Stucco Inspection

What is Stucco?

Stucco is a cement-based plaster that is applied over walls and other surfaces inside and outside of buildings. It is made from cement, sand, and lime and hardens into a highly durable material and can be used to obtain different textures and finishes. Stucco typically is applied over a galvanized wire mesh called lath, which helps the stucco adhere to the surface and strengthens the entire assembly.

Dangers of Stucco

Stucco looks great on the outside of your home. However, if you live in a harsh climate that receives a lot of rain, humidity, or snow, stucco may do your home much more harm than good. Mold and rot issues can threaten the structural integrity of your home. 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, moisture is likely behind the stucco, however, it is only through a professional inspection that a subsurface problem can be confirmed. Stucco problems are not limited to the exterior of your wall. There may be some hidden damage that you can’t see.

How to test for moisture?

The pin probe testing that we do involves drilling two small holes, using a 3/16†drill bit, about one inch apart through the stucco at each test site. We then insert the probes of a moisture meter into these holes and pound them into the sheathing material that is just behind the stucco. The sides of these probes are insulated to protect them from contacting the stucco or the metal lath fastened to the exterior of the sheathing. The moisture meter passes a small electrical charge between the probes and calculates the percentage of moisture, by weight, of the material being tested based on the level of conductivity. If a material is wet, it’s a better conductor and results in a higher reading.

What do the readings mean?

Any reading of 14.9% or less is considered normal in an exterior wall. A reading of 15-19.9% is elevated and indicates some leakage, rot is possible. A reading of 20% or more indicates excessive moisture, rot is likely to occur over time. Structural damage is possible.

Dealing with the Problem

You can get your home inspected for this type of damage and deal with it before it escalates. Discovering potential moisture problems early can save thousands of dollars in repair costs.