional stucco uses a cement-based mortar, while newer synthetic stucco (EIFS) uses acrylic polymers.
In Philadelphia, most residential stucco consists of 3 coats – scratch, brown, and finish coats. The scratch coat bonds to the lath, while the brown and finish coat creates the textured, continuous surface.
Keys to Proper Installation
When stucco is installed correctly, it should:
- Have sufficient lath underlying to provide rigidity
- Slope properly to shed water and prevent pooling
- Contain control and expansion joints to allow for expansion/contraction of materials
- Maintain proper clearance above grade and away from surfaces to prevent water-wicking
Inspection Process
Stucco is a cement-based material commonly used as an exterior finish for residential and commercial properties. Significantly, regular stucco inspections is crucial. This is because, if not properly installed or maintained, it can develop cracks and gaps over time, allowing water to seep into the underlying structure.
Homeowners should inspect stucco at least annually, especially important as a home age. Here are the key steps:
1. Scan Visually
As a first step, make a visual survey from a distance, looking for clear signs of cracking or discoloration and any cuts. Damage usually starts at places with the least resistance, such as in joints, corners, or around piercing holes.
2. Check Surface Condition
Where the need arises, use the ladder to reach up close to what is mounted upon the stucco. Seek out splits with the size of a little finger since such fractures mark a major problem. In addition, observe any irregularities in the texture or frequency of bulges that may indicate adhesive detachment. Look for exposed joints and check that none of the surfaces have crumbling corners or nail pops that must be patched.
3. Tap for Hollow Spots
Gently strike the surface of the stucco, be careful to listen, and feel hollowed areas with dryer notes that do not sound solid. This could mean a surfacing of delamination or moisture problems, which result in the brown undercoat peeling off.
4. Check Foundations
Examine the stucco termination points at roof lines, chimneys, and foundations. Flashing and proper overlaps help keep water from seeping behind. Cracking here is common and can provide a route for pests and moisture.
5. Assess Drainage
Stand back and look for areas where the slope is towards the stucco rather than away. This can lead to standing water and wicking through the surface. Proper drainage carries water off the surface and out from the home’s foundation.
Common Defects
Here are some of the most common stucco defects to look for:
- Cracking – Both superficial and structural cracks are common as stucco ages. Cracks exceeding 1/8 inch may indicate a more serious issue.
- Delamination – When underlying layers separate due to moisture or improper installation. Results in hollow-sounding areas when tapped.
- Efflorescence – White powdery deposits on the surface caused by moisture reacting with salts in cement. Signals potential water infiltration issue.
- Peeling/Detachment – Finish coat loose from base layers due to poor adhesion or moisture. It usually starts at edges and corners.
- Rust Staining – Discoloration and rust lines due to moisture reaching corrodible metals like nails or wire lath.
- Biological Growth – Mold, algae, moss, or vines taking root, indicating excess moisture.
Why Regular Inspection Matters
Small and seemingly insignificant issues with stucco, such as hairline cracking and poor flashing, can, if left unresolved, stretch beyond to become extensive damages whose rectifications require a lot of capital. Finally, other problems such as lack of moisture management, the separation between layers, and the building paper being compromised by sliding can only progress to undesirable situations with time.
Routine inspections provide you an opportunity to develop the inadequacies at an early stage when performing repair works is less complicated. Periodic reheat of stucco and new paint also contribute to the longevity of this surface material.
As much damage to a home can be observed after the occurrence of major storms, it is very important that one also carefully inspect for new damage.
Bottom line
Stucco is prone to damage without vigilant maintenance. Regular inspection allows you to identify issues early when repairs are smaller. Look for cracks, hollow areas, deterioration around penetrations, drainage issues, and discoloration or staining.
Proper repairs by a professional are crucial for any underlying moisture or detachment issues. With periodic inspection, prompt repairs, and good maintenance habits, your stucco exterior will provide lasting curb appeal and protective performance.
