Stucco is a common exterior siding material, especially used in drier climates. It gives your home a textured and Mediterranean look. However, stucco is also prone to cracking, water intrusion, and other problems if you don’t maintain it properly.
That’s why if you’re buying or selling a home with stucco siding, a stucco inspection is a must for you. A stucco inspection done by qualified home inspectors can identify issues that may be costly to repair later on.
Pro-Spect is here to guide you through what is a stucco inspection exactly. We’ll discuss levels and the process of stucco inspection. And also touch upon the benefits of the stucco inspections.
So, to get started, let’s discuss:
What Does a Stucco Inspection Involve?
A stucco inspection is a visual examination of the entire stucco exterior. The inspectors will be looking for signs of damage or underlying issues. They’ll walk around the house, inspecting the walls, corners, windows, doors, and any other areas with stucco.
The stucco inspections include looking for cracks or holes in the stucco surface. They will look for the areas of separation or detachment from the substrate behind it.
The inspectors will also check your home’s stucco for signs of water intrusion, such as staining or discoloration. And identify any damage done by pests, salts, or harsh weather exposure. Any defective flashing, trim, or caulking around openings will also be reported.
Inspectors may use tools like moisture meters, probes, and telescopes to get a closer look at suspicious areas. The inspection usually takes 1-2 hours for a typical single-family home.
Levels of Stucco Inspection
There are a few different levels of thoroughness when it comes to stucco inspections. The inspectors will recommend the right levels of inspection based on the age and visible condition of the stucco.
Siding Identification
The first step is confirming that the exterior is actually stucco. Because it could be any other type of finishing like EIFS. This involves looking at the texture, openings, and any areas where the subsurface is visible. The inspectors will conduct a proper inspection to identify the siding with the right approach.
Non-Invasive Inspection
This is the most common level for stucco inspections. The inspectors will thoroughly examine the entire exterior of your home. Through visual observation and tapping to identify hollow areas. They may use moisture meters and other devices for non-invasive testing.
This way, the inspectors will find most defects and underlying issues without disturbing the stucco itself. No removal of sections or further testing is done unless major issues are found.
Invasive Inspection
An invasive inspection is recommended for older stucco or signs of major underlying problems. This involves removing small sections of stucco to inspect the subsurface. It often includes areas around windows, edges, or elements that sound hollow.
The inspectors may use devices like an endoscope camera to look behind the stucco without fully removing it. If there are any removed spots, you can then patch and seal them afterward.
Invasive testing provides more certainty about potential issues. But it is more time-consuming and only done when needed based on visual inspection findings.
Process of A Stucco Inspection
A typical stucco inspection follows a systematic process to thoroughly evaluate the exterior. From visual inspection to core sampling and more, let us take you through the main steps involved in a stucco inspection.
Visual Inspection
The inspectors conduct a comprehensive visual examination of all stucco surfaces. They will look for different types of cracks, damage, deterioration, staining, and any signs of underlying defects. The inspectors may tap on walls and use tools like moisture meters and telescopes during this process.
Infrared Scan
Infrared cameras can detect temperature differences that may indicate water intrusion behind stucco. The inspectors will scan the entire house and look for abnormal heat patterns.
Invasive Moisture Testing
If signs of moisture are found, the inspectors may do invasive meter testing. It is done by drilling small holes to insert moisture probes behind the stucco. This can confirm if moisture levels are present to an unacceptable extent.
Core Sampling
In some cases, the inspectors may cut out small stucco sections from 2 to 4 inches. To examine the layers, moisture barriers, and subsurface attachments. This provides physical evidence of any issues.
Holes Resealed
All invasive holes and cuts are resealed and patched to match the surrounding stucco. If you go for qualified and certified inspectors, they will ensure the exterior is left fully sealed after testing.
Why Get a Stucco Inspection?
There are a few key reasons to get a stucco inspection when buying or selling a home. From identifying defects beforehand to assessing the structural integrity – you can expect everything to be good from a stucco inspection. Let’s discuss this further in detail:
Identifying Defects
The stucco inspectors help you identify different defects before they become costly repairs. If there are any small cracks in the stucco, they can turn into large holes or openings for water intrusion. You know, identifying issues early is much cheaper than letting them worsen over time.
Assess The Waterproofing
Water getting behind stucco can cause extensive damage to the walls, framing, and interiors. The stucco inspection can reveal existing water infiltration issues.
Understand Repairs Or Replacements Needs
The inspection report provides an objective assessment of the stucco condition. You’ll know if sections need repairs, sealing, or painting or if full replacement is required.
Informed Negotiations
Inspection reports clarify how much maintenance or repairs may be necessary. This allows buyers and sellers to make more informed negotiations.
Bottom Line
Stucco siding needs regular maintenance and inspection to avoid costly deterioration issues. A stucco inspection provides valuable information about the exterior’s condition for both buyers and sellers.
When you check for common defects like cracking or water damage with stucco inspections, you can avoid headaches down the road. You know, because if issues are found earlier, you can complete repairs affordably before small problems become major problems.
Scroll through our blog section to learn more about inspections.