| Why Inspect Stucco Homes? |
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| What is Synthetic Stucco? |
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Sythetic Stucco is technically know as EIFS ("Exterior Insulation and Finish System". EIFS is an exterior wall systems consisting of multiple layers to provide improved energy efficiency and offer more design flexibility than other exterior finishes. EIFS provides insulation, weatherproofing and a finished surface in a single integrated product.
EIFS was developed in Europe in the 1950s, and introduced to the U.S. market about 30 years ago.
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Homeowners with synthetic stucco exteriors generally requires a regular amount of maintenance, starting with an annual inspection. They should look for cracked caulking around the windows, or cracks in the exterior that let in water. If there is any opening in the EIFS exterior, moisture will get into the internal structure causing rot, mold and other problems.
The key to the EIFS system is sealants. The correct sealant must be used for the system and this caulking must be monitored to ensure that is has not cracked, broken or failed in any way. This sealant should always be installed by a professional familiar with EIFS and experienced in sealant installation.
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| Burgess Stucco Inspections |
| The primary inspection method for EIFS inspections is the wall scan and probe method. Tiny probes are inserted into the exterior and the probe reads the moisture level at both the surface and the interior of the EIFS. These holes are then filled with a color-matched sealant, which solidifies and properly seals the probe locations. |
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| Warranties are available in various terms and limits and for varying amounts. Whether you wish to purchase a warranty will impact the initial inspection as the protocols for warranty inspections are much more extensive |
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Timing For Stucco Inspections |
| Oftentimes this is the most frustrating issue. Inspecting these homes during the spring and winter months can be “hair-raising” at best. This system is designed to absorb some moisture and then to “breathe” it back through the exterior. When it rains and snows and the house has not had the required 24-48 hours to dry out, you will get unreliable moisture readings, which may indicate problems where, in fact, none exist. On the flip side, the temperature must also have been above freezing for 24-48 hours. If not, the opposite can occur. Any moisture beneath the EIFS remains frozen and will not be registered by the probe as moisture. This can result in false readings indicating the absence of a problem when there may actually be problems present. |
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