Stucco is not waterproof, rather it is water-resistant.
Due to its shape, it is prone to developing cracks over time that allow water in behind it.
In order to keep your Stucco well maintained and as watertight as possible a waterproof sealant should be applied to it every 5 years.
Signs that your Stucco is suffering from water damage include:
- Water stains – If you Stucco still looks damp days after it has last rained then this indicates that you have a water intrusion problem.
- Holes & cracks – These are common indicators that damp has got inside your stucco, surface damage indicates that there could well be water underneath weakening it.
- Damp basement walls – water can get into your basement in many different ways, and compromised Stucco is one of those ways (read our article on how to waterproof a basement if this is a problem for you)!
Once water breeches Stucco it will generally begin to crumble, break and fall away from the wall. This is why it is so important to keep on top of maintenance and keep an eye open for any warnings sign of water penetration.
It is also important to ensure that any wall with Stucco has properly installed drains and downspouts so that it is not exposed to excess water rolling off the roof onto it.
Self Healing Properties Of Stucco
Interestingly lime-based Stucco is slightly self-healing, this is because lime is water-soluble, so if a crack appears lime will seep into it and then when the weather drys out it will harden, filling the crack.
Also Read:
Is cement waterproof?
Is plaster waterproof?
Is Mortar Waterproof?
What Is Stucco?
Stucco is commonly used as an exterior cladding.
It is usually made from portland cement, water, sand and lime, not too dissimilar to concrete.
This is plastered onto a mesh on the wall exterior which helps secure it in place.
It is purely decorative and has no strength of its own.
