The Dangers of Stucco Exteriors in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania homeowners are regretting their stucco exteriors. And it’s no wonder why.
Referred to as the “epicenter of an industrywide epidemic,” southeastern PA has had a rough reputation these last 15 years when it comes to stucco siding. Thousands of homeowners have found themselves footing bills in the tens of thousands of dollars (and in some cases hundreds of thousands) for failing stucco.
And it isn’t the siding material’s fault.
In this article, we outline why PA homes are rotting out, how to know if your stucco needs some TLC (or full remediation), and what you can expect if you do replace your home’s siding in the coming years. Because knowledge is power, and when it comes to stucco in PA, there’s a lot you need to know.
Why Are PA Homes Rotting From the Inside?
The story of failing stucco lies in the history of this siding material here in southeastern PA.
Stucco exteriors rose in popularity during the late 80s. This siding style—inspired by Mediterranean homes—then stayed in demand into the early 2000s. Homeowners loved the sleek, Euro-look, and builders appreciated the material as a cost-effective option for quicker builds.
Problems started in the latter end of the 90s, when southeastern PA saw a massive housing boom. Demand for quick builds was high, and to cash in on a surplus of work, some contractors began cutting corners to maximize their profits.
Unfortunately, this led to poor workmanship: moisture barriers were skipped, flashing wasn’t correctly installed, and proper drainage practices were all but ignored.
To compound the issue, many homes constructed during this time used Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). EIFS are a synthetic stucco lookalike that’s cheaper and easier to install. Unfortunately, it doesn’t perform like traditional, cement-based mixtures either…
Something thousands of PA homeowners (up to 80% of stucco owners!) have since learned the hard way.
Is Stucco Still a Viable Siding Option in PA?
When properly installed, yes, stucco siding can be a durable option for Pennsylvania homeowners.
However, skilled application is a must. And even with proper installation, stucco is still considered a higher-risk siding material in southeastern PA. It just wasn’t designed to weather our cold, wet, and snowy winters.
How Do I Know If My Stucco is Failing?
While initial water damage usually goes undetected, there are signs of water intrusion you should look for.
Exterior signs of stucco failure:
- Cracking in the stucco exterior
- Flaking or chipped stucco
- Wet spots, dark streaks, or staining
- Stucco bubbling or peeling away
- Rot near exterior fixtures
Additionally, check your home’s interior. If you notice any of the following, your stucco failure is likely severe—and will require full remediation to ensure the protection of your home and safety of everyone inside.
Interior signs of stucco failure:
- Water damage to drywall
- Soaked and moldy insulation
- Rotting wall studs, ceiling, and floor joints
If you notice any of the above signs, call a reputable stucco contractor immediately.
Water damage only gets worse. And the longer you wait, the more stressful (and expensive) the issue will become.
Where Are the Most Common Spots to Find Stucco Failure?
Some areas of your home are more vulnerable to stucco failure than others.
Check these common weak spots frequently to ensure your home is kept safe and dry:
- Sides of your home exposed to wind and rain without trees or protection from other buildings
- Windows are the most vulnerable place for stucco failure due to faulty seals
- Exterior doors to the yard, garage, or patio are also known weak points
A quick visual inspection is all it takes to ensure your stucco is doing its job. If you notice any signs of failure or water intrusion, have them inspected immediately (many contractors will do this for free).
What is Stucco Remediation?
While some stucco issues can be fixed with minor repairs, full remediation is sometimes necessary.
Stucco remediation is the process of:
- Completely stripping the existing stucco system
- Repairing all underlying moisture damage to the home’s exterior sheathing
- Applying an entirely new stucco system to replace the old
In other words, stucco remediation is a complete siding replacement, with underlying repairs being handled before a fresh siding is applied.
Why Choose Stucco Remediation Over Repair?
Stucco remediation is becoming increasingly common in Pennsylvania—despite its high initial price tag.
