Waterproofing Stucco Services

Stucco wall systems are relatively popular in Duluth which may lead individuals to believe they are waterproof to specifically handle the changing of seasons, which is a significant aspect to maintaining a home with stucco exteriors. The reality is, most have not yet been treated to be waterproof. Stucco is a visually appealing material for walls/exteriors, creating both a natural and sophisticated feel when used as a siding. Many are thinking twice about using stucco siding due to the extensive damage caused by wall rot to many homes in Southeastern Georgia. In fact, stucco is naturally water-resistant, but the lack of knowledge and craftsmanship of many of the contractors who are currently installing it have created a bad reputation. Since stucco is plaster it is vulnerable to the adjustments of high moisture conditions from humidity, storms, and rain to low moisture conditions from dry winters. Receiving the assurance that exterior walls of buildings will maintain their durability when exposed to different weather-related events such as driving rain and wind is a must for any building owner.

In order to ensure that your stucco walls are protected, it is essential to have them checked to guarantee they were installed correctly the first time, and they are professionally maintained. We are a qualified local stucco contractor in Duluth and since our inception, we have assisted lots of businesses and homes in retaining their external building appearance and giving them better protection against the elements.

If your stucco shows any peeling, cracking, or retaining of moisture, there is reason to be concerned. Although these signs are worrying, you can be comforted by the fact that a call to us can help diagnose any problems. We come across this problem all of the time with people. It is tough to have to give us a call after identifying a minor problem that seems as though it should be harmless. We know that 99.9% of stucco house owners are just not going to contact us for something that appears small.

In our opinion waterproofing is extremely important. Especially here in Duluth where our homes need to be able to sustain the four seasons, which can be very taxing on any home exterior if not properly taken care of. The waterproofing process is actually not that complex and a lot of times we are able to fix some minor issues that we find with the wall. After any issues are taken care of, we let them dry out, and then we apply the waterproofing paint. This is a process that can be done every few years. With Duluth Stucco, you are guaranteed that once we are able to identify any issues, the protection of your commercial building against drastic weather conditions will be greatly enhanced.

If you are looking for stucco repair, come to us for the best quality of services specifically designed for your needs.

Waterproofing Stucco – What It Takes
Many people have become owners of stucco homes, but struggle with not having the proper care which results in wall rot. This issue has renewed the debate on the value of waterproofing stucco. ​If your stucco is in need of repair, then we highly encourage you to contact us immediately so we can prevent any potential hazards such as water damages and other outdoor elements entering your space. Duluth Stucco is used to getting calls regarding the replacement of old, cracked, and weathered stucco. We are used to the environment of Duluth and its surrounding areas. No job is too much for our team of professional contractors.

If you want to waterproof your stucco building exterior, there are three components that should be considered:

• Installing your stucco with a multilayer application (Multilayer Stucco Installation)
• Incorporating a drainage matrix or rain screen gap (Drainage Matrix)
• Utilization of flashing around openings in the facade (Flashing)

Knowing the right method of stucco installation combined with our experienced contractors will prevent any potential wall rot problems that have plagued others in the Duluth area.

Multilayer Stucco Installation

Numerous exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) experts use the multilayer approach when installing EIFS walls. When applying stucco to sheathings such as oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood, our stucco wall comprises:

• A weather-resistant barrier layer such as Grade D paper or asphalt paper
• An air gap consisting of 3D plastic drainage matrix
  • A secondary layer of weather-resistant barrier
  • A fiberglass or metal mat
  • Multiple EIFS layers

We use the weather-resistant barrier specifically to stop moisture intrusion. In addition to this, we create a mechanism that allows moisture to escape if it gets behind the stucco wall. This provides exterior stucco walls with insulation, water-resistance, and a finished surface.

Drainage Matrix

If and when moisture is able to collect inside the walls of your home, there must be trustworthy aeration to avert it. The drainage matrix creates part of the layers that provide a route through which trapped water from between the walls may drain out. The air gap it provides allows for moisture to evaporate instead of developing into wall rot. Another functionality of the air gap is to discourage the spread of moisture from one layer onto another. Stucco installations that lack an air gap are the culprit in so many of Georgia homeowners having to experience wall rot. As a consumer, it is important to seek out a company that employs a drainage matrix in their stucco installations. With this in mind, Duluth Stucco ensures that this step is not overlooked. In addition, the drainage matrix we install has a weep screed at the bottom to ensure trapped moisture drains off properly. The weep screed assists as water soaks into stucco by acting as a moisture barrier and drainage plane.

Flashing

Flashing is a waterproof material—aluminum, steel, PVC—that is utilized to keep water out of any openings in the plaster, for example, where windows and entryways are set or at the crossing points among plaster and rooftop. Anyway well your dividers are built, if flashing isn't used, and used appropriately, you will in the end have an issue with moisture intrusion.

Metal flashing is utilized to make an invulnerable hindrance around the openings where entryways and windows are introduced. A few layers of WRB paper ought to be utilized underneath the base window ribs and along the edges related to flashing so as to get the best outcome. Contingent upon the plan of your rooftop, there might be territories where the rooftop doesn't extend out past the plaster divider or where the plaster meets the rooftop. Kick-out flashing, a kind of metal flashing explicitly intended for these territories, will keep water from entering and eventually prompting divider decay. Deliberately positioned downpour canals may build the viability of these measures.

In stucco walls, openings and intersections between the stucco and the roof are the most susceptible and common points where water intrudes. With metal flashing installed correctly, they can form a watertight seal around windows and doors. To add to the flashing, we place multiple layers of weather-resistant barriers beneath the bottom window flanges, which also aid in keeping water and moisture outside of your home.

Even with the above measures being put in place, your stucco wall installation can still suffer damage. To ensure this doesn’t happen, you need to put in place a proper maintenance and care program. Our technicians can help you by sealing openings and cracks on the walls, and addressing any signs of moisture intrusion. Get in touch with our quality stucco contractors and repair technicians today.