A good homeowner will do a quick walk through inside and outside of their home, making sure that everything is in order. When doing a quick inspection of the outside of your home, if you discover that part of your home’s stucco is bulging do not ignore it. Bulging stucco is not a good sign and needs attention. The stucco will bulge out when there is a problems such as water damage. Stucco Siding Inspection Solutions would like to share why bulging stucco is bad, what can cause it, and how to repair bulging stucco.
What Does Stucco Bulging Look Like?
When you discover your stucco is bulging out, then basically the stucco has failed to adhere to the wall. If the stucco has separated from the wall, the stucco is most likely brittle or has developed cracks as a result of the bulging. Bulging can be due to a number of different problems. Since the stucco is no longer connected to the wall, the home is vulnerable to weather and pest damage to the entire wall. The cause of the bulging will of course need to be dealt with and the stucco repaired. Following are some of the common causes of bulging stucco:
Settling or Contraction of the Wall’s Framing
The wooden framing of a home’s wall will slightly move and settle overtime. Wood not only will settle but if exposed to moisture due to a leak, the wood will expand. This will push out on the exterior material, and in this case the stucco. Both wood and steel frames will also contract inward pulling away from the walls. Often the stucco will bulge simply due to expansion, contracting or the settling of the wall.
Weather Effects on Stucco
The weather can produce rains and strong winds. Both can affect the stucco and lead to bulging. Strong wind causes pressure variance which will cause the adhesive or fasteners to weaken. As the fasteners weaken, the stucco will give way, creating a bulge on the surface. For homes on a mountaintop or hill, they are most vulnerable to strong winds. Next to the wind, water can also lead to major stucco damages including bulging. Often the water damage is caused by rain. However water damage can occur within the wall due to a leak, or the irrigation system. Water will get into the small cracks and sometimes will collect behind the stucco. Over time the water pockets will get bigger and bigger, causing major bulging. Bulging due to water damage often leaves the stucco weak and brittle and crumble when touched.
How Do You Fix a Stucco Bulge?
When the stucco develop bulging, you will want to have the stucco repaired. Depending on the cause of the bulging you may have some plumbing or structural repairs that need to occur. Addressing the cause of the bulging is equally important as repairing the stucco. Often the stucco is removed and new fasteners or adhesive will need to be applied before the wall is re-stuccoed. If cracks develop due to the bulging, the cracks too will need to be repaired to prevent moisture or pests from damaging the wall that is protected by the stucco.
Stucco Inspection, Repair & Replacement Contractors in South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Marietta, Stonecrest, Smyrna, Dunwoody, Peachtree Corners, Duluth, Lawrenceville, Canton, Cumming & Greater Atlanta, GA
If you have bulging stucco or other exterior damage that needs repair, contact Stucco Siding Inspection Solutions today.
