What is Stucco Remediation? (And Why You Should Care)

Southeastern PA has become the stucco failure capital of the United States! Whether you own or are buying a stucco home, it is critical to understand not only the problem, but how to fix it properly.

What is Stucco Remediation?

Stucco remediation is a comprehensive process involving many construction trade groups:

Carefully remove stucco
Repair underlying damage to wood structure
Treat areas of microbial growth
Remove and reset all windows/penetrations with sill pan flashing
Rebuild the entire exterior building envelope of the home based on building science best practices
Install a cladding system of choice (vinyl siding, James Hardie siding, stone, brick, stucco, etc)

A common misconception is that stucco remediation is simply replacing stucco cladding with another cladding. Contractors who present simple replacement as an option are not aware of the true reason for stucco remediation, which is to properly re-construct all exterior details so that future problems do not occur.

Why is There a Problem with Stucco Homes?

While stucco problems occur for multiple reasons, the issues are mostly moisture related. in PA we have high levels of rain, as well as major temperature swings causing “freeze/thaw” cycles. These cycles can damage exterior products.

Stucco is a very porous material
Most stucco problems have to do with trapped moisture, which can cause rot and microbial growth
Improper window installation
Lack of proper flashing around penetrations have allow water into the wall system
Homes are simply too air tight
More consideration for cladding install, weather barriers and insulation must be taken

Should Replacement of Windows, Decks, Patios and Other Exterior Components be Included in Remediation?

100% Yes! A comprehensive approach and understanding of how these components work together is precisely what separates actual stucco remediation contractors from basic exterior remodelers. These must all work together in harmony, as the connection between components is always the weakest and most critical point. There will never be a better time to integrate new products into your home. Click Here For Complex Projects!

How Much Does Stucco Remediation Cost?

The cost of stucco remediation projects range anywhere from 50K to 300K+ based on the size of your home. The reason for this range is that many homeowners take advantage of this opportunity to not only fix their home, but to re-imagine your home the way you see fit.

Context is key when determining both scope and cost for a stucco remediation project. There is no better time to upgrade windows and doors, replace decks, add hardscaping like patios and sidewalks, or any other features that you might have dreamed of.

How Can You Best Select a Contractor for a Stucco Remediation Project?

While it is most exciting to focus on design features and products, we must never forget why this stucco problem has happened in the first place. Above anything else, this will be the most important decision you will make during this process. Finding a partner with unparalleled building science best practices expertise should be your top priority.

DO NOT fall for sales gimmicks and marketing tactics, and take time to find a true construction expert of the highest level. Industry leaders such as architects and inspectors can be valuable sources of reference. Still, to make a proper decision, the homeowner must invest the time with the expert to truly understand the problem and find a suitable solution.

Lastly, pay close attention to the contractors that have a system, and will not lower their standards, even if it means losing the project. A contractor that has an ethics based approach will sooner walk away from a project than do it incorrectly. This is the type of contractor that you want to partner with. Click Here To Learn More

FIVE STAR CONTRACTORS

You clearly have an interest in exploring stucco remediation further! Contact Five Star Contractors and one of our Stucco Remediation Consultants will help you design a custom solution for your home Click Here to Connect

Reviews

We used Five Star Contractors initially for siding replacement and stucco remediation. Because of their excellent work we had them return a year later to replace our aging roof and install new gutters and downspouts. The management team and crews on both jobs were professional, polite and respectful of our property and our neighbors. As their name says... their work is 5 Stars!

Laurie Milligan

Five Star remediated our failing stucco and repaired extensive hidden damage. They also replaced all doors and windows. Their crews were professional, friendly and respectful. We were impressed with their ability to replace all the windows and doors without creating a mess, and they replaced all trim and plantation shutters seamlessly. Robert was frequently on site, and he offered excellent design suggestions throughout the project. We recommend Five Star without reservations. You will not be disappointed.

Ira Powell

We chose five star and are so glad we did! When we purchased a home that needed a full stucco remediation we interviewed and obtained quotes from many companies. Five Stars quality of work and professionalism really stood out among the rest. They were easy to work with, attentive to detail, responsive and fully delivered going above and beyond. They are not the cheapest company but you get what you pay for, and we got the best!

Lisa Schaffer Bagosy

We had a great experience with Five Star Contractors when they fully replaced our siding. Discovering that our house needed major repairs was a stressful experience, but from our first meeting with Matt and Michal we felt at ease. From start to finish, they were incredibly communicative, always taking the time to answer our questions thoroughly. What really stood out was how they walked us through the science behind proper construction techniques, helping us understand not just what they were doing, but why it mattered. Throughout the process we had multiple roadblocks on our end, and they were very understanding and flexible. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for skilled, transparent, and knowledgeable professionals.

Ryan Chang

Best contractor in the area. Attention to detail and very trustworthy. They do the job right and stand behind all their work. The crew works hard and their goal is to make you happy, whatever your needs are. Five Star will at least meet, but probably exceed your expectations as they have for me. They are neat and clean up the site every night before they leave, even using a magnet to find loose nails because I have 4 dogs. I couldn’t be happier with them and I am not easy to please. Michal, thank you for all you do.

Jen jensen

Five star did an excellent job with our stucco remediation. The quality of the work is exceptional. Michael and Robert are very involved with the day to day operation and came up with excellent ideas to make our vision become reality. Every person on the team was a pleasure to work with. They were on time, respectful and professional . In particular Jesse is absolutely exceptional in everything he does. We wholeheartedly recommend Five Star!

Bahar Assadi