Looking for Philadelphia’s Top Stucco Inspectors?

The team at Stucco Safe are Philadelphia’s top stucco inspectors.  When you need stucco inspection, stucco testing, remediation oversight or even expert witness testimony for stucco systems, we’re your trusted partner.  What can I expect from a Stucco Inspection by Stucco Safe in Philadelphia?  What’s Involved in a Stucco Inspection?

Why do you need a top stucco inspector?

Stucco systems that were installed over the last 40 years tend to suffer from a specific construction defect.  This defect was unknown when the codes were written decades ago.  When this defect exists, moisture is allowed through the waterproof barriers behind the stucco and rot occurs.  Moisture infiltration and rot are some of the most destructive forces that can attack a structure.  Wooden structural components become compromised.   Mold forms.  Eventually the home will start to smell of mold, and the drywall will show signs of mold.  This problem is so common, we find it in about 50% of our inspections.

What happens if my stucco inspection finds an issue?

The good news is that there are no problems that can’t be fixed.  Generally, the sooner a problem is identified, the cheaper the repairs will be.  When wet sheathing and rot are discovered behind a stucco system it should be repaired comprehensively.  We recommend against trying to cut small patches in a stucco system as we see a very high re-failure rate with these kinds of repairs.

Proper stucco remediation needs to solve the underlying leaks.

In a proper remediation, each affected section should be addressed completely so that leaks are corrected.  Remember, the rotted wood is a symptom of leaking.  All pathways for water infiltration need to be addressed.  This involves removing the stucco from the area completely.  Next, all rotted and wet wood components are removed.  If structural beams are affected they should have moldy areas removed, and a sealant used to prevent mold spores from spreading.  In remediated areas, it is important that windows be removed temporarily so that a sill pan flashing can be installed.  This will prevent water from being able the window assembly.

When replacing with stucco

Then a minimum of 2 layers of water resistive barrier should be applied.  Current best practices call for a drainage mat to be applied to help with drainage.  Then proper flashings, wire and new stucco should be applied.  The final step is the application of sealants at all locations where there are penetrations to the system.  When installed correctly, the new application should not leak and will last for decades.

What if my stucco system has no moisture issues? 

If Stucco Safe, Philadelphia’s top stucco inspectors, don’t find moisture intrusion, you’re very lucky!  In half of our inspections we don’t find issues with the system.  In these cases when your stucco is built to the older codes, a thorough sealing should be performed to keep bulk moisture from penetrating the system.  This is what we would consider stucco maintenance and will go a long way to preventing future issues.