In Levittown, Pennsylvania, a lot of residences and business structures have stucco exteriors. Because of its many advantages as a flexible, beautiful, long-lasting, fire-resistant, and affordable material, it is a great choice for external siding. But without proper maintenance and regular stucco repair, it will not survive forever, just like each other part of your property.
There are several possible reasons for damaged material that urgently needs stucco repair, but water damage is by far the most common problem. Even while stucco is quite resistant to moisture, it will not survive if water begins to soak in beneath it, unless a skilled handyman specialist steps in quickly.
6 Signs That You Need a Stucco Repair
Stucco can begin to show signs of damage over time and need repair.
This article covers 6 signs that specify stucco needs repairs, the causes of stucco damage, and tips for stucco maintenance.
Discolouration
If you notice that your stucco has turned discoloured, it can mean that moisture has managed to get in behind it. You can have areas of dark brown or black, or you can notice discolouration by patches that are darker than the original stucco colour. The appearance of these brown or black spots, especially around windows, can be a sign of a more serious moisture or mould issue. You should go for stucco repair if this happens.
Cracks
A few small, hairline cracks in the plaster are rather common and should not raise concerns. Hairline cracks are just minor problems, but property owners should regularly inspect affected areas to be sure they have not gotten worse. On the other hand, severe hairline cracking or enlarged cracks are a clear sign that stucco repair is necessary. Large fractures wider than half of an inch should worry homeowners since they can be a sign of a major structural issue.
Bulges in the Stucco Wall Finish
On stucco, bulges or bubbles often indicate deeper moisture issues. Blistering or bulging can result in the stucco separating from its base due to water seeping behind it. Several problems, including leaks from windows or roofs, poor flashing, or broken gutters and gutter downspouts, can cause this water access. Also, poor stucco application, such as using the wrong amounts of mixture or not setting it enough can increase the chance that moisture can remain and cause bulging.
Efflorescence
The fancy term for salt deposits, a white powdery type, that can appear on your stucco if it holds on moisture is called efflorescence. These salt deposits usually start to appear around gutters and drainpipes or close to the bottom edges of your stucco where it contacts the ground. This occurs because too much water penetrates into the stucco, leaving behind salt coating when it finally dries. It will start to leave visible traces when it happens several times. Make sure your stucco is properly dried and keep any extra water from sources like sprinklers to avoid efflorescence.
Crumbling
There is a serious issue that needs to be fixed if there are areas of stucco that are badly broken and cracked, or even if there are loose parts that are falling off the wall. Many factors, such as pest infestations, ground vibrations, settling, ageing, and, of course, water damage, can cause stucco to crumble and become loose. But if it begins to crumble, the issue will quickly worsen because the damaged siding is allowing moisture to seep in, which will lead to even more serious damage if not consulted with the chimney professionals.
Drying Unevenly
Stucco is a weatherproof material that is long-lasting. After becoming wet, if your stucco doesn’t dry evenly, there may be an issue underneath it. In general, stucco should absorb moisture from rain and similar events and let it evaporate uniformly. You need to think about stucco repair if you observe that certain areas are taking a very long time to dry.
Conclusion
Stucco is a durable and attractive material, but it’s not unbeatable. If you notice signs like discolouration, cracks, bulges, or crumbling, it is time to take action. Addressing these issues early can prevent further damage and keep your home or building in great shape. Regular maintenance and timely repairs will ensure your stucco lasts for years to come.
If you have noticed some of the warning signs that indicate your residential or commercial property needs stucco repair, rely on your expert, Home & Hearth Chimney to get the job done right. Our team of professionals is highly skilled and has decades of combined experience with repair and improvement trades, so we know how to take care of any stucco repair problem you throw our way.
Give us a call today at and we will be at your service!
