Stucco & EIFS Testing
H & H Inspection Services are experts at performing stucco & EIFS inspections. The industry estimates that 80 to 90 percent of all stucco homes will experience some degree of moisture problems during their life. The first step to reducing or eliminating the costs to repair or replace your stucco is have one of our licensed and insured stucco & EIFS inspectors do a thorough inspection. Call us now for more information or to schedule an appointment. (610) 948-9196
Only a comprehensive professional moisture intrusion inspection can identify the issues behind the stucco. Our inspection process includes a visual inspection, infrared thermal imaging, invasive moisture tests (if necessary) and a comprehensive inspection report. The level of moisture content of the homes substrate, including recent weather conditions, tells us how the issues need to be addressed.
Your H & H inspector will review all areas of concern at the time of the inspection and provide you a report that includes moisture levels, problem areas, and information about windows, caulking, flashing, and other pertinent information pertaining to stucco or EIFS.
Stucco & EIFS Frequently Asked Questions
What is stucco or EIFS?
Stucco siding is a very popular exterior cladding system used throughout the United States mainly due to its ease of application and low installation costs. Stucco is primarily composed of 3 main ingredients: Portland cement, sand and water. Other components such as wire lathe, moisture barriers, flashings, corner beads, and expansion and control joints are installed to make the system weatherproof. Proper installation of these components is essential to providing a weather resistant barrier to protect the building envelope from moisture intrusion.
Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) is a non-load bearing, exterior wall cladding system that consists of an insulation board attached either with adhesive or mechanically, or both, to the substrate; an integrally reinforced base coat; and a textured protective finish coat.
Why should I have my stucco inspected?
Every stucco home should be regularly inspected for indication of moisture intrusion that can cause damage to the structure. Stucco remediation is not cheap! An average 3,000 square foot house can cost between $35,000 to $50,000 to simply remove and replace the stucco finish if there are a significant amount of defects observed. If there are underlying issues with the sheathing that needs to be replaced, the price can significantly increase to $75,000 to $100,000.
Depending on the size of the house and the area of remediation needed, these numbers can increase drastically for bigger homes or homes with more damage. It is essential that stucco homes be evaluated using appropriate inspection techniques given the amount of defective stucco installation issues that have surfaced in this area over the last few years.
What does the inspection include?
A stucco or EIFS inspection is a very involved process that includes:
Visual Inspection is the first step in evaluating a stucco installation is to conduct a visual inspection of the exterior cladding system to determine if there are any installation defects or oversights that can present problems such as conditions conducive of moisture intrusion.
Infrared Thermal Imaging Inspection is used to pinpoint areas of the stucco that show signs of moisture intrusion and require further testing. Learn more about infrared thermal imaging.
Invasive Moisture Meter Readings are conducted in areas where infrared thermal imaging has identified areas of suspected moisture behind the stucco cladding. Moisture meter readings are critical to verifying information gathered during the two previous steps.
Stucco Inspection Report is delivered after all the information has been compiled and includes moisture readings, hi resolution photos and infrared images and recommendations for future remediation if needed.
