Correctly applied and maintained stucco is an attractive weather resistant wall covering. A wealth of problems arise when stucco has been incorrectly sealed or damaged. Structural damage could be one result of moisture collecting in the cavities of framing or exterior walls. Trapped moisture encourages the growth of mold that can weaken and destroy load bearing studs resulting in wall buckling.
Shortcuts taken by some builders during the rush of the early 2000s building boom left entire communities with improperly applied stucco. Buildings in the Charleston area may be among those affected. In some cases, extensive repairs that include stripping buildings down to the studs are underway.
Moisture intrusion in stucco may not be obvious but one possible sign is the dark streaks where mold is growing. Ignoring or trying to hide these stains may lead to disaster. Power washing these areas could force more moisture into the structure. Thousands of dollars could be saved by having the structure inspected prior to completing the purchase.
