Water behind the stucco, found and fixed
A blister, a stain under a window or a soft spot in the wall means water has got behind the stucco and cannot get out. We find where it is getting in, open the wet section, repair the wall behind it, close the entry point and rebuild the system. A patch over the top would look fine until next spring.
Homeowners, condo boards and managers with blistering, staining or soft stucco. What you get
The source found, the wall behind repaired, the system rebuilt and the finish matched. Where
Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Oakville and the rest of the GTA. 4.933 Google reviews
What a water damage repair includes
The order matters. Rebuilding before the cause is fixed means doing it twice.
- Find the source
Window joints, missing kick-out flashings, roof-to-wall junctions, deck ledgers and stucco run into the ground are the usual suspects. We check all of them.
- Open the wet area
The finish and base coat come off to the insulation, and the insulation to the sheathing where it is wet. The opening is often bigger than the stain.
- Dry and repair the wall
Wet sheathing is dried or replaced. Where studs are affected we tell you at once and repair or bring in the right trade.
- Close the entry point
New flashing, a proper sealant joint, or the system cut back above grade. Whatever let the water in is corrected.
- Rebuild and match
New board, mesh, base coat and finish, matched to the wall around it. On older finishes we may recommend resurfacing to a corner.
How water shows itself on a stucco wall
The finish lifting off the base. Water is behind it, usually from a joint above.
Dark streaks at the bottom corners of windows mean the window joint or sill is leaking.
Press the wall. If it gives or sounds hollow, the layers have separated and the wall behind may be wet.
A crack repaired twice is a movement or moisture problem, not a crack problem.
The system keeps water out, so it keeps it in too
EIFS and stucco are designed to shed water from the face. When flashing is missing or caulking has failed, water gets behind the face, and because the system is sealed it has nowhere to go. It sits against the sheathing, the insulation stays wet, and the damage grows quietly until a blister or a stain appears.
Most of the walls we repair were never caulked properly in the first place, or had stucco run below grade where it wicks moisture from the soil. Both are installation mistakes, not faults in the system, and both are fixable.
What moves the number on a water damage repair
Every job is quoted after we see the wall. These are the things that move the number.
- How far the water travelled
Known once the wall is open. We quote the likely extent and tell you how more is handled.
- What is behind
Sheathing that dries in place, sheathing that is replaced, or framing that needs a carpenter.
- Height and access
Ground floor by hand, upper floors from scaffold or a lift.
- The entry point
Resealing a joint is quick. Reflashing a roof-to-wall junction takes longer and may involve the roofer.
- Finish matching
A small patch on a modern finish blends. Weathered finishes may need resurfacing to a corner.
Send a photo of the wall
Lars calls back to book the free site visit, usually within a day. Then one price in writing.
Send a photo or call
Free site visit
One price in writing
What our customers say
I would HIGHLY recommend Stucco & Co. Lars immediately stood out as professional, friendly, honest, and as someone who genuinely cares for his clients. Lars went above and beyond to help out with the stucco issues I was facing. An outstanding guy and an outstanding business. Will definitely be working with him again soon!
Lincoln Homes Canada Inc. highly recommends working with this company! They are very efficient, work hard and are easy to work with. Customer service is their number one priority and they deliver what they promise.
Lars and his crew came highly recommended to us through our builder to do the exterior stucco and trim work on our custom home. From the initial consultation, through to the completion of this phase of our build, Lars was always accessible and responsive to our inquiries and needs. He helped us get the right look we were hoping for, came up with great money saving ideas and the product and workmanship was outstanding. His crew truly defines what hard work and attention to detail is all about. The work was done on time, on budget and far exceeded our expectations. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire him again or to recommend his company to anyone who wants the job done right. Note: I have not received, nor have been offered any compensation or discount for this review. I’m just really happy with the work that was done and hope that others can benefit from a similar experience with this company.
Lars and his team did a wonderful stucco job on our home. I feel like we bought a new home when I drive in after work. The team is very professional and clean. It was very easy communicating with Lars, small changes, colours, mouldings, etc... I'm very happy that we picked Stucco&Co among a few that came for an estimate. He wasn't the cheapest but I had a good feeling when I met Lars. I highly recommend their services.
Lars and his team were fantastic to work with. Lars took the time to explain the process, the application being used and all our options. The team did a wonderful job and the stucco looks great. They started the job exactly as promised and finished on time, the price was as quoted with no surprises. We would highly recommend Stucco & Co.
Water damage repair questions
How urgent is a blister?
Treat it as urgent. The blister is the visible end of a wet wall, and every rain adds to it. Call and send a photo.
Can you tell how bad it is without opening the wall?
We can usually tell where the water is coming from and estimate the extent. The true extent is known once the section is opened, and we quote with that in mind.
Will the repair be visible?
On most finishes, no. On weathered or unusual textures we tell you at the visit and suggest resurfacing to a corner so the wall reads as one.
Can you fix the leak as well as the stucco?
Yes. Flashing and sealing at windows, joints and transitions is part of the job. Roof and plumbing leaks are referred to the right trade.
Is the work insured and warrantied?
Yes. Stucco & Co carries $5 million liability insurance and WSIB coverage, and every job comes with a one-year warranty on our work.