Issues with Stucco Homes in New Jersey
Stucco is prized as an exterior siding material for its good looks, durability and as a relatively low-maintenance exterior finish in several areas of the US. For many folks, stucco is a big upgrade from vinyl siding but is a less expensive option than brick or stone exterior siding. Stucco is a porous material which absorbs water, making it a great choice for exterior siding in parts of the United States that experience an abundance of dry weather.
In the New Jersey however, stucco failure is an increasing problem since it is a region that experiences a substantial amount of annual precipitation. This rain will penetrate the stucco’s porous exterior surface and if the stucco was not set up correctly and the installer did not employ the use of moisture barriers, weep screeds or flashing; the moisture will get trapped under the stucco and will soak up into other building materials. This could easily bring about a wide range of possible damages.
In addition to moisture problems; change in building codes, poor craftsmanship (untrained contractors, improper installations), inferior aggregate products and failure to add expansion joints, no weep screens, improper terminations at dissimilar materials, missing diverter flashing are also common root causes of stucco failure in our region. Improperly installed stucco can trigger many cosmetic and structural problems with your home and can also expose you and your family to potential health hazards.
Beneath is a list of examples outlining what forms of damages stucco failure can bring about and the resulting physical health risks?
1. Cosmetic Issues
2. Cracking
3. Breaking
4. Rotting
5. Structural Issues
6. Wood Damage
7. Leaks
8. Moisture & Mold on Structural Columns
9. Health Hazards from Mold Exposure
* Asthmatic Problems
* Nasal & Sinus Congestion
* Nose, Throat, Skin & Eye Irritation
* Central Nervous System Disorders
The ways to Detect Stucco Failure
There are a number of tell-tale signs of stucco failure. Have a look at the exterior and interior of your house, if you spot any of the signals below, your home could be experiencing stucco failure.
Exterior Signs
Cracking or Breaking
1. Brown streaks appear just below the corners of windows or where windows are joined
2. Brown streaks(water staining) show at intersections of walls and roofs
Interior Signs
1. Leaking windows or doors
2. Bottoms of windows are discolored
3. Base trim is warped
4. Wet carpet
5. Musty smell in the house
As a licensed Home Inspector in New Jersey and a certified Stucco/EIFS inspector, I discover stucco failure frequently. Unfortunately it is normally through the sale/purchase of the home that these problems are discovered. Usually home owners are not even cognizant they have an issue until it’s uncovered during this inspection process.
The best advised I can give to anybody selling or buying a stucco home in New Jersey is to have it inspected by a qualified Stucco inspector prior to buying or selling.
Below are pictures of homes in the area that the stucco has to be removed due to moisture related failures:
Ed Mitchell
AmeriSpec Home Inspection Services
www.amerispec.net/mitchell
www.amerispecnj.com
(856) 649-5946
