The Florin|Roebig Construction Negligence division is constantly fighting for families and business owners in Florida who are suffering from the negative effects of negligently installed stucco. Water intrusion resulting in the development of mold, cracking, or saturation in structures can pose a threat to not only your property but your family’s safety. In our humid climate, thousands of Floridians rely on stucco as part of a water-resistant system to keep residential and commercial structures dry and secure–which means defective installation is a serious issue.
Our firm’s construction negligence attorneys work closely with expert engineering professionals and contractors who specialize in evaluating stucco finishes and Florida building codes. After years of helping clients with defective stucco issues, the Construction Negligence legal team at Florin|Roebig has shared the three most common stucco defects they see. Here are a few signs that water damage could be wreaking havoc on your home or business:
#1 Improper Stucco Thickness
Applying coats of stucco that are too thin, in violation of building codes, is a defect that our team handles too often. In the picture on the left, you can see a stucco sample taken from a building that measures approximately seven-eighths of an inch thick, which is the legal standard that the Florida Building Code requires.
On the other hand, the sample in the photo to the right (also retrieved from a building coated with stucco) demonstrates the paper-thin quality of defectively installed stucco. You can see that the sample is only about a quarter of an inch thick –perhaps even less– and that difference can mean enormous problems for your home or business.
#2 Control Joint Spacing
Another common defect involves control joints, which are elements added to minimize the development of cracks in a cement-based coating like stucco. Think of the spacing you see in sidewalks and driveways: dividing these areas into sections helps to minimize cracking. That very same concept applies to stucco. Unfortunately, many builders do not space these joints appropriately, fail to install them properly or fail to put any joints in at all.
#3 Dissimilar Materials
The third most common defect is an issue of directly joining “dissimilar materials” during stucco installation. Where stucco plaster meets the material of an opening, such as a window, door, or vent, there must be an accessory added in order to create a juncture between the two dissimilar materials. This sealed juncture between the stucco and the opening provides enough separation to stabilize the stucco and prevent cracking.
In our last video on stucco installation, we discussed signs of stucco defects that are visible to the eye, like cracking, buckling, or discoloration. If you suspect that your home or business has defectively installed stucco, you should have your home investigated by an engineering professional. Don’t wait for it to become a big problem–because it will!
Call us like so many homeowners do for help! Or submit a questionnaire online here to receive a case evaluation.
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