McClure Stucco Inspections

Stucco Inspections can protect against water intrusion damage.

Stucco Inspections are essential because water intrusion damage can affect all building structures including those sided with wood, vinyl, brick, CMU block, synthetic and conventional hard coat stucco.

Stucco Inspections to Avoid Moisture Damage

Moisture infiltration can cause damage behind all types of exterior cladding materials, making stucco inspections essential. The damage is most always the result of secondary components such as, flashing details, windows, doors, and decks being improperly installed or incorporated into the structure. It is not a result of the type of exterior clading material we are typically dealing with rather it is the manner in which it was installed in conjunction with other building materials. Below you will find extensive damage behind a number of different types of clading materials, none of which was the result of the type of siding material used.

What I Can Do For You

• Inspect your home with state of the art Moisture-Reading Technology;
• Evaluate the exterior siding;
• After my stucco inspection and evaluation, I provide a protocol for repairs if needed;
• After repairs are made, I can reinspect to evaluate.

Morgan McClure is the leading moisture infiltration expert, carrying an unlimited NC General Contractor’s License #86703. Morgan has been a Dryvit certified applicator since 1996. With having inspected over 10,000 structures for moisture infiltration issues over the last 30 years, he specializes in identifying problems or potential problems that could cause significant adverse issues. The following are a list of areas in which he specializes in addition to supplemental information.  If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call 980-722-7412 or email mcclur2036@aol.com.

Residential & Commercial Moisture Infiltration Inspections on all types of cladding materials such as:

• Hard Coat Stucco Inspections;
• Synthetic Stucco/EIFS (Exterior Insulating and Finishing Systems);
• Stone (Manufactured and Natural);
• Brick;
• Wood/Vinyl Siding.

Inspection Services:

• Prelisting Inspections;
• New Purchase Inspections;
• Moisture Infiltration/Damage Inspections;
• Stucco Identification Inspections;
• Stucco Inspections
• Maintenance Evaluations;
• Warranty Program Inspections issued by R.D. McClure & Associates Inc.

 SYNTHETIC AND HARD COAT (CEMENT) STUCCO

 SYNTHETIC STUCCO/EIFS (Exterior Insulated Finishing System):
The industry standard Synthetic Stucco application is comprised of an EPS foam which is mechanically or adhesively applied to either brick veneer, structure framing, or substrate. The EPS foam is covered with a base coat and fiberglass material, then finished with an acrylic stucco finish. Sealants are not part of the typical Exterior Insulation and Finishing System (EIFS); although as typical with all cladding systems, are important to maintaining protection against moisture infiltration.

TYPICAL SYNTHETIC STUCCO/EIFS EVALUATION/REPORT:

Morgan McClure will conduct testing for moisture (by percent).  Reporting moisture readings of 20% and greater (acceptable level is 19% or less), density of substrate and framing, and a visual evaluation of the Exterior Insulation and Finishing System (EIFS) for determining conditions relating to secondary components and their proper installation. Typical inspections are for the purpose of locating areas where moisture has or is infiltrating the exterior walls, only those areas where moisture content was in excess of 19% will typically be reported. The visual part of the evaluation includes, but is not limited to, such items as: sub-flooring under potential areas of moisture intrusion, woodwork, such as windows and doors, sealant and protective flashing details. The penetration tests, if used, are performed using electronic testing equipment designed to test through the stucco material itself (or exposed frame structure) and provide information related to moisture content and condition of substrate or framing at the exterior walls and floor lines.
The intent of a typical report and photographs is not to provide you with information relating to
code or industry standard violations, but to detect deficiencies that are causing or could likely cause adverse future conditions.

SYNTHETIC STUCCO/EIFS SOLUTION(S):

In addition to your report/evaluation (which typically includes detailed pictures), you will be provided with possible solutions for repair, if applicable. Conclusions to solutions will be discussed with you and may vary depending on such things as repair costs or future maintenance issues.

HARD COAT STUCCO SYSTEM:
The industry standard Hard Coat Stucco Finishing System normally consists of a combination of
gypsum, wood based, or strand wire substrate with a protective structure barrier system, wire lath, Portland base cement scratch coat, a second coat often referred to as a brown coat, and then finish coatings. Total finished thickness should be 1/2- 7/8 of an inch. Many systems will have applied EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam architectural details. Variations from the building standard system may include a single or two coat Portland based cement layer with imbedded fiberglass mesh and applied finish coatings that may be either true stucco or synthetic.

TYPICAL HARD COAT STUCCO EVALUATION/REPORT:

The typical evaluation of a Hard Coat Stucco structure is conducted in a manner quite different from that of Synthetic Stucco (EIFS). The process of drilling numerous test holes is not done, nor is it recommended. The process used for an evaluation is based upon experience and understanding of moisture sources, its related effects, where, and how those effects can be exposed. The evaluations are always visual in nature and may include some controlled penetration testing as well. The visual evaluation includes, but is not limited to, such items as: floor band connections at exterior entry decks, sub-flooring under potential areas of moisture intrusion, woodwork, such as windows and doors, sealant and protective flashing details. The penetration tests, if used, are performed using electronic testing probe equipment designed to test through the stucco material itself or exposed frame structure. The purpose of the penetration tests is to determine such issues as barrier material (or certain moisture infiltration conditions).

HARD COAT STUCCO SOLUTION(S):
In addition to your report/evaluation (which typically includes detailed pictures), you will be provided with possible solutions for repair, if applicable. Conclusions to solutions will be discussed with you and may vary depending on such things as repair costs or future maintenance issues.