The Biggest Problems Pennsylvania Homeowners Have with Stucco Failure
Stucco siding may look nice, but it comes with a price: high maintenance and repair needs. Stucco is cement plaster that is applied over home exterior surfaces. Many home exteriors with stucco siding battle several problems:
Moisture penetration
Because stucco frequently cracks, water can penetrate your siding and cause damage. If left unattended, it can cascade into lots of costly trouble for homeowners. Stucco is also naturally absorbent in nature, and moisture can penetrate it easily. The problem is that when moisture is trapped behind stucco, it isn’t apparent until it has progressed to the point of causing damage. Water penetration can discolor your stucco, making it unsightly to look at, and more.
Wall rot
Wall rot can be hidden behind stucco walls, and no stucco home exterior is immune to this problem. Older as well as newer homes with stucco siding are learning they have wall rot and need stucco remediation—quickly.
Mold issues
Because stucco cracks and accumulates moisture, mold can result. When mold or mildew form as a result of moisture penetration in your stucco siding, it can escalate into a black mold infestation and cause major problems. Mold is an unhealthy thing to have in your home and can cause health problems in people. It is serious and should be dealt with promptly through stucco remediation.
Cracking
Stucco releases stresses placed on it by shrinkage, expansion, or simply movement. Cracks can sometimes be invisible, yet grow into larger cracks that allow major water penetration.
No warranty
It should be a red flag to homeowners that stucco manufacturers don’t provide warranties on their siding products, leaving all the expenses needed to repair stucco up to the homeowner.
Improper installation
The cause of a lot of the problems with stucco is the poor installation practices that occur when it’s installed. Stucco installation should include several layers: asphalt paper, a rain barrier, a layer of mesh, and multiple layers of stucco itself. Around windows and doors, flashing should be installed with precision to create a watertight seal. When stucco contractors rush through the installation process, there may not be a watertight seal as a result, and trouble quickly follows.
Stucco Remediation Made Simple
Stucco problems create a cascade of hassles that can be avoided by simply choosing to install a different siding material. Stucco remediation is made easy when you choose durable, fiber cement siding from James Hardie for your Kennett Square, PA home.
Why James Hardie Siding Replacement Is the Best Option for Your Home Investment
When stucco fails and homeowners get weary of repairing and maintaining it, they turn to durable, low-maintenance James Hardie siding for a welcomed solution. Here is what homeowners love about replacing their stucco siding with fiber cement.
1. James Hardie siding resists moisture damage
Unlike stucco siding, fiber cement siding stands up against weather elements—particularly moisture. Avoid the hassles of water damage in your current siding by investing in Hardie Board siding.
2. Hardie Board siding is environmentally friendly
There is no formaldehyde, glass fiber, or asbestos in James Hardie siding. It lasts up to 50 years when it’s installed correctly and maintained well, so it won’t take up space in landfills like other siding materials.
3. Fiber cement siding won’t mold
James Hardie siding resists water penetration, and keeps mold at bay. Simply wash your siding twice a year, and any dirt or grime that is attached to the siding will be removed, preventing mold growth on your gorgeous fiber cement siding.
4. James Hardie siding comes with the best warranty in the industry
The Hardie company is so sure your siding will last that it provides a 30-year, non-prorated, transferable warranty for its siding products. As long as your siding is installed by a James Hardie Preferred contractor, your warranty will be protected.
5. Hardie siding is durable
James Hardie siding is much heartier than stucco siding. Hardie siding is resilient in spite of rain, snow, and high winds. The James Hardie company studied the long-term impact weather has on siding in various regions of the country. As a result of their research, they created the HardieZone® system. The HZ5 HardieZone products are perfect for Chester County, PA because they stand up to cold, snow, ice, and more. The HZ10 HardieZone products are designed to stand up to blistering sun, hurricane-force winds, and sheets of rain. Engineered for climate, these outstanding products will give you high performance for decades and safeguard your home from your region’s weather.
James Hardie Siding is Resistant to Common Stucco Problems
As America’s top choice for fiber cement siding, James Hardie siding is resistant to moisture damage. It won’t crack, rot, or mold like stucco does, and (unlike stucco) it has an outstanding warranty you can rely on.
Why Hire a James Hardie Preferred Contractor
James Hardie requires their Preferred Contractors to not only be trained in installation practices, but also attain high standards continually, including:
- Compliance with installation best practices
- Professional sales approach
- Satisfactory credit report
- State licensed
- Liability insurance of $1,00,000 per occurrence
- Workman’s compensation insurance
- Satisfactory background check with at least 6 past clients
Get a Stucco Remediation Contractor You Can Trust
Don’t settle for an inferior siding contractor. Get optimal results with Distinctive Homes. We offer stucco remediation and James Hardie siding replacement services in Chester County, PA. Our full range of services includes all aspects of home remodeling including inspections, siding, roofing, plumbing, and electric. Our in-house financing options help you make the most of your budget.
James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor in Chester County, PA
We take time to educate you on your options and help guide you to the optimal material choice for your long-term needs. We’re a James Hardie Preferred contractor, so we adhere to the strict installation standards set by the James Hardie company.
Don’t take our word for it—read what others are saying about Distinctive Homes. And take a quick look at our current projects gallery.
Learn more about Distinctive Homes stucco remediation.