~ Delaminated (Bowed) Walls ~ Crack and Damage Repair ~ Window, Door and Facia Sealing* ~ Cleaning/Pressure Washing Stucco ~ Kick-out/Diverter and Other Flashing ~ Any Other Stucco-Related Problem!

One type of synthetic stucco One type of synthetic stucco, known as EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems), has been associated with moisture problems. The underlying wood on EIFS sided homes may suffer rot damage. However, other types of synthetic stucco are quite durable. It's always a wise to have a professional inspection before purchasing a stucco-sided home.

Many homes finished in Synthetic Stucco (EIFS, Dryvit, etc.) were done with the stucco terminating BELOW grade. Small cracks in the bottom of the seal (if there is any seal at all) invites termites to freely and easily eat through the polyurethane foam and into the studs, baseplates, windows and any other wood in the home. Because they are invisible from the outside, protected from detection by the stucco finish, they often aren't detected until they appear in swarms inside the house!

(See illustration 1 - Illustrations not to scale)

NOTICE: Many hard-coat (REAL) Stucco homes have a layer of foam and/or other voids between the stucco and the foundation. These homes are also vulnerable to termite infestation.

The Stucco Solution...

The BEST solution is to have an experienced professional trench, as needed, around the house where the stucco terminates below grade. Have them neatly cut the stucco 4-6 inches above ground level and remove it from the foundation. They should then seal the bottom of the cut to the foundation with adhesive basecoat, making it impossible for termites to re-enter. The exposed foundation can then be refinished and/or painted below the cut to match the house if the homeowner requests it.

(See Illustration 2) Foam Board & Termites - The Problems...   Many homes finished with siding have foam insulation board applied below the siding for insulation, moisture-barrier, to cover imperfections in the poured concrete slab and to build out an "un-square" foundation. This foam also terminates below ground level. This invites termites, undetected from the outside and protected from predators, to freely eat into the wood of the home.

 (See illustration 3)The Foam Solution...  Foam and outer coatings should be removed by an experienced professional down to the foundation, up to the siding level and below ground level. This removes termites' tunnel system and they will no longer be able to reach the wood to freely feed on it undetected. The residue should then be removed and, if preferred by the homeowner, the exposed foundation slab can be re-coated and/or painted to match the siding or house trim. (See illustration 4)

Traditional Stucco

Traditional stucco is a cement mixture used for siding, usually on Mission or other Spanish style homes. The cement is combined with water and inert materials such as sand and lime. Usually, wooden walls are covered with tar paper and chicken wire or galvanized metal screening. This framework is then covered with the stucco mixture. Sometimes, the cement mix is applied directly to specially prepared masonry surfaces.

Stucco-sided Homes

Although stucco-sided homes became popular in twentieth century America, the concept of using cement mixtures in architecture goes back to ancient times. Wall frescoes by ancient Greeks and Romans were painted on fine-grained hard plaster surfaces made of gypsum, marble dust and glue.

Stucco Techniques

Stucco techniques were elaborated by the Italians during the Renaissance and spread through Europe. This marble dust compound could be molded into decorative shapes, polished to a sheen or painted. Many homes built after the 1950s use a variety of synthetic materials which resemble stucco. Mock stucco siding is often composed of foam insulation board or cement panels secured to the walls. Although synthetic stucco may look authentic, real stucco tends to be heavier. Walls made of genuine stucco sound solid when tapped and will be less likely to suffer damage from a hard blow. Also, genuine stucco holds up well in wet conditions. Although it is porous and will absorb moisture, it will dry easily, without damage to the structure.