How Long Does Stucco Remediation Take From Inspection to Completion?

What Happens During the Inspection Phase?

During the inspection stage, a contractor will determine how much of a wall is damp and rotted. The inspector will inspect window and door sealant for staining and gaps. Then you get the moisture readings. Non-invasive testing methods and drilling small holes in the stucco to check moisture in the sheathing (the board that is beneath the stucco) are used.

The stucco restoration crew provides you with a written report. It shows the moisture and determines the extent of repair. If there is some damage that is clearly visible in the home, an area that is larger may need treatment, as the water can be hidden behind the home’s walls.

Permit Approval Time and Pre-Construction Steps

Permits for exterior stucco projects in Philadelphia can be obtained in 15 to 20 business days. Some townships in Montgomery, Bucks, and Delaware Counties are faster, and an architectural review by the town, HOA, township, or historical districts can be time-consuming. 

Material lead times are also important. Typically, the fiber-cement or regular stucco selections can be ordered easily, and the special stucco profiles or custom colors may come a bit later. Alston Stucco is responsible for the permit work, so it is not a surprise during the process. Homeowners can expect 1 to 3 weeks of pre-construction activity before crews get to the home for the removal, after the contract has been signed.

How Long Will the Removal Phase Last?

It will take 3 to 7 days to remove for most homes. The crew will remove the damaged stucco or damaged EIFS (exterior insulation and finish system) and note observations about the sheathing. The job could be extended by rotten sheathing, rotten framing, or mold behind the stucco. The changes in a few boards will require a day or two. 

The system’s age is important with EIFS homes. EIFS was used in homes constructed on the Main Line from 1985 to 2005, and many of these houses have flashing elements that have been worn out by age. Often, water damage is found around windows and doors of these homes more than what is observed on the exterior.

How Long Will the Rebuild Phase Take?

Rebuild time can take 2 to 4 weeks depending on the type of stucco used and the number of layers applied. Each layer needs to cure before the next layer is applied.

The order is as follows:

Repair Structure: Replace damaged sheathing or structure.

Put up a barrier to water: Water-resistant material behind the stucco.

Flashing directs water away from the wall: Flashing is used to direct water away from the wall in flashings around windows, doors, and penetrations.

Apply stucco coats: The standard 3-coat stucco is made with a scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat. Curing times for coats are frequently given in days, rather than hours.

Seal and finish: Sealant joints and paint or color finish the entire wall.

Why Does Stucco Remediation Take Time to Be Done?

Weather, hidden damage, and material scheduling are the most frequent causes of delays. The weather is the most important factor in this area.

Weather Delays

When temperatures are close to freezing, stucco work is usually not recommended, as fresh stucco can be affected by frost.

Hidden Damage

Removal can reveal greater rot extent than was anticipated by the inspection. The scope expands, and the timetable extends.

Permit and Inspection Scheduling

If a municipal inspector must approve the structure before closing the wall, the crew awaits the inspector’s visit.

Matched Materials and Colors 

It may take longer to get custom finishes and replacement windows ordered.

The ideal timing for undertaking a rebuild is usually late spring to early fall when the weather is relatively accommodating. Starting work on fall projects early can still be successful if projects are completed before hard freezes.

Is It Safe to Be in the House During the Stucco Repair?

Yes, in most cases. The work is outdoors, and the homeowner will most likely be staying at home. Be aware of noise, dust, and scaffolding around the walls when stucco is being removed. Window access may be limited for a couple of days. 

If your walls have mold in the cavity, ask the contractor how they plan to keep the mold contained while removing a wall.

Remediation vs. Repair: Why the Time Difference?

A patch repair may be done in one or two days. It takes weeks to remediate because the aim is different. A repair is made to correct a visible defect. Remediation involves stripping back the damaged stucco layer and rebuilding the wall to prevent water from accumulating inside.

When you aren’t certain which one your residence needs, a moisture test will resolve it. The readings in the sheathing indicate whether it’s surface or structural damage.

Planning Your Project With Alston Stucco and Remediation

Alston Stucco projects in Philadelphia include areas throughout Northeast Philadelphia and Bucks County. We provide a clear written scope, a permit plan, and a weather buffer so you know the precise information for the stucco remediation timeline.

If you are looking at the timelines, make an appointment to have an inspection with Alston Stucco and Remediation to receive a written scope and estimate of time for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does stucco remediation take for a whole house? 

It will take a typical 2 to 6 week project range of on-site work for a whole house. Smaller sections or one wall can be completed in 2 to 3 weeks. The main factors that make the estimate change are hidden sheathing damage and weather.

How many weeks for stucco remediation if there is mold? 

The time needed for mold remediation will vary from several days to weeks or more, depending on the extent of the mold. The crew removes the affected materials, treats or replaces the sheathing, and ensures the wall is dry before rebuilding.

How long does the inspection take before stucco remediation?

The on-site inspection is between 1 and 3 days. A written report containing moisture readings typically follows within a couple of days.

Is a permit required for stucco remediation?

Yes, when the work contains structural repairs or the reconstruction of the wall assembly. The requirements are different in each municipality. Check with your building office or with your contractor.

Is it possible to remediate stucco during the winter?

Freezing temperatures and rain slow work. Spring and early fall are the preferred times for homeowner rebuilds.