Moisture Damage

·         Moisture damage comes from a break down in a complete system, and can cause major structural issues.

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Stucco Components

·         Gutters: Not having the proper size gutters for the amount of moisture coming from the roof, as well as gutters to close or penetrating the stucco can lead to moisture damage.

·         Roofing: If the rubber membrane, shingles, tiles, or flashing is installed incorrectly, this can lead to moisture getting into your walls and moisture damage.

·         Windows: If the windows do not have correct flanges, metal flashing, and rubberized moisture barriers installed on them, or if they are poor quality windows, it can lead to moisture getting in the home.

·         Penetrations: Penetrations into the stucco (light fixtures, spigots, and wiring) need to have proper caulking and flashing.

·         Substrate: The material the stucco is installed over. If the substrate is installed incorrectly it can lead to major cracking and ruin the integrity of the system, as wells as allow moisture into the dwelling.

Stucco Components

·         2-ply  stucco paper or house wrap is layered so that when moisture comes through the stucco it is able to move down this weather resistant barrier and dissipate through the weep  holes of the casing bead.

·         Casing bead is the metal around the edges of the stucco, which has weep holes along the bottom to let moisture out.

·         Ice and Water Shield is a rubberized membrane that is installed around the windows and doors (it can also be installed in areas where moisture damage may occur), and it is another layer of protection from moisture intrusion.

·         Closed Cell Backer-rod is installed around the windows and doors with 100% silicone caulking applied over it to help prevent moisture from getting into the dwelling.

Things to Look For



·         Discoloration/Staining

·         Mold

·         Efflorescence

·         Rust Spots

·         Major Cracking

·         Loose stucco (foam systems hanging off the wall)

·         Joins of foam system visible



Moisture damage is a serious issue; it can lead to the rotting of your walls and major structural damage. The substrate and framing may need to be replaced and this could lead to the re-building of your home. Unhealthy molds can also grow in your walls and become a health risk to those living in the home. When moisture is held in the walls it can get in the electrical units in the walls destroying them and leading to costly replacements. The moisture can also ruin the interior of the home (drywall, flooring, cabinets).