The Truth About Stucco Exteriors in Southeastern PA
It’s no secret. Homeowners in Southeastern PA are tearing off their old stucco and investing in full-scale remediation. And the reason why may shock you.
Because while those exteriors might look great on the outside, what’s hiding underneath is enough to keep PA homeowners awake at night. From mold problems to structural damage, many homes in our region are facing major issues that aren’t always visible curbside.
In this article, you’ll learn why so many Pennsylvania homeowners are removing their old stucco (spoiler alert: it’s an unfortunate pattern in this part of the country). Along with the backstory of stucco remediation in PA, you’ll also learn how to spot the telltale signs of water damage as well as the steps to prevent costly repairs down the line.
So let’s get started.
A Brief History of Stucco Siding in Southeastern PA
To understand why stucco issues are so widespread in our little piece of paradise, it’s important to know the history of stucco and why its use is so common in this region.
Stucco exteriors became popular in Pennsylvania during the late ‘80s and stayed in demand into the early 2000s. Homeowners loved the sleek, Mediterranean-inspired look, and builders appreciated the material as a cost-effective way to give new construction a polished finish.
Stucco is also a durable and energy-efficient solution for a home’s exterior. So you’d think with the reputation of solid performance and a stylish aesthetic stucco homes would still be all the rage. But despite this seeming win-win scenario, the fantasy soon started falling apart. And here’s why.
Pennsylvania Housing Demand Skyrockets
During the late 20th century, southeastern PA saw a massive housing boom. Demand for quick builds was high, and to cash in on the surplus of work, some contractors started cutting corners to maximize their profits.
Moisture barriers were skipped, flashing—the installation of waterproof materials under the stucco—was done incorrectly, and proper drainage techniques were all but ignored. As you can imagine, this led to problems. But rushed and shoddy workmanship wasn’t the only issue…
Many of the homes built during this time were constructed with Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. EIFS are a synthetic knockoff of stucco that looks the part but doesn’t perform like traditional, cement-based mixtures—something thousands of Pennsylvania homeowners have been learning the hard way. Here’s why.
It All Boils Down to This
While stucco looks to be completely solid, the material is actually quite porous. Believe it or not, this allows moisture in, which, on the surface (the porous surface) may appear to be a bad thing. However, moisture getting behind the stucco isn’t the real problem.
The issue is that improper installation doesn’t let the moisture get back out. And without proper drainage, water gets trapped behind walls and wreaks havoc on your home. For instance…
That trapped moisture eventually leads to mold, rot, and even structural damage to the wood framing underneath the stucco. But the real tragedy is this: these problems often go unnoticed for years, and by the time homeowners notice signs of moisture, the damage is severe. But there is some good news.
You can stop the damage from spreading. You just need to know what to look for and when it’s time to call in the pros for a free inspection. So take a look for the following.
Common Signs of Stucco Failure
If you’re wondering how your stucco’s holding up, there is a silver lining: the signs of water damage are usually pretty clear. All it takes is a quick assessment to determine whether or not your home’s exterior is in good shape.
Take a walk around your property. If you’re noticing any of the following, it’s best to call in a professional for a more thorough stucco inspection (something you can often get done for free).
1. White Powder on Surface
Water trapped behind your home’s stucco can move back to the surface in a process called efflorescence. Efflorescence leaves behind a water-soluble salt on the stucco’s exterior. If you can see this powdery residue, water has seeped into your stucco.
2. Stucco Pulling Away from Home
Water evaporating through your stucco can cause bulging and bubbling. Called delamination, these damages are usually the result of a bad vapor barrier installation, poor bonding, or moisture in the walls.
3. Cracks, Chips, Streaks, and Stains
Thin, long cracks, missing or chipped pieces of stucco can let water into your home’s wooden exterior. If you’re already seeing heavy staining, discoloration, or black streaks, the damage has already begun.
4. Rot Near Exterior Fixtures
Check your outside windows, doors, light fixtures, electrical outlets, pipes, meter boxes, and chimneys for dark spots, stains, cracks or the smell of wet, rotting wood. Musty smells—inside and out—are a clear indicator you need an inspection ASAP.
Stucco Repair vs Stucco Remediation
Stucco remediation and repair are very different processes. With remediation, you aren’t just patching holes and filling in cracks. It’s a major job that involves removing all of the old stucco, assessing and fixing any existing damage underneath, and then replacing the exterior with something more durable and long-lasting.
In other words, stucco repair is a bandaid and stucco remediation is a full reboot of your home’s exterior. It’s also the only way to address underlying issues. And though the initial investment may seem high, it’s worth it. Here’s why.
The longer you wait, the worse the damage gets. The worse the damage gets, the more expensive it is to fix. Mold spreads and framing rots. That’s the bottom line. But all is not lost… And you can get in front of the problem in a way that’s easy and, dare we say, perhaps even enjoyable.
Keeping Pennsylvania Homeowners Safe and Dry for Over 20 Years
At Smucker Exteriors, we know how important your home is. It’s where you and your loved ones live. It needs to be safe and comfortable. And sometimes, that means updating old work.
If you’re in Lancaster, Berks, or Chester County and are noticing signs of water damage to your stucco, give us a call.
One of our specialized stucco technicians will come perform a complete inspection of your stucco system absolutely free. You’ll then receive a complimentary repair or remediation plan to help you make the best choice moving forward.
You can also count on:
- Lifetime workmanship guarantees on all stucco repairs and remediation
- Top-tier products and manufacturer’s warranties
- Nearly limitless replacement siding options for looks and longevity
- Hand-picked crews committed to service and excellence
So, if you’re seeing signs of trouble on your stucco, don’t wait. Get ahead of the damage and protect your home (and everyone inside) today. Because you deserve a home that’s safe, dry, and will look amazing for the many years to come.
Get Your Free Inspection and Quote Today.
