Discovering water damage within the walls of your home is a troubling concern for any homeowner. Those with stucco homes built from the early 2000s to mid-2010s are facing the reality of improperly installed stucco systems that can lead to substantial and expensive water damage.
When water infiltrates your stucco walls, it can pose health risks and compromise the structural integrity of your home. It's essential to be able to identify whether water has become trapped in your stucco. If water damage is present, seeking the expertise of a stucco remediation specialist promptly is crucial.
Addressing the issue early can mitigate the worsening of water damage, leading to lower remediation costs over time.
To help you recognize if your stucco is experiencing water damage. In this article, we have outlined the seven critical signs to watch for. Water-damaged stucco may exhibit indications such as cracks, stains, moss and mold growth, crumbling, softening, and bubbling.
Not all cracks in stucco signify water damage, as they can result from various factors like home settling. However, identifying cracks should prompt further investigation for accompanying water damage indicators.
While hairline cracks could indicate damage, larger cracks are a concern. These substantial cracks may result from stucco's expansion and contraction due to trapped moisture. Addressing larger cracks, even without additional water damage signs, is crucial to prevent potential water infiltration.
Staining on stucco walls is a telltale sign of moisture impact. Dirty-looking streaks, especially around windows' corners, can suggest incorrectly installed or missing flashing. Dark spots can also emerge, revealing moisture trapped within the wall. Simply covering these spots with paint won't address the underlying issue causing discoloration.
While some wet-looking spots shortly after rainfall might not be alarming, persistent wet spots indicate potential trouble. Pay attention to areas around cracks, as they could be the entry points for water.
Moss growth doesn't always indicate trapped water within your walls but highlights inadequate water direction away from them. Inadequate water diversion can lead to damage over time. Moss typically thrives where water runs down walls or accumulates at the wall's base. Observing moss growth on stucco or other siding materials signifies an issue that requires attention.
Unlike moss growth, mold indicates trapped moisture within your stucco walls. Mold flourishes in damp, dark environments, suggesting moisture-trapped walls. Black spots on stucco could indicate mold presence, with even more potentially hidden within. Mold poses two significant concerns. First, it can endanger health, affecting occupants. Second, it suggests the decay of wooden beams within walls, undermining structural integrity.
Surface crumbling on stucco is visually conspicuous and often implies underlying issues. Though not exclusively caused by water, surface damage underscores the need for wall repairs. As layers erode, walls become more vulnerable, setting off a destructive cycle.
Investigate further if newly exposed layers feel moist or soft to the touch. Surface crumbling reduces the protective layers against water infiltration, a concern for stucco's permeable nature.
Soft spots on stucco usually accompany other water damage signs. Staining, mold, or moss growth often coincide with the presence of soft spots. Checking for soft spots near other indicators can pinpoint water damage sources.
Surface bubbling frequently aligns with soft spots and crumbling. Moisture trapped within stucco layers, heated by external conditions, results in bubbling. It's commonly observed along the bottom of walls where water accumulates.
Should you detect water damage signs on your stucco home, don't hesitate to reach out the help of the experts. They can offer comprehensive inspections to guide your next steps and provide effective solutions.
Safeguard your home against water damage's detrimental effects. Contact Dayton Stucco today for expert assessments and remediation strategies, ensuring the well-being and longevity of your stucco exteriors.
Addressing water damage in its early stages is pivotal in protecting your investment and preventing escalated issues down the line. Trust Gold Star Stucco to safeguard your home from water-related challenges. Get in touch and contact us today to secure your home's well-being.
