Bulge in stucco at 2nd story

rray · March 6, 2014, 5:31pm

styrrell:

Years later…

I found the explanation below (and this discussion) while looking up an answer to a test prep question asking what type of framing should be used for stucco of a a multistory home - it seems it may address the original question asked here as well. Anyway, I think it answered the test question.

"Before applying stucco, you want the sheathing and the house walls to be prepared for that kind of application. If the stucco is being put onto a house that is two stories tall it is recommended that balloon framing be used. The more joints there are in the framing, the more chance there is that the stucco will crack. This happens because of the movement of the sills and plates. Sometimes an ugly bulge can appear in the stucco when a house settles. So be sure the framing is for a stucco exterior. "

I don’t think balloon framing would cut it in earthquake country, but we do have a lot of stucco buildings!

jbraun · March 13, 2014, 4:49pm

You need to rejoin again Stuart. Just because you are A$HI, does not mean you cannot join.
I admit you are one of the best A$HI inspectors in Columbia area. Most of the rest of the A$HI inspectors in your area I hear complaints about, and after looking at their inspections and reports it is easy to understand why.](*,)