How to identify a stucco problem

Staining around the corners of windows, dark spots where a roof and wall meet and even visible cracks are indicators of possible damage.

• These stains are signs of where water runs on and/or within the stucco. Where you see these, there is likely moisture behind the stucco, however, it is only through a professional inspection that a subsurface problem can be confirmed.
• Many homes were built without proper attention to good water management details. Some were built before building codes addressed this issue well.

Stucco problems are not limited to the exterior of your wall. There may be some hidden damage that you can’t see.

Mold

• Water trapped within a wall can lead to significant mold growth within the wall, leading to the possibility of health issues for the occupants.
• Once mold begins to grow, the only way to address it is to get to it (by opening up the wall) and treating it. This is dangerous and should only be done by a trained professional.

Structural rot

Over time, continuous “wetting” of wood-based framing and sheathing material within the wall will lead to structural damage. Many wood materials used today do not hold up as well to moisture as materials used 30 and 40 years ago. This rot could lead to serious structural issues within the building, making the building unsafe for occupants to live in.