There is no reason why you should not use stucco to make your home’s exterior stand out. This mortar mixture is a very durable material for home sidings especially when you are residing in an area that is quite susceptible to harsh winds. The material also happens to be fire resistant so you can expect considerable savings on your home insurance premium when you choose to go with stucco.
However, there will still come a time when it will get damaged. When you encounter any of these issues, it’s time to call for a stucco repair service as soon as possible.
Water Damage
The best way to keep stucco in good condition is to keep it dry. However, there are times when damaged gutters and downspouts cause water flow to permeate into the stucco. The moisture may cause the paint to start to peel off, compromising the overall look of your home’s exterior. This is a particularly serious concern when you are looking to sell your home in the near future, as it may lower your property’s value.
Mold
Anytime there is water retention and excess moisture, mold becomes an immediate concern as well. Stucco sections that show mold damage need to be replaced as soon as possible.
The presence of mold is not just unsightly, it poses serious health risks to you and your entire family as well. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention says that exposure to both damp and moldy environments can lead to eye irritation, wheezing, coughing, throat irritation and nasal congestion. People with compromised immune systems may also experience adverse reactions. These include infection to the lungs and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Cracking
There are two general types of stucco cracking problems that you may encounter. First is localized cracking which may be caused by water damage. General cracking often occurs due to poor workmanship. Unfortunately, these stucco cracking issues don’t reveal themselves until after several years.
While you can certainly try to patch the crack, it may be much better to refinish the entire affected wall altogether so that the overall look of the exterior would be seamless. This also ensures that the problem is properly resolved.
Staining
Should you fail to have your stucco treated, rainfall will definitely result in significant staining. This is because rain carries a number of contaminants that can easily get absorbed into the stucco. As the contaminants accumulate it can cause the stucco to deteriorate.
Improper Installation
There are times when problems with your stucco may come without warning simply because it was not installed properly. Improper caulking or bad flashing during the installation process may cause your stucco to become vulnerable to water intrusion. On the other hand, it’s also possible that some bad ventilation occurred during the stucco installation resulting in peeling paint.
Painting Mistakes
It is quite understandable if you want to change the look of your home a bit by giving it a new paint color. While a stucco can certainly handle a new coat of paint, you need to keep in mind that it should undergo sandblasting first. Otherwise, the new paint will not stick.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts that can form when water is present in or on brick, concrete, stone, stucco or other building surfaces. It has a white or greyish tint and consists of salt deposits left behind when water evaporates.
If you encounter any of these issues and would like your stucco repaired, contact Hercules Construction today. We will answer any questions you have and speak with you about the outstanding financing opportunities we offer to qualified homeowners.