Even though stucco siding is an attractive home exterior option, it’s likely your stucco home exterior is hiding some problems beneath the surface.
Moisture penetration, mold growth, rot, and structural damage are common problems stucco siding can develop, resulting in costly repairs from a qualified contractor for your Atlanta home.
Don’t worry—there’s a reliable, long-lasting solution for stucco damage that can rid your home of water damage forever. But first, let’s take a look at why your stucco home might be experiencing moisture damage and what you can do to spot it.
Traditional vs. Synthetic Stucco
There are two primary types of stucco siding: traditional and synthetic.
Traditional stucco (also known as hard coat stucco) is made from cement, sand, lime, and water, making it fire-resistant, sturdy, and low-maintenance. Since this durable, long-lasting material is so heavy, it requires additional labor costs, making it an expensive siding option.
In the 1980s, many homeowners turned to synthetic stucco, also known as Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), for an affordable, versatile stucco siding alternative. In fact, 30% of homes in the Southeast were built with synthetic stucco by the early 1990s.
However, many concerned homeowners are now discovering a frightening problem beneath their synthetic stucco—moisture damage.
The Problem with Synthetic Stucco
Synthetic stucco is installed with a foam insulation board covered by a water-resistant coat that gives the siding its classic stucco appearance. However, when installed incorrectly, the insulation board can trap moisture inside your home, causing a slew of problems, like rot, mold growth, structural damage, and more.
Even traditional stucco siding can crack and break over time, allowing water to seep in and wreak damage on your home.
Unfortunately, once moisture has been trapped beneath your stucco siding, it’s stuck there. And since moisture damage usually isn’t covered by insurance, it leaves you worrying about what to do next. Fortunately, a siding replacement with a reputable contractor will fix the problem and put your mind at ease about your home’s safety.
7 Signs of Stucco Failure
Before you invest in a siding replacement, search for these signs of stucco failure on your Atlanta home.
1. Cracks in Your Stucco
Are there visible stains, cracks, and bulges in your stucco siding? Is your home experiencing any interior water leaks? If so, the leaks may be caused by your stucco siding, and there’s a good chance your exterior walls have experienced significant moisture penetration, too.
2. Dark Spots Near Windows
Is the caulking around your windows cracked or missing? If so, are there visible water spots near the corners of your windows? If so, it’s likely that moisture has already crept beneath your stucco siding.
3. Mold or Mildew Growth
There is nothing mold and mildew love more than a moist, dark environment where they can thrive. If your stucco siding has experienced water damage, it’s likely that mold and mildew are growing beneath your stucco siding and can cause dangerous health concerns for your family.
4. Wall Rot
Rot is often hidden behind your stucco walls but can escalate into dangerous problems, like a loss of structural integrity.
5. Insect Infestation
The presence of termites, ants, and other insects in your home is a sign of
stucco damage—it’s likely the cracks in your stucco walls are their point of entry.
6. Peeling Paint
Is your interior wall paint peeling? If so, it might be due to underlying moisture trapped beneath your stucco walls.
7. Increased Humidity Levels
Although it may be challenging to determine in Georgia’s humid climate, if you notice an increased humidity level in your home, it’s likely due to the water between your interior walls and stucco exterior.
5 Benefits of James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
Say goodbye to stucco damage forever when you install reliable, long-lasting James Hardie fiber cement siding on your Atlanta home.
Made from cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers, Hardie siding offers extra strength and durability without the high-maintenance and expensive repairs you’d expect from stucco siding.
For a look that mimics the gorgeous, inviting look of stucco, choose HardiePanel Vertical Siding for your siding replacement. You can choose from various baked-on colors with ColorPlus Technology for a beautiful, vibrant look that lasts.
Enjoy these additional benefits of Hardie siding.
1. Engineered for Climate
James Hardie products are built to perform in the climate you live in,
determined by the HardieZone System. Your Atlanta home is located in HZ10, which means your siding is designed to protect your home from blistering heat, extreme humidity, and UV exposure to prevent cracking, splitting, rotting, and swelling.
2. Weatherproof
Hardie siding is designed to stand up to the elements. It’s resistant to water damage from rain, sleet, or snow, and it’s completely noncombustible and fire-resistant.
3. Pest-Resistant
Woodpeckers, termites, and insects won’t be able to penetrate your Hardie siding, so it protects your home against pest infestations and moisture damage.
4. Outstanding Warranty
Your Hardie siding comes with an unbeatable 30-year, non-prorated, transferable warranty. You can rest assured your siding is protected for years to come, especially when a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor completes your installation.
5. Long-Lasting
Since Hardie siding can last as long as 50 years, you’ll enjoy the enduring strength of fiber cement siding for decades. Plus, your Harde siding is extremely low-maintenance—you’ll only need to wash it with a medium-bristled brush and a garden hose twice a year to keep it looking bright and beautiful.
Install Beautiful, Long-Lasting Hardie Siding with a Local Atlanta Contractor You Can Trust
We understand how concerning it can be to watch your home deteriorate from the effects of moisture damage.
That’s why our caring, professional team has helped hundreds of Atlanta homeowners replace their stucco siding with reliable, long-lasting James Hardie fiber cement siding. We’re a local contractor, so we are committed to the well-being of your home and your community.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We value your time, so we’ll have your detailed estimate back in 48 hours—guaranteed!
