What does water damage look like on stucco?

Cracks and bubbles along the bottom edge of the wall — Resulting from a poor drainage system, water leaking through stucco walls shows up along the bottom edge. If you see dense cracks or odd bubbles, you're looking at the signs of stucco damage.

How do you repair water damaged stucco?

If you believe the stucco requires a minor repair, you can remove the damaged section of stucco, much like you would with damaged drywall or rotted wood. Patch the area with a stucco mix that matches your current exterior. Apply three coats of the stucco and allow for drying time between applications.

What happens when stucco gets wet?

Water leakage is a common issue with stucco in areas where seasonal rain is the norm. If water gets behind stucco it will soften the areas it comes in contact with, eventually causing the stucco to break away and fall off in sheets.

What does stucco damage look like?

You may see dark spots, stains, cracks, or even entire missing pieces of stucco. There could also be a telltale smell of wet, rotting wood if you get close enough. Pay careful attention to the lower sections like the window and door sill.

How do I know if my stucco needs repair?

If you find water stains in the stucco – typically brownish or red, it definitely needs repair. The spots result from water intrusion that penetrated the material. You can see lines below the window intersection, leaks at the door base, discoloration of the window base, or simply feel a mold-like smell.

Identifying Water Intrusion Through Stucco

How often does stucco need to be replaced?

Stucco is a very durable finish material with a typical life span of 50-80 years or more. Although it is one of the most durable surfaces available, it also features the lowest annual maintenance cost when compared to other siding materials. Stucco is a natural material consisting of an aggregate, a binder, and water.

How do you test moisture in stucco?

Exterior probe testing: This method includes drilling small holes in the stucco at specific points, then using a moisture probe inside the wall to check for water content. This is thus far the most reliable way to test for moisture and has stood the test of time.

Can water go through stucco?

Despite what many people think about stucco walls, stucco walls are not water-resistant. As a matter of fact water actually absorbs into the stucco. In most cases, the problem with water leaking through stucco is that the building envelope has been breached.

Can water cause stucco to crack?

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.

Can hairline cracks in stucco cause leaks?

#5 Depth of crack

Note that in a Traditional hard coat stucco, most hairline cracks only penetrate the finish coat, and not through the scratch coat or brown coat, thus they do not usually leak.

What causes stucco discoloration?

Most stucco is light in color; it can become stained, and these stains can be very obvious. Such stains may be caused by dirt, soot, grease, mold, mildew or rust. Most of these exterior stucco stains can be removed with a mild detergent and a pressure washer on a low setting.

How long does it take stucco to dry after rain?

After applying Stucco, the minimum moist-curing time is 48 hours. Experts do not recommend the moist-curing phase when the humidity is near 75 %. The specified time is required to have adequate strength and have a firm condition. Raining during this period can make the bond between the substances weak and fragile.

When should I worry about cracks in stucco?

Larger cracks, we're talking 1/16 of an inch, are cause for concern. If you can slide your credit card into the crack in your stucco, it's time to seek some professional help. Larger cracks like these can indicate a structural issue that needs to be addressed prior to repairing the stucco.

What causes stucco to bubble?

A common cause for blistering or bubbling of finish from stucco wall surfaces is water getting behind the finish. As water accumulates at a particular location pressure can build that eventually causes the finish to blister. Sometimes the stucco itself may come apart if the stucco is weak at the surface.

Can you stucco over old stucco?

You can apply new stucco on top of old, so long as the proper measures are taken to ensure the integrity of the new layer.

What causes stucco to delaminate?

Improper Amounts During Mixing: Stucco is formed from a measured blend of Portland cement, lime, sand, and water. If the proportions during the mixing process aren't correct, the stucco won't set properly, and delamination within a single layer occurs.

Why does stucco turn black?

The black stains you see could be an accumulation of the dead, dark-colored cells of the hardy algae Gloeocapsa magma, which feeds on the calcium carbonate in the unpainted stucco mixture. But it's easy to remove the black stains — whether they're mold, mildew or algae — with oxygen bleach.

Are cracks in stucco a problem?

In short, hairline stucco cracks are common and can be easily repatched. Most are not a serious indicator of foundation damage or structural disrepair. However, hairline cracks caused by foundation settlement will likely reappear after the repair and worsen.

How often should stucco be sealed?

If new, stucco can be sealed with a clear concrete/ masonry sealer, which will penetrate into the stucco and stop moisture entrance. These are typically silicone type sealers. While effective, these finishes will usually need to be redone every 4-5 years.

How often should stucco be painted?

Stucco is a popular exterior choice due to its durability. However, a stucco home will still need exterior maintenance. It is often recommended that stucco be painted every 5-10 years depending on its current condition.

What are the problems with stucco houses?

Stucco tears and other discoloration around windows, doors, electrical boxes, pipes, meters, and spotlights. Pervasive scent of wood rot. Water leaking into the house, damaging the ceiling, walls, and flooring. Dry rot around windows.

How do I check my house for moisture?

The easiest way to measure your indoor humidity level is by using a hygrometer. A hygrometer is a device that serves as an indoor thermometer and humidity monitor.

Can you do a stucco inspection in the rain?

Yes, moisture testing can be done right after a recent rainfall. We're probe testing the interior wall sheathing, which should always be dry.

How do you check pH in stucco?

The most commonly used method to determine pH is with a pH pencil (which can be obtained from most paint distributors) and distilled water. Scratch a small area on the test surface and wet it with distilled water. A color chart is provided to match the color of the test area with the corresponding pH color level.