When looking for a stucco inspector in Northern New Jersey
it’s important to find a company who specializes in stucco inspections. Many companies offer stucco inspections as an add on to their services including home inspectors and contractors. Stucco Safe specializes in stucco inspections and provides the most accurate process available in the market today. How is the stucco safe process different?
Many homes in the North Jersey area require stucco inspectors. This is because stucco systems installed over the last 30 years or so can tend to allow moisture to penetrate them. This can cause wood rot and structural problems. An accurate stucco inspection will include invasive stucco testing.
Get the best stucco inspector in Northern New Jersey
Stucco Safe has an outstanding reputation as a thorough and accurate stucco inspection service. We take pride in our process which has many steps that are not included in a standard stucco inspection. See more about our process here What’s Involved in a Stucco Inspection?
Why do you need a stucco inspector?
Stucco repairs can be the most expensive problem that can happen to a home. When there is rotted wood behind a stucco system this requires extensive repair. Many times these repairs can cost over $100,000. Because of this , having a good stucco inspector is important. If a stucco inspection is performed incorrectly, major problems can be missed.
A Bad stucco inspection can cost you as well
Generally, inexperienced inspectors will tend to rely solely on raw meter readings to pass judgement on a property. Without follow up sampling, this can cause large projects to be done unnecessarily. Stucco Safe will perform core sampling to confirm that rot exists. This is important because certain conditions can cause a moisture meter to read high moisture incorrectly. Taking this extra step can offer huge saving in repair costs.
Stucco Inspectors can be fooled by non OSB substrates
Some other materials that can be behind the stucco system are:
- Celotex
- Polyisocyanurate
- Medium Density Fiberboard
- Homasote
- Extruded Polystyrene
These materials do not provide the structural resistance that is expected from OSB. Not identifying these kinds of materials can lead to a false positive inspection. This is why core sampling is so important. It allows the “stucco inspector” to identify exactly what is behind the stucco system.
What’s Special About New Jersey?
In the world of real estate, particularly in Northern New Jersey, stucco exterior homes are both admired for their beauty and, at times, scrutinized for potential issues. With many real estate transactions involving these aesthetically pleasing abodes, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between traditional stucco and EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. Stucco home inspections, especially EIFS inspections, require a keen eye and the right tools. One common concern with stucco homes, especially in regions exposed to varying weather conditions, is moisture problems. Detecting water penetration early is essential, as prolonged exposure can lead to significant water damage inside the building envelope.
During a home inspection, professionals will employ visual inspection techniques, complemented by the use of moisture probes and infrared cameras. These tools assess the moisture content within exterior claddings and help in identifying any anomalies or breaches in the finish system. If the readings suggest there may be an underlying issue with the stucco, an invasive inspection may be necessary. Building codes in Northern New Jersey are stringent about the proper installation of exterior insulation, making the role of the home inspector even more vital. By ensuring that both the stucco and the exterior insulation and finish systems adhere to these building codes, potential buyers can have peace of mind during real estate transactions.