How Much To Repair Stucco Moisture Damage?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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On average, stucco repairs cost $8 to $50 per square foot or more, depending on the extent of the damage. If severe problems such as water damage are discovered during an inspection, repairs can range from

$60 to $120 per square foot

.

Does stucco deteriorate from moisture damage?


Water damage for stucco siding is highly problematic

, and, if left untreated, holds potential for mold. Water damage can also result in cracks around windows and doors. Crumbling stucco and soft spots or indentations can be indications of very serious water damage.

How do you repair stucco deterioration?

When should stucco be repaired?

So, if you’ve seen cracks in your stucco, when should you repair them? The answer simply is,

as soon as possible

. Even if you’ve seen a small crack appear, you should attend to it right away. It may only be small now, but before long it could spread and cause more issues down the line.

How do you know if there is moisture in stucco?

What does water damaged stucco look like?


Cracks and bubbles along the bottom edge of the wall

— Resulting from a poor drainage system, water leaking through stucco walls shows up along the bottom edge. If you see dense cracks or odd bubbles, you’re looking at the signs of stucco damage.

How long do stucco homes last?

Durability – the biggest advantage of Stucco is that it is resistant to fire, rot, mold, impact, and termite infestation. The finish on stucco homes has the capability to last

up to 100 years

depending on local climate conditions.

What is the main problem with stucco?

When a home’s stucco doesn’t have the necessary space or is below the grade, it can trap water and moisture leading to the formation of mold, rotting, cracking, and crumbling. Additionally, the stucco will begin to soak up even more moisture from the ground.

Should I avoid stucco homes?

Stucco that is professionally installed and well maintained can increase the resale value of your home. However, because it can retain moisture, it isn’t a popular choice in humid climates, so

if your home is in a wet climate, it can be detrimental to your home value

.

Are cracks in stucco serious?

The Problems behind Stucco Cracking


Hairline cracks aren’t as serious as deep cracks

. However, they can provide a pathway for moisture and water to enter into a wall system. Once moisture or water gets inside a wall, it will inevitably cause further damage.

Why is the stucco on my house crumbling?

Crumbling stucco could be due to

age, stress, pest infestations, settling, water damage, vibrations, impact accidents, and even improper stucco installation

. As more stucco crumbles away, the problem worsens because the stucco integrity is breached and additional water can seep inside.

Why is my stucco cracking?

Stucco Hairline Cracks

They are referred to as hairline cracks due to their thin, wispy, hairlike appearance. Stucco hairline cracks can be caused by a variety of factors:

improper mud mixture, new home settlement (from drying timber/framing), seismic movement, and foundation settlement

.

Why you should not paint stucco?

Stucco needs to breath – One of the main reasons you shouldn’t coat your stucco with paint is because

stucco is porous

. This allows moisture that hits the surface to easily evaporate away. A coat of paint can harm that breathability.

How do you know if stucco is bad?

  1. Heavy staining.
  2. Thin cracks.
  3. Long cracks.
  4. Bulges in the stucco wall finish.
  5. Missing stucco.

Can hairline cracks in stucco cause leaks?

Note that in a Traditional hard coat stucco, most hairline cracks only penetrate the finish coat, and not through the scratch coat or brown coat, thus

they do not usually leak

.

What does mold look like on stucco?

Mold on exterior stucco looks pretty much like mold on anything else. It can present as

green, dark brown or black patches and streaks, or fuzzy-looking stains

. Check around your gutters, around windows and doors, and along the base of your walls.

How often should stucco be sealed?

If new, stucco can be sealed with a clear concrete/ masonry sealer, which will penetrate into the stucco and stop moisture entrance. These are typically silicone type sealers. While effective, these finishes will usually need to be redone

every 4-5 years

.

Can water penetrate through stucco?

Despite what many people think about stucco walls, stucco walls are not water-resistant. As a matter of fact

water actually absorbs into the stucco

. In most cases, the problem with water leaking through stucco is that the building envelope has been breached.

How often should you re stucco a house?

Stucco should be repainted

every 5-6 years

. When painting wood surfaces, 4-7 years is appropriate.

Does stucco increase home value?

Does Stucco Siding Increase Home Value? HGTV says

well-maintained stucco is an impressive, high-value improvement that can increase a home’s curb appeal and value

. However, stucco that’s cracked or damaged won’t have the same impact.

How often do you need to redo stucco?

Stucco is a durable and great-looking exterior finish, but it isn’t invincible. Ideally, stucco should be painted

every five to ten years

. It’s important to paint and perform other stucco maintenance on the right schedule to keep your home looking great and to prevent hairline cracks from growing larger.

How much does it cost to stucco a $3000 square foot house?

Home Size Average Cost Typical Range 3,000 square feet $20,910

$15,990-$25,800
5,000 square feet $34,850 $26,650-$43,000

Is stucco exterior bad?


Water entry behind the stucco can cause deterioration (rot) of the underlying wood

, allowing water to wet the insulation, framing members, and drywall in our homes. This type of damage goes undetected until an inspection is performed, and consequently is all having a negative impact on the resale value of these homes.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.