1. Damp Looking Stucco
Now, every time the stucco gets wet shouldn’t be a cause for alarm. After it rains, it will make sense that it’s wet. However, if it’s still wet a week after the rainy weather, that shows you that water has got inside the stucco. There may also be spots on the wall that always look damp. Pay close attention to those, as that’s where water may be getting in.
2. Cracks
A crack in the stucco is a surefire sign of water in your stucco. You don’t need to panic though, as it doesn’t mean that you have permanent damage yet. It is a sign that water has got inside though, so you’ll need to take action now before it gets worse.
3. Missing Chunks of Stucco
Take a look at your stucco, and see if any chunks of the siding have come away. That surface damage shows that water has got underneath and is causing problems.
4. Cracks and Bubbles at the Bottom of the Wall
During your inspection, look to see if there are obvious cracks or bubbles along the bottom edges. Like anything else, water has to obey gravity and it will run down. That means most of the damage could well be at the bottom of the wall.
5. Window Caulking Damage
Can you see any gaps in your window caulking, or cracks in it? That’s also a sign that water has made its way into the stucco. If it has been there long enough, you’ll need to have those windows replaced too. That’s why it’s so important to inspect the stucco regularly.
6. Soft Drywall
Now you’re going inside to continue your investigation. Feel the drywall below your windows. Does it feel soft to the touch? That’s another sure sign of water damage. In these cases, that section of drywall will need to be replaced, as well as the stucco on the outside.
7. Basement Moisture
Finally, head into your basement and check the walls. You’ll see that if there’s water in the stucco, it can lead to moisture on the walls. This isn’t the only reason this can happen though, so be sure to rule out any other causes before you begin rectifying the problem.
