A small stucco leak can cause big problems

Migrating water leaks are terrible and very difficult to find. It is way to often that we see a leak that will finally show itself to the inside wall or the mold begins to grow and smell in the house.
The only real real solution to this is the constant maintenance of the exterior of your home. Painting with water resistant paint products and caulking around the expansion joints in the stucco walls is very important.
Many clients often let the exterior of their stucco building go unchecked for several years and do not feel that they need to paint the exteriors until they are faded or worn. My best recommendation is to paint often and very carefully. It does not take much of a leak that is getting in behind the stucco lath felt and vapor barrier into the wallboard to create a terrible mess. In many of earlier homes built before 2005 there is no vapor barrier (Tyveck, Green Wrap, ect.) and only a stucco lath felt. We have been fixing a lot of homes that only have felt and they are deteriorating very rapidly.

Another problem we see is the nailing of the flashing at the wall and roof lines. In Florida we see roofs draining incredible amounts of water that actually force water up under the stucco stops and above the flashings. Again the only solution is to watch these areas very carefully around your home to see if this could be happening.

If you have suspect area’s in your windows, exterior walls or doorways make sure you have us do some testing to make sure. These problems do no go away and will only get worse and more expensive to fix.

During storm events it sometimes takes 10 days to 2 weeks for an assigned adjuster to make it to the property. If no drying or stabilization takes place during that time the loss is sure to increase quickly. I suggest that you discuss with your agent ahead of time how to make a catastrophic claim, understand your deductible and have a professional contractor in mind before the storm occurs. The only thing you can control after a storm event is the amount of time till you get skilled labor on the job to help you. I guarantee that after a major event that is a bad time to be on the waiting list for an adjuster and a contractor.

I have seen large corporations have water damage contractors ready and waiting before the storm comes. We have worked for Ritz Carlton, Marriott @Daytona and several other small business that know time is critical. Water Out Drying Corporation has a contract to work with a National Contractor to do the US Post Offices in an area after a storm. You can be prepared also by just knowing a few simple things.

1. How do I make a claim to my insurance carrier and what do they pay for in the event of wind damage and how much do they pay in the event of flood. Chances are if you are not in a flood zone you may not be covered for a rising water and your claim will be denied so please ask your agent.

2.How much is my deductible and when do I have to pay it? When a contractor comes to you the first questions are. Who is your carrier and do you know your deductible? Having a plan to pay your deductible up front will ensure the contractor you are a good customer and serious about getting your property restored.

3.Be careful that you are dealing with a water damage contractor for wet materials. Some people hire General Contractors with out water damage experience and end up doing a lot more than necessary before a water damage contractor is contacted. During the Flood in the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta last season home owners were doing complete gut out’s before water damage contractors arrived and adjusters denied the extra work. Many people paid out of pocket unnecessarily.

Most importantly! Do not attempt to do work that you are not trained to do. I have seen broken legs, arms, nasty cuts and terrible bruises because of frustrated and tired homeowners trying to save things it terrible conditions without the right equipment. So above all get good help ASAP.