Stucco Inspection

Inspecting the stucco properly is only part of the whole picture on the condition of the home. What is happening behind the stucco? Has it been leaking recently? Is the sheathing deteriorated? These are the most important questions that a stucco inspection uncovers.

The stucco is drilled, and then a 2 pin probe is inserted into the sheathing. The pins are connected to a special moisture meter designed for this purpose and give a reading of mow much moisture is in the substrate itself. Under 15% is considered dry. 15% to 19% is an elevated reading and 20% or greater is considered wet.

Pictured are the drilling of the holes, and probing of the wall. The wall is then tested with a single probe for structural resistance. This helps determine if the substrate itself has failed or is in the process of failure and is soft.

Sometimes soft or failed substrate is detected when the moisture levels are not elevated. If given enough time, OSB will dry out, although after multiple saturations there can be significant areas of failure.

We evaluate the following:

Existence and condition of caulk joints
Existence and condition of proper flashings
Proper terminations of cladding system
Invasive moisture testing of the substrate
Resistance Testing of the Substrate

Interior:

Visual inspection of perimeter walls for signs of water damage