Originally Posted By: rchoreyii This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I live here in the Southwest (NM) and I have been noticing here that many stucco homes have the stucco plastered all the way to grade level and below. Both my parents home and a friend of mine is this way plus the surrounding neighbors. I know that the stucco should be 8 inches above grade. Does anyone have any idea of why this would be done here other than just poor stucco work?
Originally Posted By: tallen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Well, in this particular picture there was no weep screed installed, they just put up wall board and stuccoed it to the ground. Unlicensed contractors.
If moisture wicks into the stucco why is it OK for it to be at grade?: To me stucco is not that far of from wood if it touches the dirt we have a problem.
I have seen many homes with the stucco extending beyond the weep screed,but if it touches the ground that makes it a moisture problem... Am I wrong?/
-- I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
tallen wrote:
I have seen many homes with the stucco extending beyond the weep screed,but if it touches the ground that makes it a moisture problem... Am I wrong?/
The moisture is a problem if it is anywhere near the sillplate. If your grade clearance is proper, the moisture won't wick up the stucco far enough to reach the sillplate.
If the sillplate is at or near grade. there's a potential problem.
Besides, there's no real moisture in AZ. 
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: mboehmer This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
The weep screed serves another purpose - water can enter stucco through cracks, around unsealed light fixtures, outlets and the like. The water then hits the house wrap and sheds down to the weep screed and out of the building. This is the way it should work- but when the weep screed is buried or missing in this case, the system cannot work and water may enter the walls and living space.
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Stucco on frame, sheesh. I’m glad we usually only stucco the homes we build out of block around here. We usually put siding on the frame ones and when stucco is applied it’s usually over cement board. I used to hate seeing the EIFS up north.
Originally Posted By: CarlBrown This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It might not be the stucco contractors fault. The builders and developers usually make the call. The stucco contractors just do what they are told. Dan is right in kansas city things are quite often done different. If you would like to see some pictures of things done “different” go to . www.badstucco.com It might shed a little light on a lot of leaking questions.
Thanks
Carl
– If it was your house wouldn’t you want the best!!
