How to Easily Inspect the Stucco Siding at Your Denver Home
If you haven't given your exterior a quick inspection in a while, now is the time. Take a few minutes to go through this list to see if the stucco needs maintenance or repairs to keep it working and looking its best.
Scan for Discoloration
Walk around the outside of your house and note any spots that don't match the main color. You can also give it a glance when pulling up after work or when mowing the backyard. Certain discolorations come from different issues:
- A white, chalky, powdery look is caused by internal salts rising to the stucco surface after evaporating rain, snow, or exposure to other water. This is known as efflorescence.
- Spots that are dark, green, or black likely come from mold or mildew building up within and on top of the siding.
- Reddish-orange stains indicate nearby rusting on metal parts, such as flashing or light fixtures.
Any of these could signal larger issues beyond aesthetics.
Confirm There are No Cracks
Just one hairline crack could spell trouble for the entirety of the stucco siding and your Denver home. Many times, a simple fix is all that's needed, but sometimes moisture can slip into cracks and holes and worm its way to the base layers or metal mesh. From there, it's a matter of time until water damage, mold, or rust spreads from the area to the rest of the exterior, unless you act fast with repairs.
Feel for Uneven Spots on the Surface
Run your hand along the side of your stucco to ensure it's a mostly even surface. Stucco is porous, so it won't feel as flat as other siding; however, areas that are bulging out or slightly sink under the pressure of a light touch are red flags. This means the stucco isn't sealed properly, whether from damage or incorrect installation.
Look Closely Above & Below Stucco
Ensure your inspection takes the parts of your home above and below the stucco into account as well. For example, a clogged gutter along the roof could cause water to pool and force it inside the siding. Cracks along the base might indicate structural issues that are working their way up the exterior or additional drainage problems.
See if Door & Window Seals Are Holding Up
Working with stucco is a precise science, and unfortunately, many less reliable contractors know which corners to cut that make it seem like a job well done at first. One of these is improperly waterproofing around doors and windows, along with smaller openings like vents and electrical outlets.
- Are there any cracks or gaps around these places?
- Is the metal flashing coming off or not lying flush against the side?
- Did you recently have new windows or a deck installed by a company that wasn't familiar with stucco siding in Denver?
Keep these in mind while inspecting parts where the stucco meets doors, windows, and other entry points. Anything other than proper sealing and installation can lead to major repairs.
Check Up on Past Repairs
Speaking of repairs, the last thing to check off the inspection list is places that have already had previous work. Hopefully, you partnered with the right company for these repairs, and your inspection will confirm they are still effective. But if any of the above issues are present or the siding seems off, don't hesitate to schedule a professional stucco inspection from a Denver contractor you trust.
Let the Experts Take a Look at Your Stucco Siding in Denver
Orix Contractors understands the work and pride you put into your home. That's why we help owners prevent larger problems before they have a chance to threaten their property and remedy damage that might have been missed earlier.
Contact us for a FREE estimate and stucco inspection at your Denver home.