Water damage can cause serious problems for stucco homes since stucco is highly prone to mold when exposed to excessive moisture. Furthermore, failure to immediately address mold on stucco can create other issues such as damage to your home’s foundation and health risks to your family.
That said, you should have your stucco home repaired right away in case of mold. However, be careful of myths about stucco and molds. Using the wrong information can cause further damage to your home and result in more expensive repair costs. Always reach out to professionals if you have questions about molds and stucco remediation.
In this post, trusted siding contractor Precision #1 Contractors Inc. lists the most common stucco myths that you should ignore.
Myth 1: Mold Is Always Visible
Oftentimes homeowners only notice a mold problem when they finally see it. This makes it easy to assume that molds are only present when they can actually be seen. However, the fact is that molds can still grow on your stucco without being visible to the naked eye. For instance, mold growth can occur in the smallest places or the tiniest cracks underneath your stucco. In cases like this, the only way to discover the problem is by taking out the stucco completely. But once the mold has continued to grow and gotten worse, you will start noticing dark spots or discoloration on your stucco walls.
Myth 2: Molds Is Normal in Any Home
While mold growth is a common problem in many homes, there is nothing normal or OK about having molds in your residence. Molds should never be part of your home. And if molds are present in your stucco, this could possibly be a sign of an underlying issue. For example, if you have mold problems under the stucco surface, it is likely that the stucco was not properly installed. If the installation was done correctly, the stucco should have been able to form water-resistant barriers that can prevent mold from growing on or beneath the stucco surface. To ensure a stucco repair that will give you peace of mind for a long time, it’s important to remove the stucco along with all the mold and damage underneath. It’s best to rebuild everything and make sure the water barriers are in place.
Myth 3: Only Homes in Wet Climates Have Mold Problems
It is true that homes in wet climates are more susceptible to stucco mold since outside moisture is often a major factor that causes mold growth on or under the stucco. Nevertheless, those in dryer climates may also experience stucco mold issues since mold only ever needs trapped moisture in order to thrive. Again, if your stucco is not properly installed, this can make it easy for moisture to seep behind the surface and create a conducive environment for molds to grow.
Myth 4: Mold Can Only Happen After a Flood
Flooding is a significant event that can certainly increase the risk of mold growth. If your home was recently flooded, make sure to call a stucco expert for a thorough inspection. It’s crucial to detect problems early so that any damage won’t spread or become worse. Nevertheless, keep in mind that flooding is not the only condition in which molds can grow in your home. Moisture and excessive humidity are usually two major factors that can cause mold. So as long as these two are left unaddressed, molds can recur time and time again.
Myth 5: Removing and Cleaning Mold Spots Is Enough
Any expert can tell you the importance of cleaning and removing mold spots. However, they are also likely to emphasize that stucco remediation requires more than the cleaning and removal of mold spots since these will not prevent mold from growing again. That said, you have to address the problem from its root. This means finding the source of water and removing it before reinstalling new stucco with water-resistant barriers. This way, moisture can be kept away from the material, and mold growth can be prevented.
Myth 6: Fixing the Cracks Should Do the Trick
Repairing the cracks is not enough since this fix is mainly aesthetic. It won’t stop your moisture problem or prevent further damage. Remember that stucco is a cementitious material, so it basically has a porous quality. This means moisture can be easily absorbed through the stucco itself. To address this concern, contractors make sure that there is an adequate drainage plane behind the stucco application. This would create a path for the absorbed water to be taken out of the stucco system. Additionally, it would also enable airflow behind the stucco to dry out any remaining moisture.
Myth 7: Some Surfaces Are Immune to Mold
The material from which a surface is made is usually irrelevant to mold growth. There is no factual basis for certain types of surfaces to be immune to molds. That said, the conditions in a specific area are the more significant factors that would help you determine whether molds could possibly grow on a surface or not. Basically, mold can grow on any surface as long as it comes in contact with moisture in a humid or constantly damp environment.
Myth 8: Any Contractor Would Have Noticed Stucco Mold Problems in My Home
Not all contractors are equipped and knowledgeable in assessing stucco, so it is possible for your home inspector or general contractor to miss signs of stucco mold problems. That said, you will need a trained professional specializing in stucco to be able to correctly identify stucco mold problems and perform stucco remediation if necessary.
Myth 9: Stucco Remediation Is Expensive
Many homeowners hold the perception that stucco remediation is too expensive. But the cost can actually be made affordable through various options, which you can discuss with stucco remediation specialists. Keep in mind that stucco remediation is a job that requires precision and expertise as well as the right tools, materials, and resources in order to be successful. That is why you should only work with a professional company that is knowledgeable and experienced in doing stucco work. Hiring cheap services or an all-around handyman will likely result in a temporary fix since they do not have the specific expertise needed for the task.
Myth 10: There Are Existing Laws for Regulating Mold Problems
Currently, there are no national guidelines that specifically cover mold testing, the remediation process, or contractor qualifications. However, fortunately, multiple states are looking to establish regulations about mold problems including identification and repair procedures. That said, as a homeowner, it is your responsibility to carefully select the contractor you are going to hire to carry out stucco remediation. This type of job demands specific skills and knowledge, so make sure to check the qualifications and experience of your prospective contractor.
Precision #1 Contractors Inc. is a family-owned and operated business with several years of experience in the industry. Each member of our team is trained and experienced, so you can rest assured that your project will be in good hands. Also, we only use top-quality products like James Hardie siding in order to ensure superior results for your project. Call us at (215) 364-5115 or fill out our contact form to request a consultation.