31 Mar What You Should Know About Stucco Remediation

Over time, you might notice the quality of your stucco siding beginning to degrade. Even high-quality stucco will eventually need some repair work done—that’s to be expected. But when the stucco has been poorly installed to begin with, the needs are different and more extensive. Stucco and EIFS contractors in Indianapolis, IN will be able to tell you what kind of attention your siding needs.

Stucco remediation is different than stucco repairs, which generally just involve sealing up cracks and tears in the siding. Remediation is focused on replacing and shoring up a defective stucco system that was not properly installed. Unfortunately, there’s no way to patch up a poorly installed stucco siding system—remediation is the only option if you want a permanent fix to the problem.

Remediation will involve the following processes:

• Hiring a stucco remediation professional: You’re going to need to have an expert come out to your property who will understand how to properly restore and replace the siding.
• Removal and replacement: Your professional will go to work tearing down the defective stucco and replacing it properly with high-quality materials.
• Addressing underlying issues: If there are any underlying issues uncovered during the removal process, such as water damage or mold, those issues will need to be resolved before further stucco work can be done.

When remediation is required

The big question, then, is how do you know if your stucco was installed poorly and remediation is necessary, versus just needing some simple repairs to get its condition restored?

Here are a few of the telltale signs that you’re going to need to undergo a larger remediation project:

• You notice mold or moisture: If you have started to notice moisture in your ceilings or walls, or if you’ve smelled or seen mold growing, this could be a result of stucco having cracks that allow moisture to seep through and cause these issues. This is a common sign that the stucco was not properly installed.
• Your stucco’s absorption increases: Stucco is more water resistant than substances like linoleum or wood, but there is still some level of absorption that is normal in the substance. Still, it should only absorb so much water. If that absorption seems to be increasing, or there is very clear decreasing resistance to moisture, then this is probably a sign that remediation will be necessary. You should have a stucco expert come out to analyze the problem and suggest the best method for repair.
• It’s old: It might be that the stucco actually was properly installed, but it’s just grown old. Stucco will not have an unlimited lifespan; all things grow old and weaken over time, and stucco is no exception. You’ll need to regularly inspect it as it ages to make sure it remains structurally sound. At some point, remediation might be necessary to completely tear it off and replace it with new stucco that can last you for decades to come.

For more information about stucco and EIFS in Indianapolis, IN, we encourage you to contact Knauss Property Services, LLC today.