The reason PA homeowners are investing in remediation is that stucco repairs are typically a short-term fix. So, while you may be able to stave off remediation costs for a few years, smaller repairs end up being sunk costs over the long haul.
Due to the growing costs of delaying replacement, we recommend full remediation to our homeowners as soon as it’s financially feasible. It’s almost always cheaper over time.
Is Stucco Repair in PA Worth It?
While stucco remediation is the only long-term solution for a failing stucco system, it isn’t always possible due to financial reasons.
In these instances, stucco repair is a necessity. If left unchecked, failing stucco puts the integrity of the entire home at risk—causing needless issues and expensive repair bills down the line.
That being said, if you notice any of the signs of stucco failure outlined above (chips, cracks, bubbling, discoloration, water in the home), contact a stucco specialist immediately.
How Much Should Stucco Repair Cost in Pennsylvania?
A contractor performing stucco repair will most likely charge the same rates as a full remediation. In our area, you can expect to pay $40–$130/hr, with costs depending on experience and warranty coverage by your contractor.
That being said, the most important aspect of stucco repair or remediation is working with a contractor with a proven track record of successful stucco installations. While initial rates may be higher for top-tier labor, the assurance you get from proper application and Lifetime Workmanship Warranties is well worth the investment.
How Much Should Stucco Remediation Cost in Pennsylvania?
Similar to stucco repairs, you can expect to pay $40–$130/hr plus material costs for full stucco remediation.
Due to the labor involved in tearing down and rebuilding your entire siding system, stucco remediation is not cheap! But again, protecting your home long-term is necessary. Otherwise, you may find yourself subject to additional nightmare repair bills if exterior rotting becomes widespread.
PA Named “Epicenter” of Home Damage Due to Stucco Failure
In 2018, the Philadelphia Inquirer published an article detailing the issues homeowners in southeastern PA were facing due to the rushed construction crisis of the early 2000s.
Their study revealed some unfortunate statistics:
- 55 zip codes in southeastern PA were affected by poor stucco jobs and the resulting costs
- 20 years had negated many of the workmanship warranties offered by building contractors
- At that time, more than 25 builders had been indicted regarding wet and damaged homes
Sadly, this amounted to families losing their children’s college funds, their nest eggs, or investment capital—a stain the construction industry in our area has been trying to clean up for the past 15 years.
The Benefits of Replacing Your Home’s Stucco Siding (Stucco Remediation)
Before tearing down an old stucco system, we strongly suggest our homeowners upgrade their siding with one of the many popular materials on the modern market.
Top-tier products like Hardie Fiber Cement, LP Smartside (engineered wood), or stone and stone veneers are a fantastic way to protect your home’s exterior in our PA climate.
These products:
- Come backed by industry-leading manufacturers’ warranties
- Protect your home’s exterior from volatile winter weather
- Keep your heating and cooling bills lower year-round
- Are manufactured to protect your home for decades
- Offer an impressive 67%–95% ROI
- Look amazing curbside
So if you’re in Chester, Berks, or Lancaster counties and have questions about your stucco siding, don’t wait.
All it takes is a quick phone call to one of our helpful sales reps to get on the schedule for an on-site consultation and free quote for repairing or remediating your old stucco siding. And if you do decide to work with us, you’re offered the assurance that comes with a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty and working with skilled crews trained beyond best practices.
Because after 25 years, we’re still passionate about keeping PA homeowners safe and dry—and are ready to do the same for you and your home.
So don’t wait until you’ve sprung a leak.
Smucker Exteriors knows how important your home is—and our crews have been serving Pennsylvania homeowners with complete exterior remodels, including roofing, siding, new windows, doors, and custom decks for over 25 years. All of our work is backed by a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty and the assurance that comes from highly-skilled crews and reputable products—meaning there’s no reason to wait on getting your free quote in Lancaster, Chester, or Berks counties today! Reach out now!
