Over the next several entry’s I want to show some real world issues that are found with improperly installed Stucco or EIFS. A lot of the damage is a direct result of a missing detail…

It all begins with an idea.

Below are some pictures of damage that can occur when sealants are missing or failing…

Some of the worst sheathing/framing damage can come from Stucco or EIFS being improperly installed on flat surfaces…

The same reasons Stucco or EIFS should terminate 2 inches above concrete slabs holds true when the claddings meet a roof line.  In addition to these reasons, it is important to have the 2 inch clearance so that when it comes time to either repair or replace the roofing materials, there is enough room to complete the work.

Similar to the reasons that Stucco or EIFS should not be installed at or below grade, both cladding systems should not be installed on or below concrete slabs.  When Stucco or EIFS is installed directly on the slabs, moisture can wick up the wall…

Similar to the reasons that Stucco or EIFS should not be installed at or below grade, both cladding systems should not be installed on or below concrete slabs.  When Stucco or EIFS is installed directly on the slabs, moisture can…

Chimney’s come in all shapes and sizes.  Some are constructed in the interior of the building but the most common is for the chimney to be constructed on the outside perimeter of the building. 

Columns & Pillars can provide a unique architectural feature for any Stucco or EIFS building. Whether columns are installed to highlight the front entrance or pillars are installed around the property with the fencing, both add beauty and charm but can be a nightmare if not done properly.

There are some misconceptions out there that it is ok to install Stucco or EIFS on a flat surface such as a deck railing wall or parapet wall.  The truth is that Stucco or EIFS should never be installed on flat surfaces.

When a deck is built it is typically attached to the structure of the home.  This can be done a number of different ways but one of the most common ways is to install a deck ledger board directly to the house.  On a Stucco or EIFS home…

Stucco or EIFS should never be installed at or below grade.  There are two main reasons for this: First, when stucco or EIFS (especially EIFS) is installed below grade…

Sealant manufactures give detailed instructions on how their particular sealants should be installed.  A general rule of thumb for all sealants is that proper sealant installations require a minimum 5-step process for the sealant to perform correctly.

The type of sealant that is used on a Stucco or EIF system is a large determining factor in whether or not moisture intrusion will occur.  The sealant that is used must be have a number of unique characteristics to perform properly.  Some of those include:

A lot of people assume that all caulking is basically the same and performs good no matter how it is installed.  The truth is there are numerous types of caulking in the market made for all kinds of different applications.  Some are designed for outside…