PCI offers stucco inspections and stucco leak detection for residential and commercial buildings using the latest technology and good, old fashioned common sense. We have been doing this for a very long time and we are good at it.
Exterior Stucco
Stucco is a beautiful and durable exterior finish for any home or commercial building, but it can leak. Stucco leaks can lead to serious water damage in exterior walls. Leaks through stucco can remain undiscovered for years, resulting in extensive wood rot, mold growth and insect infestation. So it’s a good idea to have a professional stucco or EIFS inspector identify problem conditions before the damage gets too severe. Our team are experts at stucco leak detection and diagnosis so contact us today to see how we can help you with your stucco issues.
Exterior Insulation & Finish System
EIFS inspections involve similar techniques as stucco inspection. The problems caused by water penetration and leakage through EIFS are also very similar to those that occur with cement stucco. EIFS is often referred to as ‘fake stucco’, ‘synthetic stucco’ and ‘synthetic plaster’. Putnam Consulting is experienced with both stucco and EIFS inspection and testing.
Why Do Stucco Walls Leak?
We have inspected and evaluated thousands of building leaks over the last 50+ years. We see the same issues over and over. When it comes to leaks at stucco walls the problem is nearly always due to defects in the flashings and moisture barrier behind the stucco layer. Stucco should be viewed as a ‘system’, not just a layer of cementitious material applied on a wall.
Before applying stucco to the wall, the substrate is covered with a moisture barrier. Meanwhile, all door and window openings are flashed and properly integrated with the moisture barrier using sheet metal flashing and peel and stick membrane flashing. When done correctly, the entire wall becomes completely watertight before the stucco is even applied. If the flashings and moisture barrier are not applied correctly the wall will probably leak. It’s that simple.
