Alright, let us talk about Stucco Inspection. You have a Stucco home here in Orem, UT, and you want to make sure it is holding up. That is smart. Our Utah weather, with those freeze-thaw cycles and strong UV rays, really puts Stucco to the test. You do not need to be a Stucco expert to do a good first pass, but you do need to know what you are looking for. You also need to know when to call in someone like Progressive Stucco Co.
Before You Even Start Looking: Get Ready for Stucco Inspection in Orem, UT
Before you go poking around for Stucco Inspection, grab a few things. You will want a notepad and pen. You might also want your phone for pictures. A small rubber mallet or even just your knuckles can be useful. A good pair of binoculars can help for higher spots you cannot reach. Pick a clear, dry day for your Stucco Inspection in Orem. You are looking for issues, and wet Stucco can hide some things. Wet Stucco can also make other things seem worse than they are.
Your DIY Stucco Inspection in Orem: What to Look For
This is where you can save yourself some headaches. You can catch small Stucco problems before they turn into big, expensive ones. Progressive Stucco Co recommends doing a thorough visual Stucco Inspection at least once a year. It is also important to inspect after any major storms or extreme temperature shifts in Orem, UT.
The Visual Scan: Head to Toe for Stucco Inspection
- Cracks in Stucco: This is the important one. Walk around your whole house in Orem, looking closely at every Stucco wall.
- Hairline Cracks in Stucco: These are very common. They are often thinner than a credit card. Hairline Cracks usually happen because of normal settling or temperature changes. Most of the time, they are just cosmetic. You can usually seal these yourself with a good quality, flexible caulk made for Stucco.
- Larger Cracks in Stucco: If you see Cracks wider than about 1/8 inch, those are red flags. Cracks that run diagonally from windows or door corners are also red flags. Cracks that show a stair-step pattern are also important to note. These can mean movement in your home's framing or foundation. Worse, water might have gotten behind the Stucco.
- Stains and Discoloration on Stucco: Dark streaks, especially below windows, near the foundation, or around fixtures like hose bibs, almost always mean water is getting in where it should not. White powdery stuff, which is called efflorescence, also points to moisture issues with your Stucco. Greenish or black spots could be mold or algae. This means consistent surface moisture on the Stucco.
- Bulging or Soft Spots on Stucco: Press firmly on different areas of your Stucco. Healthy Stucco feels hard. If Stucco feels soft, spongy, or bulges out, that is a serious sign of moisture damage underneath. This means the underlying sheathing or framing could be rotting.
- Flashing and Sealants for Stucco: Look at where your Stucco meets other materials. This includes around windows, doors, rooflines, chimneys, and deck attachments. The Flashing, which are metal strips, and caulk should be tight and intact. Gaps here are prime entry points for water behind the Stucco.
- Weep Screeds for Stucco: This is the metal or vinyl strip at the very bottom of your Stucco wall. It is usually about 4-6 inches above the ground. The Weep Screed is designed to let any water that gets behind the Stucco drain out. Make sure it is clear of dirt, landscaping, or anything blocking it.
- Gutters and Downspouts and Stucco: Are they clean and directing water away from your house in Orem? Clogged Gutters or Downspouts that dump water right next to your foundation are a huge problem for Stucco.
The Tap Test: Listen Closely to Your Stucco
Grab that rubber mallet or just use your knuckles. Gently tap the Stucco in various places. You are listening for changes in sound. A solid, uniform sound is good. If you hear a hollow sound, or the Stucco feels soft, that is another indicator of potential moisture damage. It can also indicate delamination, where the Stucco is separating from the wall.
When to Call a Professional for Stucco Inspection in Orem, UT (That is Progressive Stucco Co!)
Progressive Stucco Co is all for homeowners doing what they can. However, there are definitely times you need to bring in someone who does this day in and day out. Do not try to be a hero when:
- Cracks in Stucco are wide: Anything over 1/8 inch needs a professional assessment. Those diagonal or stair-step patterns also need a professional assessment. These often indicate structural movement or significant underlying issues with the Stucco.
- You find soft spots or bulging Stucco: This is an important one. If you have soft spots, there is a good chance water has been sitting behind your Stucco. You could have rot. Patching the surface will not fix the hidden damage.
- There is significant discoloration or mold on Stucco: This is especially true if it is widespread or keeps coming back after cleaning. This often points to ongoing moisture intrusion with the Stucco.
- You suspect EIFS issues: Many Orem, UT homes built before 2005 used EIFS, which stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, without proper drainage. If you have EIFS and see any of these signs, get it checked out immediately by Progressive Stucco Co.
- You notice interior signs: Peeling paint, warped baseboards, or a musty smell inside your home, especially on exterior walls, mean the Stucco damage is likely advanced.
- You are selling your home in Orem: An independent Stucco Inspection is a smart move. You want an unbiased report on your Stucco.
At Progressive Stucco Co, we have the tools and experience to go beyond what you can see. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging to find hidden water damage that is invisible to the naked eye. Catching these Stucco issues early can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road. Progressive Stucco Co provides Stucco Inspection services for homes in Orem, UT.
After the Stucco Inspection: What is Next for Your Orem Home?
Whether you have handled minor Stucco fixes yourself or called Progressive Stucco Co in for the bigger Stucco problems, ongoing Stucco maintenance is key. Keep those gutters clean. Trim back shrubs and trees so they are not touching the Stucco. Aim for at least 18 inches clearance. Keep an eye on your home's exterior regularly. Our dry Orem climate means Stucco dries faster. However, the intense UV exposure and temperature swings mean you still need to be diligent with your Stucco. Progressive Stucco Co helps homeowners in Orem, UT with their Stucco needs.
Your Stucco is your home's first line of defense. Taking a little time to inspect it regularly goes a long way in protecting your investment in Orem, UT.