Protect Your Home From Repeated Moisture Damage When You Remediate Stucco the Right Way

Most homes in Florida are struggling to keep up the maintenance of their exterior walls because of moisture. If moisture is ignored for a long time, it can damage the walls and other parts of the house. Eventually, costs hundreds of dollars on repair and renovation that re-occurs, again and again. At worst, living in a house rotting from the inside out is risky and dangerous for you and your family. With the right stucco remediation application, you can prevent and avoid harm, at the same time save more money from costly maintenance expenses.

Simple as it seems, stucco remediation is not just about installing stucco on the affected area but, it also requires the right procedures and tools to avoid the hassles and costly expenses to remediate the same problem all over again.

Stucco remediation is a complex yet effective comprehensive repair of the whole wall system. Usually, moisture penetration is the main cause of the damages to the space between layers of the stucco and the walls. Possible causes due to inefficient stucco job or the stucco works are old and expired in function.

Remediating stucco is a must when the damage is critical and is caused by deeper issues. Though a little bit costly than a simple repair, understandably do not make the decision if necessary. However, if procrastinated in addressing the problem, it will be got worst and more costly. If the stucco is showing signs of mold, moisture penetration, or already aging, probably it’s timely to remediate.

Step 1 – Search Damaged Areas

Check all areas of the house for damaged stucco materials, both exterior and interior. Probably, you might find some premature signs of stucco damages that need pre-emptive treatments.

Step 2 – Remove Damaged Materials

This involves removing the stucco, materials damaged such as lumber and plywood, and materials affected by molds or moisture like OSB and insulation board.

Step 3 – Locate the Source

Identifying the source of the problem is important to ensure proper treatment and will not re-occur again. Determining how it occurred or how it originated like moisture or water getting in, can be avoided and prevented from happening again.

Step 4 – Apply the Stucco

After removing all damaged materials such as lumber, plywood, and other materials, install fresh stucco to the affected area. Place the right amount of stucco using the six-layer method :

• Asphalt paper
• Rain barrier
• Mesh
• Three separate layers of stucco

Step 5 – Replace New Materials

Properly replace the damaged materials with new ones like OSB boards and insulations, at the affected areas which cause the problem like on doors, windows, and points where water is running off to ensure no recurrence.

1. To prevent further moisture penetration, use several layers of Tyvek or tar paper. Properly install them under bottom windows and side flanges and paper sealed with tape or caulk.

2. Correctly install metal flashings like step and kick-out flashings to create a water-tight seal on windows and doors. Kick-out flashings are for wall intersections, either for roof lines that do not extend past the stucco wall, or the lower roofline running into the stucco wall.

3. Use weep creeds at the bottom of the stucco to drain out the water.

4. Install gutters if needed, to ensure no rainwater may cause problems to the stucco. Keep gutters properly maintained by keeping them clean from falling leaves and other roof obstructions.

5. Never pressure-wash your stucco walls after the remediation process.

6. If necessary, remove landscaping to avoid in contact with stucco walls. They tend to create moisture as it is trapped on the walls.

 7. Make use of alternative tools to repel off water and moisture such as:

• water barriers
• drip caps
• flex flashing

• water-deterring spray

Since 1997, Smith Plastering has been a Stucco contractor’s first choice when it comes to providing high-quality stucco finishes as well as stucco remediation services in Naples, Florida, and its surrounding areas.

Smith Plastering Inc. is a locally managed, family-owned, and operated stucco, drywall, painting, and metal framing company specializing in interior and exterior finishes for residential and commercial businesses.

We have over 20 years of stucco experience, are equipped with the latest tech-advanced equipment, and delivers high-quality customer service.

Learn to know more about stucco finishes and stucco services in Naples, Florida, and its surrounding areas by calling us at 239-594-7537 or visit our website today!