Stucco Problems: Home Inspector Said Minor, Realtor Said Typical, Contractor Said Total Replacement9/28/2018 At Hero Inspection Services, we are hearing more and more stories about stucco contractors trying to talk homeowners into spending MAJOR money on stucco replacement. We’re also hearing stories about lawyers approaching homeowners and neighborhoods about bad stucco and trying to sue the home builder. Many homes in Florida have stucco and most people have heard some of the horror stories. After this family heard their stucco contractor say that all the existing stucco needed to come down and all new stucco was needed, they decided to get an unbiased and expert opinion. Hero Inspection Services has the only two EDI Certified Stucco/EIF Inspectors in Central Florida and were hired to conduct an advanced stucco inspection to determine what the real damages were. Moisture testing was conducted at the home in key areas to determine what was going on and if there were significant stucco damages. It was determined that an area on the side of the garage had moisture intrusion and an area where kick-flashing was missing. That’s it! Total replacement seemed quite extreme. Having an Unbiased Stucco Inspection Saved This Family ALOT of Money! Advanced Stucco Inspection and Moisture TestingYour moisture analysis is intended to be the first step in protecting your home. Testing Method - The moisture testing performed on the stucco wall covering at this building was an invasive moisture test performed from the exterior. This test was conducted by drilling 3/16" holes in the siding, inserting a pin-probe moisture meter to take moisture readings of the substrate, then filling the holes with an ASTM approved caulk of a closely matching color. Using an advanced moisture detection system, we measure the moisture content of the substrate behind the stucco system. The penetrating probe has an effective range from 0 to 99%. This is the number that is recorded in the report. Key 0% - 15%: Moisture reading currently acceptable 16% - 19% : Elevated moisture reading or possible substrate damage 20% - 99% : Moisture high enough for mold or wood rot if sustained, or substrate damage 
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 Determine how much of the observed water loss is due to evaporation and how much is due to a leak. Follow these simple steps below: 1) Place and Fill a 5 Gallon Bucket in the Pool Place the bucket on the pool's steps and fill it with water to match the pool's water level. Mark the water lines on the inside and outside of the bucket. 2) Wait 24 hours With the pool's equipment operating normally and auto-fill valve turned OFF, let the bucket sit for 24 hours. 3) Check Results After 24 hours, compare the bucket's water level to the pool's water level. If the pool's water level is lower than the bucket's water level, you may have a leak!   This question has been asked - a lot. Unfortunately, no matter how many times it is answered, people still ask it.
Many times people will say things like "I am having an appraisal, isn't that the same thing?" or "The house is new. so everything should be fine". Whatever the case may be, having a thorough, professional home inspection is 100% necessary and important. Why us that? First of all, it is one of your most important layers of protection. An appraiser or code enforcer does not inspect the house for YOU, they do it to protect THEMSELVES. Also, there are many issues that can really only be uncovered in a home inspection. With the use of infrared, sewer cameras, and other equipment, we are able to locate issues for you before something bad happens. There are many reasons to get a home inspection, so be sure to hire the best home inspector possible, whether you are buying or selling a home.  One of the most enjoyable things about owning your home (at least for some people) is the ability to do whatever you want with it.
As HGTV and other networks show new homeowners taking down walls, building amazing open floor plans, and adding life to their home, there may be other factors you will want to consider before joining their ranks. Home renovations are considered one of the most stressful times in a person's life by certain physiological experts. In fact, divorces, marital issues, anxiety related sicknesses, and more can stem from building your own addition. This does not mean you shouldn't try to skip the contractor and take on a new life experience, but consider these factors first:
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AuthorMike McFadden, Company Owner & Certified Master Home Inspector Archives
August 2024
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