Introduction to Stucco Inspections with Michael Spadaccini

Stucco:

• A fine plaster used for coating wall surfaces or molding into architectural decorations.

EIFS:

• Copy-cat companies emerged in residential communications without passing specification tests and national building codes.
• The rapid growth of residential EIFS began in the expanding southern suburban residential market.
• In 1994, almost 35% of new homes used EIFS.
• In 1995, nearly 50% of new homes in Virginia, Texas, and the Carolinas had at least some type of EIFS system.

What happened?

• System failures became evident.
• Moisture and mold issues have become prevalent.
• A load of complaints flooded building inspectors and manufacturers.
• They found poor quality windows, no flashing, no sealants, allowing water behind the EIFS system. 

You need to identify what kind of system the house is using – are they using EIFS or Stucco? The applications are the same, but the materials can drastically change.

Options for evaluations:

• Noninvasive
  • Visual evaluation
  • Wall meters and infrared devices
  • Perfect for masonry substrate
• Invasive
  • Preliminary visual evaluation
  • Plus, physical data:
    • Overall thickness
    • Substrate resistance
    • Moisture content percentage
    • Full report and photos
    • Drilling holes at suspect locations
• Typical locations of visible concern
  • Beneath windows at the corner
  • Minor cracking
  • Roof and wall intersections
  • Areas in contact with bulk water
• Devices:
  • The surface pinless moisture meter device
  • Infrared device

HomeGauge Software:

Tablet or phone allows you to take detailed pictures on HomeGauge.

Visit Michael’s site: www.stuccotesting.net

Email Michael: stuccotesting@gmail.com