Stucco Remediation Philadelphia will cost more than a repair but is the best way to prevent problems from returning. It begins with thoroughly inspecting the wall system, often with moisture meter readings around windows and other problematic areas.
Small cracks and no mold may indicate that repair is sufficient, but severe damage compromises the integrity of the wall structure and should be remediated immediately.
The first step in remediation involves inspecting the exterior walls of the home. This includes taking moisture meter readings and determining the severity of damage. The results of this inspection will allow the contractor to identify what caused the damage. If the damage is caused by moisture, the water intrusion must be stopped before the stucco can be repaired. This step may include a thorough cleaning of the wall system and addressing any underlying issues, such as rotting wood or damaged plumbing.
If the cause of the damage is not moisture, then it will likely be necessary to re-plaster the entire exterior wall system. This includes applying a scratch coat, brown coat and finish coat. This is typically a very time-consuming process. In addition, a proper base coat is necessary to ensure that the new stucco will adhere properly to the wall system.
While this procedure may be expensive, it will provide the longest-lasting and most reliable solution to stucco problems. It will also prevent future moisture intrusion, which could lead to mold growth and other serious structural issues.
Depending on the extent of the damage, it may be possible to simply repair cracks and holes in the stucco. This will cost significantly less than a full remediation. Generally, this will only be effective if the damage is minor and caused by natural stresses or vibrations. Otherwise, the cracks will simply reappear.
For larger areas of damage, a slurry mix can be used to fill the cracks or holes. This is a thicker material than a stucco patch and is applied by using a trowel. The trowel should be held at a 45-degree angle and worked into the crevices of the damaged area, making sure to push the stucco mix deeply into all cracks and holes. After the repair is complete, it should be smoothed to blend in with the existing texture.
The best way to avoid the high costs of stucco remediation is to perform regular maintenance on your stucco walls. This should include checking for any signs of moisture intrusion and ensuring that the gutters are working properly to divert rainwater away from the walls. It is also important to make sure that any flashing around windows, doors, or roofs is in good condition and adequately sealed. Adding a waterproofing agent to the stucco is another great way to protect your home from moisture and other potential problems.
Remediation
Stucco is a versatile building material that is used for a variety of residential and commercial applications. It consists of cement-based plaster applied in layers over an exterior wall structure and is favored for its textured appearance and low maintenance requirements. However, like any other building material, stucco can experience issues over time, such as moisture intrusion leading to rotting wood and internal structural damage. While repairing surface damage is a good short-term solution, stucco remediation is the only long-term fix that addresses underlying problems.
Remediation is a comprehensive process that includes the removal of existing stucco and repairing and replacing the damaged materials, as well as other aspects of your home’s exterior including siding, windows, doors, and pipes. The process starts with a thorough inspection by stucco specialists to identify the extent of the damage and any underlying issues, such as water intrusion. These issues can be easily corrected before the application of new stucco, but if left untreated, they will continue to deteriorate the underlying structure, potentially resulting in serious internal damage.
During the remediation process, a skilled team will carefully remove and replace the existing stucco, repairing or replacing it with new materials that are both beautiful and resilient. They will also inspect and repair the plywood and sheathing underneath, making any necessary structural repairs. Mold and mildew are removed from the interior drywall and insulation, and any rotting framing is replaced. Once the exterior is completely repaired and new, waterproofed stucco is reapplied and the walls are sealed to prevent further moisture intrusion.
Remediation is a complex process and should only be performed by a highly-qualified, experienced contractor. When compared to repairs, remediation is more expensive, but it is a much better investment for the long-term health of your home. Stucco remediation should only be performed when the damage is severe and if you are experiencing symptoms such as water intrusion, leaking gutters, or a musty or moldy smell in your home. Repairing the stucco will only patch up the issue temporarily and is likely to lead to more costly problems in the future, such as rotted framing or toxic black mold.
Preparation
The most important step in any stucco repair is proper preparation. This includes addressing any underlying issues and ensuring that the wall is structurally sound. It also means making sure that the new stucco will be durable and long lasting.
If you notice signs of stucco damage, it is essential to act quickly. This can prevent the problems from getting worse and will save you money in the long run. Small cracks and holes may seem insignificant, but they can signal a serious issue. Dark spots on the stucco surface may indicate moisture penetration. This can lead to a breakdown of the stucco, causing salt efflorescence and staining or bulging and collapse. High readings on a moisture meter around doors and windows may also signify water intrusion.
Stucco remediation is a more extensive process than simple repairs and typically involves completely replastering the exterior walls of the home or building. This allows the contractors to fully address the underlying issues that are causing the stucco damage.
In the first stage of the process, the contractors will inspect the walls and identify any areas that need to be repaired or replaced. This will include repairing any damaged wood, wire laths, or plywood sheathing, as well as removing and replacing mold or other water damage. Once the walls are ready, they will be prepared for new stucco by cleaning them thoroughly and squaring off edges. The new stucco will be matched to the existing color and texture to ensure a cohesive appearance. It will then be applied using the correct thickness and technique to ensure that it will be long-lasting.
Once the stucco has been repaired and cured, it is essential to protect it from extreme weather conditions. This can be done by covering it with a tarp or shade and by misting the surface periodically to slow down the drying process. It is also a good idea to use moist curing, which involves occasionally spraying the stucco with water to prevent it from drying too quickly and improving its strength and durability. Once the repairs and replastering are complete, the contractors will seal and waterproof the walls to protect them from rain and prevent future moisture damage.
Final Inspection
Stucco is one of the most beautiful siding materials ever conceived, providing an upscale aesthetic that elevates your home. But if stucco isn’t installed properly, it can leak and cause major damage to your home. This is why it’s important to be aware of the warning signs of a stucco failure and get them checked out by a professional right away.
A full stucco remediation includes a thorough inspection of your house to see if there is evidence of moisture intrusion. The contractor will look at every part of your house, including roof, attic, interior walls, gutters, vents and windows to see if there is any water damage.
If there is, the contractor will inspect the underlying issues and repair them. These repairs include replacing rotted wood, addressing water damage, and making sure that the foundation of the wall is strong. Once these are completed the wall is prepped for new stucco. This includes cleaning the surface, repairing cracks, preparing the surface for the application of stucco and squareing off the edges. The new stucco is then applied and matched to the old. Finally, coatings and waterproofing are applied to seal the new stucco and protect it from future moisture damage.
The final step in the process is a comprehensive review of the stucco remediation work to make sure it was done correctly. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have about the results. Once this is complete, the process is finished and you can enjoy your beautiful new stucco!
Stucco Remediation is a great option for those with stucco that needs to be repaired. It can be more cost effective than replacing the whole stucco system, and can often be done in less time as well. However, it is important to note that a stucco repair does not address the underlying issue that caused the problem in the first place. This can lead to problems down the road.
If you notice any of the warning signs of a stucco problem, be sure to contact us for a free quote! We are happy to help you choose the best solution for your stucco problems.