Water penetration through stucco may be a very severe condition. While stucco siding is an enticing option for home siding due to its style, several issues may lead to water infiltration if not installed correctly.
Because stucco water penetration may lead to mold and other water damage issues, it is vital to repair it as soon as possible. Understanding how stucco water intrusion develops is the first step toward preventing and dealing with it if it happens in your home.
Stucco is intended to give a strong and smooth siding option that can handle water without issue, but how can stucco water penetration happen? Water may penetrate stucco siding by direct absorption, cracks, or improper installation.
Stucco is supposed to be waterproof when sealed, although this is only sometimes the case. Many factors might cause water to penetrate the stucco surface rapidly, resulting in a developing stucco water intrusion issue. Water may penetrate rather deeply after passing the surface due to wicking.
Water may infiltrate stucco if it is continually in touch with moisture. As long as the surface is not persistently moist, it should be able to withstand the weather. Water, on the other hand, has the capability of entering. If you have sprinklers that are mistakenly keeping the walls moist or any other source of constant water, you may have stucco water infiltration.
Stucco is only helpful as a water barrier, provided it is sturdy and unbroken. Water may enter via fractures for a variety of reasons. They may induce swelling and movement once inside, resulting in bigger holes that enable more water to enter.
Cracks may form for a variety of causes. When the outside of your house ages, little cracks may form. This is otherwise, in and of itself, a problem. structural problem. However, it may enable water to enter, causing mold and other issues.
Although stucco provides a strong barrier, it cannot protect your whole house. Your stucco siding will come into touch with windows, the underhang of your roof, and other fixtures and structures at different locations. Flashing and moisture barriers keep moisture out of these areas.
Improper installation, on the other hand, may result in stucco water penetration in specific spots. Remember that even if just a little water gets in, it may cause catastrophic damage over time.
A multitude of different factors may induce water intrusion. Various exterior installations, plant growth on the stucco surface, and other elements might all have an impact.
It is essential to be informed of possible hazards and dangers. They may be causing subtle damage to your home over time, eventually causing mold and rot. Water entry may be highly harmful, so evaluate these crucial places to protect your stucco siding.
Planting too near to external walls could cause problems. The basic reality is that soil holds massive amounts of moisture. Moisture will be drawn inside gradually if dirt touches your stucco façade.
Planters, flowerbeds, and garden boxes on the side of your house might be creating major problems. Any plant that grows too near your siding may generate an abnormally wet atmosphere that harms your siding's long-term upkeep.
Outside light fixtures are one of the most prevalent causes of stucco water penetration. Drilling a hole through the stucco for the light fixture box, often deficient in a moisture barrier, is one of them. As a result, rainwater may readily permeate the inside of the walls.
Light fixtures are the most prevalent problem, but they are far from the only one. An identical issue might emerge with any outdoor installation. Any exterior tap might lead to water penetration. Water might enter the house if a deck or patio is not properly segregated.
You could experience a similar problem if your home has numerous siding materials. Because each kind of siding has unique issues, ensuring that any such seam is maintained correctly may be challenging. Having your siding properly installed helps avoid this problem.
Is ivy growing on your stucco siding? You may think it's gorgeous, but it might harm your property. Ivy is a plant that attaches itself to walls through rootlets. These protrusions may pierce the stucco's surface, enabling moisture to enter.
Ivy may cause substantial damage and enable significant moisture ingress over time. It's vital to include ivy since most homeowners don't believe an appealing plant can cause damage, but don't forget about other potentially toxic plants.
Moss may do just as much as, if not more, harm to your stucco siding. Its roots can reach deep into the earth, allowing moisture to enter and disseminate through the walls. While homeowners are less likely to let moss grow unchecked on their property's exterior, you must act immediately to minimize harm.
Do you suspect that your house has stucco water intrusion? If this is the case, call Gold Star Stucco & EIFS Repair / Dayton Stucco to learn more about your alternatives. We can remove and repair damaged stucco, apply treatments to help prevent future problems and offer siding options.