Many homeowners in New Jersey are unaware that stucco homes can cost them tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. Stucco homes were popular in New Jersey during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Stucco homes in New Jersey are popular today because they are durable and they match the aesthetic of older homes.
Unfortunately, stucco homes in New Jersey may not be as durable as they appear. Stucco homes in New Jersey can have serious structural problems. In addition, stucco in New Jersey can have problems with water infiltration. If water gets in through the stucco, the water may remain in the walls of the home for decades. The water can cause mold and may damage the structural integrity of the home.
Stucco is installed on the exterior of the home. A water-resistant barrier called “hard coat” or “barrier coat” is installed on the inside of the home. The barrier coat prevents water from getting inside the home. If water gets in through the exterior stucco, the water must get inside the home through gaps or cracks in the barrier coat.
New Jersey and New York are home to some of the most historic and beautiful homes in the United States. Many of these homes are stucco. This is due to the fact that stucco is a low maintenance finish that is fire resistant and durable. Stucco homes in New Jersey and New York are becoming more and more vulnerable to environmental factors, as well as poor installation practices.
EIFS/Stucco Defects
Stucco homes are becoming increasingly vulnerable to environmental factors such as mold and water damage. While stucco siding is often very strong, it is not impenetrable. Water damage, poor installation, and environmental factors can contribute to structural damage or mold growth. If you own a home in New Jersey that was built prior to 2001, there is a good chance it is stucco. If it is, it is important for you to have it inspected by trained professionals who can identify problems and recommend solutions.
New Jersey and Long Island are susceptible to water damage. Flood waters in New Jersey and New York are commonly very high during the summer months. This can cause water damage, mold growth, and structural damage to homes. Both EIFS and traditional stucco homes are susceptible to these types of damages. If you are a homeowner in New Jersey or Long Island, it is important to ensure that your home is structurally sound by getting a stucco inspection from a licensed contractor.
Stucco Siding Installation
New Jersey and Long Island homeowners are increasingly facing problems with EIFS and traditional stucco siding. Whether it be water damage, mold growth or structural problems, common warning signs include cracking, peeling, blistering, or buckling. If you notice any of these problems, or if your home is exhibiting any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is important that you act quickly to preserve your home.
Stucco Siding Inspection and Testing
If you notice any signs of damage, or if you are simply concerned about the condition of your home, you should have it inspected by a qualified EIFS or stucco expert. There are a variety of methods to test for structural damage and water damage, and to determine if your home needs repairs. It is important that you have your home inspected as soon as possible, to avoid major structural damage, and to minimize the damage caused by water and mold.
EIFS/Stucco Water Damage
Water damage can cause major problems for EIFS and stucco homes. As moisture penetrates the interior of the home, mold growth can develop. This can cause major health concerns for homeowners, and can also cause structural problems. Stucco and EIFS homes are susceptible to mold growth because of the porous nature of the exterior coating. When water damage occurs, the stucco or EIFS coating will absorb the water. The water will then seep into the sheathing and framing of the home. As the wood expands, it can cause cracks and other structural damage.
Stucco/EIFS Mold Inspection
If you suspect that your home has mold, it is important that you have it inspected by a trained mold inspector. Mold can cause major damage to the home, and it can be a major health concern for the homeowner. It is important that you act quickly if you suspect that your home has mold.
New Jersey and New York homes are popular with buyers who want to live in warm climates in the summer, but not have to deal with the excessive heat, bugs, and humidity of Florida. New Jersey and New York’s proximity to the ocean also makes them popular with buyers who want to live near the beach, but don’t want to deal with the hassles of maintenance and upkeep that beachfront property owners face.
A common problem with New Jersey and New York stucco homes is that they are permeable to stucco damage. This is because stucco siding is extremely porous. It is, however, very easy to fix. There are two very popular methods that can be used to repair damaged stucco siding. The first is to coat the stucco with a waterproofing coating. This will make the stucco more resistant to water damage.
The other method is to caulk all the cracks in the stucco. This will stop the water from getting into the stucco. It will also prevent the stucco from transferring the water to the inside of the house. This is very important because water damage can be catastrophic to your home. It could even lead to mold growth.
New Jersey and New York homeowners are quickly discovering that their homes are made of a less than desirable product, referred to as stucco. Stucco is an exterior, or home, siding made of Portland cement, sand, lime, and water. Applied in three coats over a lath base, it provides a solid, durable, and seamless home exterior.
Traditional Stucco Siding Installation
Installing stucco over mesh is the traditional, and most common, method of installing this siding material. It involves applying the aforementioned concrete mixture over a wire or wood lath. Traditional stucco siding usually has an expansive, acrylic-polymer finish, which will expand and contract with the weather. This keeps cracks to a minimum and means the siding can easily last up to 50 years before needing to be replaced.
Synthetic Stucco Siding
There is a new wave in stucco, referred to as an Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). An acrylic-polymer coat of Styrofoam based stucco is sprayed, or applied, onto a base of fiberglass mesh and foam board insulation. EIFS virtually never cracks, and it gives your home extra insulation as well. It is a little more expensive than the traditional stucco finish, and EIFS is more vulnerable to high impacts, such as hail or woodpecker damage, than traditional stucco siding.
Surprisingly, damages cannot usually be seen by just visually examining the building. Condominium buildings covered with stucco or EIFS therefore require careful, skilled inspections to determine if they are damaged. It is imperative that the Association have moisture probes done on its buildings to determine if excessive moisture is damaging the sheathing or framing under the stucco or EIFS.
