Information About Stucco

Stucco in Utah

Stucco is a very attractive finish for houses. One to the problems is that only true way to determine the condition of the wood behind the stucco is probing. There are instances where there is cracking and no deteriorated wood sheathing and structural members, and other times where there is a problem. There are instances where there is no cracking and no deteriorated wood sheathing and structural members, and other time where there is a problem.

There are two fundamental several types of stucco: hard coat and synthetic (EIFS). Hard coat stucco is the predominant type of stucco used in Utah. There is the original three coat system and a newer one “KOTE”. These stuccos range from 3/8” to 3/ 4” thickness. EIFS is a often referred to as synthetic stucco. This stucco installed prior 1997 was a barrier system. After 1997 EIFS requires a drainage barrier. EIFS is exterior fiberglass boards, then a thin base coat with fiberglass mesh applied. There is a final finish coat. There is also a hybrid hard coat/ EIFS system.

Major Causes
The major causes of failure is not the stucco, it is the system and the flashings of the roof to wall termination (kick-out/ diverter) flashings, window flashings, improper deck flashings and over-stapling of the chicken wire on hard coat.

It became very apparent that having knowledge of the problem is not enough, it was also important to have a better understanding of the causes of failure. This was achieved primarily through the thorough inspection of buildings under repair. Many hours in observation, evaluation, and review of repair efforts are needed to understand the standard construction methods and why they failed.

Stucco Inspections
Stucco inspections include a visual inspection, when appropriate surface scanning and InfraRed thermography. The only way to determine the moisture content and structure of the wood is to intrusive probing in high risk areas and other suspected areas. The probing is twin 3/16th inch holes to determine the moisture content and structural strength of the wood sheathing. The holes are filled and sealed with a textured caulk.

Certified Stucco Inspectors
There are only two respected trainers and certifiers of stucco, the Exterior Design Institute (EDI) and the Northwest Council of Wall & Ceilings. Use a certified stucco inspector.