Got Stucco?

Victory Home Inspections is now pleased to offer inspections of hard-coat and EIFS stucco

Stucco moisture penetration can result in damage to exterior and interior walls.  Unfortunately stucco is frequently improperly installed, leading to such problems.  Repairs or replacement can be expensive.  As a result we recommend specialized inspections on homes with stucco exteriors before you buy.

What's involved in a Stucco Moisture Inspection?  We look for moisture on the sheathing under the stucco system where there is evidence of possible intrusion under all of the bottom corners and mullions of the windows and doors if possible. Also the rim joists and other areas of high probable moisture intrusion.   Small holes are drilled about an inch apart for the moisture meter probes under bottom corners of windows, mullions, rim joists and any other area the inspector deems necessary.  Moisture levels on the substrate are measured.

The holes are then sealed with exterior silicone caulking and stucco.

Taking moisture readings through the probes is the most definitive way to determine whether water has gotten behind the walls.  While we typically use a thermal imaging camera as a standard part of our home inspections, this tool will not definitively tell if the stucco is failing.

Ken Wehn is a member of the Exterior Design Institute, which is a non-profit organization founded for the purpose of training and certifying Building Envelope and EIFS Inspectors and Moisture Analysts, to promote quality control within the construction industry.