The Inspector's Journal Forums
Username:
Password:
Save Password


Join TIJ Forums
Lost Password?
Subscribe to TIJ's Newsletter

All Forums > Technical Forums > Exteriors Forum >

Old Stucco Cracks and No Flashing

Previous Topic: T1-11 Siding Tech Notes - Topic - Next Topic: lots of unsealed gaps on siding New TopicReply to TopicShare Topic
Posted By  
View Profile
Evergreen Park (Chicago), IL
Posts: 1540
Joined: Apr, 2004
Currently offline offline
  
Thread Start First Page
[#1] Posted: 05/11/2012 - 06:26:27 AM
Reply with Quote
This 90+ year home had vertical cracks below many windows but the stucco does not appear to be loose. Is caulking the best maintenance advice?

Also, the old stucco homes I see rarely have any visible flashings or weep screeds and appear to be doing just fine. Comments?

Click to View

38.67?KB

Click to View

57.27?KB

Click to View

60.31?KB

Click to View

37.51?KB

Click to View

76.18?KB

Mike Lamb
http://www.inspection2020.com/
View Profile
Chicago, IL
Posts: 9508
Joined: Dec, 2003
Currently offline offline
  
Old Stucco Cracks and No Flashing
[#2] Posted: 05/11/2012 - 06:54:16 AM
Reply with Quote
It's an entirely different mix and system for the old places; no weep screeds, no nothing.

Is it wood or metal lath? The wood stuff sucks, and it's everywhere. The old metal lath stuff (think River Forest) is about 1 1/2 inches thick and laid on a multi-tiered substrate system.



Kurt in Chicago

"If I smell it, it goes in the report".............Phillip Smith...2012


View Profile
Evergreen Park (Chicago), IL
Posts: 1540
Joined: Apr, 2004
Currently offline offline
  
Old Stucco Cracks and No Flashing
[#3] Posted: 05/11/2012 - 08:13:10 AM
Reply with Quote
Thanks. It's metal lath. I guess like with interior plaster, wood lath is far more prone to failure than metal lath.
Mike Lamb
http://www.inspection2020.com/
View Profile
Denver, CO
Posts: 307
Joined: Dec, 2005
Currently offline offline
  
Old Stucco Cracks and No Flashing
[#4] Posted: 05/11/2012 - 09:45:31 AM
Reply with Quote
Why are the cracks so straight? I assume they must be following a joint in the substrate. In my neck of the woods a house that old the substrate would be horizontally applied boards, which wouldn't have a vertical joint like that.
Garet Denise
www.Cornerstone-Inspection.com

Our knowledge of wisdom exceeds our wise use of knowledge.
View Profile
Kenmore, WA
Posts: 15397
Joined: Dec, 2003
Currently offline offline
  
Old Stucco Cracks and No Flashing
[#5] Posted: 05/11/2012 - 6:51:40 PM
Reply with Quote
Hi,

Around here there're pretty much the same until you get into the crawlspace and find out that was is backing up and overflowing the mudsill into the crawl and is rotting the mudsill because there's noplace for the water to go when it gets to the bottom of the wall.

I wouldn't be too concerned about the vertical cracks, they're all appearing in places where you'd be required to install an expansion joint under today's rules. If you caulk them with a polyurethane it'll crack out. A stretchable acrylic like Big Stretch would work better. I'd still leave them open a little at the bottom to allow any water to seep out of that lamina though.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

View Profile
Chicago, IL
Posts: 9508
Joined: Dec, 2003
Currently offline offline
  
Old Stucco Cracks and No Flashing
[#6] Posted: 05/11/2012 - 7:11:30 PM
Reply with Quote
Yes, if it's metal, it's secure, there's no bulging, it's probably OK. The old metal stuff is pretty tough.

Kurt in Chicago

"If I smell it, it goes in the report".............Phillip Smith...2012


   
Previous Topic: T1-11 Siding Tech Notes - Topic - Next Topic: lots of unsealed gaps on siding New TopicReply to TopicShare Topic
Jump To:
The Inspector's Journal Forums © 2002-2013 all topics or replies that are posted on The Inspector's Journal
are copyrighted material of the original author that posted the topic or reply.
Go To Top Of Page 
 
Pick an RSS Feed

The views expressed on this website are the views of the authors and
do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the sponsors.
© 2002-2013 Copyright DevWave Software Inc.
Find a Home Inspector

Powered By: Snitz Forums 2000