Water intrusion via stucco is a highly severe issue. Although stucco siding is an enticing option for home siding due to its style, if it needs to be installed correctly, a variety of issues may arise, resulting in water invading the siding.
Reacting quickly to stucco water intrusion is vital since it may lead to mold development and other water damage issues. Understanding how stucco water intrusion develops is the first step in preventing and treating it in your home.
How Can Water Infiltrate Stucco?
Stucco is meant to provide a robust and seamless siding solution that should withstand water without trouble, but how can stucco water penetration occur? Water may infiltrate stucco siding by direct absorption, fractures, or faulty installation.
Direct Infiltration
When properly sealed, stucco is meant to be; nevertheless, this is not usually the case. Watertight. Water may instantly permeate the stucco surface in a variety of scenarios, resulting in a growing stucco water intrusion problem. Wicking may cause water to penetrate relatively deeply after it has crossed the surface.
If stucco is constantly in contact with moisture, water may seep through. It should survive the elements if the surface is not constantly wet. Water, on the other hand, may find its way inside. You may have stucco water infiltration if you have sprinklers that are erroneously keeping the walls wet or if you have any other source of persistent water.
Entering Through Cracks
Of course, a strong, intact stucco layer best serves as a water barrier. For whatever reason, if cracks develop, they might allow water to enter. Once inside, they can cause movement and swelling, creating wider openings that let more water in.
Numerous factors might cause cracks to appear. Your home’s façade may develop a few tiny fractures as it ages. This alone does not constitute a systemic issue. However, it could let water inside, leading to mold growth and other problems.
Improperly Installed Flashing
Stucco may provide a strong barrier but can only partially enclose your house. Your stucco siding may sometimes come into touch with windows, the underside of your roof, and other fixtures and buildings. Flashing and moisture barriers help to keep moisture out at these locations.
However, poor installation might result in water penetration into the stucco at these spots. Remember that even a little quantity of water that can get inside may cause significant harm over time.
What Factors Can Contribute to Water Intrusion?
Numerous unique situations may lead to water penetration. The growth of vegetation on the stucco surface, various outside installations, and other factors might all be at play.
It’s critical to be informed in advance of any potential concerns. They could cause damage over time that goes unnoticed but eventually leads to mold development and deterioration throughout your home. Be careful to review these essential points to protect your stucco siding against water infiltration.
Planters and Plants Too Close to Walls
Plants too close to exterior walls quickly lead to significant issues. The fact is that soil contains a significant quantity of moisture. If dirt touches your stucco siding, it will gradually absorb moisture.
If you have planters, flowerbeds, or garden boxes against the side of your home, they may be seriously damaging the structure. Any plant that spreads its roots too far from your siding might create an excessively moist environment that is detrimental to the long-term maintenance of your siding.
Light Fixtures
Exterior lighting fixtures are one of the most common ways water gets into stucco. The moisture barrier is often incorrectly fitted in the hole created by these for the light fixture box carved out of the stucco. Rainwater may very easily leak within the walls as a result.
Light fixtures are the most prevalent issue, yet they are far from the only one. Any installation outside might result in the same problem. Of course, any external taps might lead to water intrusion. A deck or patio construction connected to the home might allow water to enter if it is not properly segregated.
You can also have this problem if various kinds of siding are used on different parts of your property. Since different siding types have their considerations, it may not be easy to guarantee that every such seam is treated effectively. If you ensure that a professional installs your siding, you can prevent this issue.
Ivy and Other Growth
Do you have ivy growing on your stucco siding? Your home may be harmed even if you find it lovely. A plant called ivy utilizes rootlets to cling to walls. These protrusions may breach the stucco’s outer layer, allowing moisture to enter.
Ivy may ultimately cause significant damage and allow significant moisture to enter. Ivy should be included as most homeowners wouldn’t think a lovely plant could be harmful, but you shouldn’t disregard other possibly harmful plants.
Moss might do just as much, if not more, damage to your stucco siding. Its roots can intrude deeply through the surface, letting moisture soak in and permeate the walls. Even though homeowners are less likely to let moss grow uncontrolled on the side of their property, you must act quickly to avoid damage.
Deal with Stucco Water Intrusion the Right Way
Is there water infiltration through the stucco in your home? If so, contact CMB Edison Stucco & EIFS Repair to find out what options are available. We may provide various siding solutions in addition to removing damaged stucco and adding treatments to help avoid any issues.
