What are the main reasons to perform a Stucco Inspection?
Stucco has been a favorite decorative surface choice for many homeowners, but the stucco that has been installed in the past two or three decades is poorly installed. The problems of an improperly done stucco can go unnoticed for a long time since all of the damage happens inside the walls. Stucco problems, if left undetected, cause leaks, molds, and various other structural cracks.
Luckily, now with a stucco inspector's help, the damage can be found early enough that the stucco does not need get removed in some cases. However, if the damage goes unnoticed for a long time, the structural damage gets worse and the part of the house has to be demolished.
What is a stucco Inspection?
Stucco is a type of plaster mostly used on the exterior or interior walls of a structure. Most homeowners use stucco due to its durability and its low-maintenance cost. It is applied wet, and gradually it turns into a solid dense state that gives walls a rough exterior finish.
Stucco inspection is a series of different levels of tests that a stucco inspector performs to determine the moisture level. The test includes moisture reading on the home surface using special equipment. Moisture reports tell you if there is any water damage caused to your stucco if left unaddressed, it can increase your house stucco repair cost.
To comprehensively assess the damage the stucco inspection is divided into three different levels;
Level 1- Stucco Visual Inspection
The first level of inspection is visual. The stucco inspector in Birmingham AL determines the damage by visually inspecting the stucco. The stucco inspector observes and reports any graphical glitches in the stucco to determine faults. Visually what an inspector looks for is an intrusion gap for moisture to seep into the walls, any sign of mold, cracking, and staining on the surface.
Level 2- Thermal Imaging
This level contains a non-evasive-technique that focuses on the inspection of stucco siding. The inspector assesses the exterior sidings to determine if there are any damaged spots and improper installation causes.
The stucco inspectors also check the following;
- Visibility damaged edges
- Windows and door frames of houses
- Wireframes, plumbing fixtures, and utility systems
This investigation level mainly focuses on the damage done by improper installation methods and any damaged spots distinguishable on stucco sidings. Moisture penetration is also performed using non-invasive techniques. For example, Thermal imaging, which helps in detecting moisture trapped beneath the stucco covering.
Level 3 - Moisture probing
In this level, to determine the moisture level in some area's Stucco moisture testing is performed. Stucco moisture testing is essential to record the moisture reading to penetrate the stucco sidings for moisture probing. Two-quarter inch small holes are drilled in areas likely to be affected by humidity. Then moisture probes are inserted into that area. The holes are then filled up with silicone caulks that match the stucco color to prevent further damage.
Cost of Stucco Inspection
Since the inspection is divided into three different phases, the cost can vary depending on how deep the inspection level reaches. On average, the stucco inspection cost in Birmingham AL, will likely be between 600&- 1000$. The cost varies from inspector to inspector, so make sure to call two or three inspectors and get a low quote.
