What is the Most Common Complaint Regarding Stucco Chimneys?
When it comes to stucco chimneys, the most major concern is that as soon as moisture penetrates the surface, serious problems such as discoloration, mold development, and, most importantly, rot in the wood and the wall are unavoidable. Stucco allows some moisture to penetrate for the following reasons:
-It is still a porous substance that absorbs water, despite the fact that most water flows off of it.
-Cracks are common on the outside of older homes because of the natural process of settling and expansion.
-The contractor performed an inadequate job of installing it.
In a dry region, a home that is stucco covered and has been erected properly has a good chance of surviving for many decades. But let’s suppose you live in the Pacific Northwest; if you have cracked stucco or it wasn’t done properly, your house is like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off. The most unfortunate aspect is that the harm may not be discovered until it is already too late.
A potential client contacted us to inquire about our installation services for fireplace inserts. In spite of the fact that this is one of our areas of expertise, we always undertake a careful inspection of the fireplace and chimney before making any repairs. The previous firm preceding us took the easy way out by not utilizing a metal lath when they covered the brick chimney with stucco rather than doing a chimney rebuild. This saved them time and money. Because of the incorrect application combined with the cracking, there was moisture penetration for many years. The damage was caused to the wooden frame that around the chimney.
The extent of these large damages could not be determined without first ripping the roof apart. This is the perfect example of why you should be sure to schedule annual inspections and only have trained specialists do any necessary repairs!
How Can One Determine if Stucco Is in Poor Condition?
There is a plethora of clear and unambiguous evidence pointing to the fact that it is deteriorating and enabling water to penetrate. You may find out what you should be looking for and where you should be looking for it by following the list that is provided below:
Signals of danger:
Cracks are the most evident warning indication that the building material is about to break, and cracks are the most common cause of these failures. Even the tiniest fractures in a structure are cause for concern, regardless of their size.
Discolored and Wet: If you look around the interior or exterior of your house and see patches that are discolored and damp, then your house is almost certainly taking in water.
Chips and Chunks Gone: One of the most obvious symptoms of water damage on the outside of your property is the disappearance of chips and chunks of the material.
Where one should look:
-Windows
-Clearance on the Ground
-Chimney
-Doors
The discoloration that develops on a chimney is an unmistakable sign that a significant amount of water is moving through the material. If the cracking on your stucco chimney is as serious as this one, you should contact a professional contractor as soon as you can. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning to help you with Chimney Cleaning Wallace or repairing and maintaining.