What Is A Stucco Inspection: A Useful Guide

What is a Stucco Inspection?

If you're in the market looking for a home or a homeowner with stucco on your property, you may have heard the term "stucco inspection." But what exactly is a stucco inspection, and why should you care? Let's understand these issues in this blog for a better understanding.  

What Does A Stucco Inspection Mean?

A stucco inspection is a specialized evaluation of the stucco exterior of a building or home. Stucco is a commonly used building material in residential and commercial structures because of its strong durability and weather-resistant qualities. A stucco house needs appropriate upkeep to prevent water-related damage, mold development, and structural issues.

During a stucco inspection, a trained professional examines the stucco for potential problems such as cracking, moisture intrusion, or areas where the stucco may not have been properly applied. The inspector utilizes tools such as moisture meters and thermal cameras to check for hidden conditions beneath the building's surface.

Why Is Stucco Inspection Necessary?

You might be wondering, "Is stucco inspection necessary?" The material keeps its strength, so clearly, it becomes unnecessary to work on its maintenance. The short answer is yes. A stucco inspection is essential for a number of reasons. Some of them are listed below.

Early Detection Of Moisture Problems

Water easily penetrates the stucco material. Water accumulation behind the stucco layer can severely harm the house structure. Excessive moisture buildup inside stucco structures will eventually cause foundation degradation, mold growth, and wood rot. A stucco inspection helps detect moisture problems early before they become major repairs. 

Avoid Costly Repairs

Regular stucco inspection is essential to avoid expensive restoration costs. Minor damages, cracks, and improperly sealed joints in stucco structures allow water entry, leading to structural problems that can be costly to repair. 

Preserve Property Value

Many builders choose stucco as a vital element for their house's exterior design. Professional stucco inspections prove that the property owners cared for their property, which can be helpful when you want to sell it. This increases your property value, shortens the sales time, and enhances the buyer's confidence in your property. Consequently, you can get a better price. 

Peace Of Mind

The inspection process provides sufficient peace of mind. Stucco inspection gives buyers and sellers priceless assurance that the property's condition meets their expectations.

What Happens During A Stucco Inspection?

So, what does a stucco inspection entail? Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

Visual Inspection

The stucco exterior gets a complete visual examination by the inspector for any detectable problems. An inspection examines the stucco surface for vertical and horizontal cracks, hues, and gaps between materials and walls.

Moisture Testing

Before checking for hidden moisture, the inspector might use a moisture meter or perform a probe test. These tests allow the inspector to locate sources of moisture that may exist beneath the stucco layers and be invisible to the eye.

Checking For Proper Installation

During the inspection, the inspector verifies that the stucco is properly installed. It requires checking flashing installation, appropriate stucco thickness, and material usage.

Examining Damage Prone Areas 

Parts of structures that face windows, doorways, and corner regions suffer damage from exposure and installation problems. During an inspection, these vulnerable areas will come into focus.

Report And Recommendations

After the inspection, the homeowner will receive a detailed report that provides suggestions for maintenance and repair. Property buyers must obtain this essential report because it shows possible problems that can influence the property's standing.

When Should You Get A Stucco Inspection?

It's essential to get a stucco inspection at the right time. There are distinct situations that require compulsory stucco inspection for the betterment of you and your property. 

When Buying A Home

Go for a stucco exterior examination before finalizing any property deal. It might uncover hidden problems that may eventually turn into significant post-move-in maintenance expenses.

When Selling A Home

Before putting your home on the market, consider scheduling a stucco inspection. The inspector will report findings about potential issues, providing homeowners with ample time to address them to enhance property value. Inspecting potential issues before deals close creates sufficient reassurance for prospective buyers, which in turn accelerates the sales process.

Regular Maintenance

Regular stucco inspections are a smart way to maintain your home, even if you're not buying or selling. It's recommended to have one every few years to catch any potential issues early.

Common Stucco Problems Identified During An Inspection

A stucco inspection can uncover a variety of issues that could affect the durability and appearance of your home. During inspections, inspectors watch a set of frequently occurring issues.

Cracking

Cracks are one of the most common issues found during a stucco inspection. Different types of stucco cracks exist, but the major ones should be avoided because they enable water infiltration, which can create severe home damage.

Water Damage

When water penetrates behind stucco applications, mold formation, rot, and foundation problems arise. A stucco inspection is key to detecting water damage early on.

Improper Installation

Defective stucco application results in early degradation of the building materials. An inspection will uncover installation faults while verifying that stucco work meets code specifications.

Conclusion: Protect Your Home With A Stucco Inspection

A stucco inspection is essential to home maintenance, whether buying, selling, or just keeping up with regular upkeep. Early identification through inspections minimizes future costs, reduces stress, and saves time.

The good condition of your stucco will enable you to defend your home's value and preserve its attractive qualities for multiple years.

If you need a professional stucco inspection, Bryan & Bryan Inspections is here to help. Our professional team will carry out a thorough evaluation of your home's exterior and furnish a detailed report about the detected issues. Schedule your appointment with us so your house remains secure and free from any emerging issues.