Signs of a Stucco Leak

Signs of a Stucco Leak

November 13, 2020

Stucco leaks are a hazard when you have a home covered in stucco siding. Despite its incredibly durable, resilient nature, stucco is still susceptible to water intrusion. Not only does that damage its aesthetic appeal, but it can also present structural problems. Whether you already own a home with stucco siding or you’re browsing new homes for sale, it’s important to recognize the signs of a stucco leak. That way, you can make educated decisions about buying, selling or fixing the problem, depending on your homeowner status.

Is there a stucco leak in your Bluffton, SC home? Here’s how to tell if there’s a stucco leak:

  • Cracks: Cracks in the stucco don’t always mean that there’s a moisture problem, but they are definitely one potential sign of trouble. Cracks can occur for a number of reasons, like impact, earthquake, foundational shifting and improper installation, but they also show up when there’s too much moisture present. Look for large cracks or a network of finer fractures.
  • Missing chips or chunks: Chips and chunks of falling stucco means there’s some sort of issue luring underneath the surface, and it could mean a leak. If you notice these issues, make sure to call a stucco repair company to investigate the damage.
  • Damp stucco: Does your stucco look damp? This is normal after a rain or a particularly humid South Carolina day, but if it persists, there may be a problem. If it’s still wet a week after a rainstorm, you may be dealing with a stucco leak. If there are any damp or discolored areas on your walls, or you see dark streaks, that’s a big sign that there are moisture issues lurking within your stucco siding.
  • Problems with window caulk: Your windows are vulnerable to moisture intrusion, so make sure to check them out regularly. Do you see damage to your windows? Are there gaps between the walls and the windows? If not, look at the caulk. Is it gapping or cracking? This could be the problem—call a contractor for help as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could continue to see water intrusion, which will eventually cause serious damage.
  • Cracks and bubbles: If you see cracks and bubbles forming on the bottom of your exterior walls, you are probably having issues with your drainage system. Call a landscaping expert for help, and a stucco contractor for repairs.
  • Moisture on basement walls: There are plenty of reasons why your basement walls could retain moisture, but if you notice this symptom in conjunction with any of these other signs, consider it a red flag that you need to address right away.
  • Drywall below the window feels soft: Finally, if you notice any of these exterior signs, go inside and check the drywall below the windows and around where you noticed issues. If the drywall feels soft, the water intrusion has made its way inside, which means you need to get help immediately.

To address stucco leaks in your home, and for help with all your stucco repair needs in Bluffton, SC, Spring Construction is here to help. Call us today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.

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