 | | I have inspected over 1,500 "stucco" homes in the greater Atlanta area, as well as throughout the Southeast, and have found numerous problems due to improper installation practices. Most problems are easily corrected but some, however, are severe and can be very costly to correct. The problems can result in moisture intrusion and termite infestation that contributes to rotted windows and doors and, in some cases, structural damage. I am a Certified Third Party EIFS and Stucco Inspector and Moisture Analyst. I am also used as an expert witness on stucco litigation throughout the Southeast. Unlike other inspection companies, I perform the inspections myself and if repairs are necessary, my report will contain stucco industry acceptable repair guidelines to ensure that repairs are done properly. I will also provide the names of contractors who can follow my instructions and will put a transferable & renewable moisture warranty on the home if they perform the repairs. You should NOT have an inspection company that will also perform the repairs do the inspection. There are a number of companies that are endorsing warranties that do not protect your home from future damage. Beware! Be sure that a certified stucco inspector is representing only YOUR interests. |
< What's the Difference between Hard Coat Stucco & Synthetic Stucco(EIFS)? | | Traditional hard coat stucco is a hard cement-like cladding applied to the exterior of the home. Hard coat systems can utilize an insulator board but always are required to have a horizontally lapped moisture barrier (typically felt paper or house wrap) between the stucco and the structural materials. Virtually all the stucco homes in the Atlanta, Ga area have been installed improperly. | | | | | EIFS utilizes an insulator board as part of the layering process and adds tremendous insulation capability to the home vs. other siding and cladding systems. However, when the installation requirements are not followed, the systems continually break caulk seals and crack, allowing moisture to enter and affect the structural materials. Unlike other claddings, including hard coat, which require a moisture barrier to be applied prior to the installation of the material, EIFS is adhesively and sometimes mechanically attached directly to the sheathing or structural members. Unwanted water is trapped against the structural material, causing rot. Beware of warranties that don't really provide any protection! |
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| | | | | < What Should Be Done? | | The first step is to have All-American Home Services, Inc., perform a thorough inspection of your stucco or EIFS cladding. Hard coat systems are inspected for adherence to local building codes as well as ASTM and industry installation standards. The EIFS (synthetic stucco) is inspected to installation specifications published by EIMA(EIFS Industry Members Association), which was established by major manufacturers to provide quality control in the EIFS industry. Call Today! Choosing the wrong stucco inspector can be very costly. | |  |
CABO Certified One & Two Family Dwelling Inspector
ICC Certified Residential Combination Inspector Certified Third Party EIFS Inspector and Moisture Analyst |
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| < What Will You Receive? | | | |  | | Your inspection report contain pictures and details about all installation requirements, whether correct or incorrect, pictures of all sides of the home with deficiencies marked on the photographs for easy reference, and a scope of work intended to identify and quantify any repairs necessary. The scope of work will suggest repair techniques that are appropriate for the situation and are endorsed by the manufacturers of the product as well as the National Association of Home Builders. I can recommend contractors who can perform the repairs properly and also provide a renewable, transferable moisture warranty on your home that protects you against damage. I have no affiliation with these contractors, but they have provided quality service to my clients and I am comfortable referring you to them. You want to be sure that an objective inspection was performed, that you are only paying for necessary repairs, and that it will be in compliance with manufacturer's specifications.
If your home is less than 6 years old and you are the original owner, you should send a copy of the report to your builder. It is in everyone's interests that you and your builder work together to correct any deficiencies. Unfortunately, builders don't always respond positively. In those cases, I provide litigation support to clients and I can refer you to a successful attorney who will review your case and advise you as to your options and strategies. |
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