EIFS & Hardcoat Stucco Inspections

Home InSight offers exterior insulation finish system (EIFS)and hard coat stucco inspections leading to a warranty by Moisture Free. Our inspectors are certified Stucco Inspectors. Stucco home inspections test for moisture intrusion.

EIFS & Hardcoat Stucco Home Inspections

Facts and Considerations
Inspection Purpose
Reasons to Inspect
Inspection Focus
Report Content
Pricing Variables
Availability
On-Site Inspection Time

Stucco Inspection. Our Certified Stucco Inspectors are trained by Moisture Warranty to perform stucco moisture intrusion analysis leading to the discovery of stucco problems and eventually stucco repairs.

Stucco Application Problems. Stucco is a great exterior siding system, provided it is installed correctly and maintained. All types of stucco-clad homes have similar problems because of the way it is applied to the wall.  It doesn't matter if its real stucco, hardcoat stucco, artificial stucco, synthetic stucco, exterior insulation & finishing system (EIFS) stucco, Dryvit, or anything else people call it.

When the stucco isn't applied correctly, water gets behind the wall and stays there because it can't dry out.  Stucco is applied directly to the wood structure of the exterior wall.  Home InSight locates where water might be getting in and tests locations where water usually collects.

Certified Repair Analysis. Our reports are sent to Moisture Warranty, who prepares a Certified Repair Analysis (statement of work) showing the minimum amount of work required to issue a stucco Moisture Free Warranty.  Clients use the statement of work to find qualified Certified Stucco Remediators to complete the work.

Stucco Warranty Follow-Up Inspections. When the stucco repairs are complete, Home InSight's stucco inspectors return to verify the stucco problems have been addressed.  If so, a Moisture Free Warranty is issued.  For 3-year and 5-year warranties, our Certified Stucco Inspectors return every 18 months to check on the house to verify the stucco is still keeping the rain out of the wall.

EIFS & Hardcoat Stucco Inspection Facts

1. Almost all buildings with stucco siding have moisture problems

19/20 (94%) of synthetic stucco (EIFS) exteriors
16/20 (80%) of hardcoat (traditional) stucco exteriors

2. All other homes have similar problems for the same reasons

- Roof flashing terminating behind the siding
- Deck flashing missing or terminating into the wall
- Unsealed miter joints at sills of windows & doors
- Unsealed utility service entrances through the wall
- Siding terminated below grade

3. Stucco-clad homes can get a moisture warranty (most others can't)

EIFS & Hardcoat Stucco Inspection Purpose

Determine the condition of the exterior siding (stucco-cladding system)

EIFS & Hardcoat Stucco Inspection Reasons

EIFS & Hardcoat Stucco Inspection Focus

- Identify moisture-infiltration prone areas
- Measure moisture levels in the wall behind those areas

EIFS & Hardcoat Inspection Report Content

- Moisture report by wall sections w/ pictures
- Summary of issues w/ recommendations
- Referral to Moisture Warranty

Notes:
All reports are delivered electronically. Printed reports are optional

EIFS & Hardcoat Stucco Inspection Pricing Variables

- Heated living area: square feet
- Foundation type: slab, basement, or crawlspace
- Stucco Wall Faces: Number of elevations (front, right, back, left)
- Stories: Number of floors (basement, 1st, 2nd, 3rd)
- Assistants: Number of assistants needed for larger houses
- Location: ZIP code
- Additional services: Mold samples, etc.

Notes:
Price of follow-up inspections is not included in the initial stucco moisture assessment

EIFS & Hardcoat Stucco Inspection Availability

- Daylight required to complete the inspection
- Dry (no rain) in the past 24 hours

EIFS & Hardcoat Stucco Inspection Time

Normally 3-8 hours, depending on number & height of walls

What is a Stucco
Moisture Analysis?

Frequently Asked Questions