Replies

1. 
   alliemay_Allsop | Apr 17, 2023 04:30am | #1

   There are a few potential reasons why the acrylic stucco texture coat may be blistering off of the brown coat:

   Moisture: One possible cause of blistering could be moisture trapped in the stucco system. If there is water getting behind the stucco and it can't evaporate, it may cause the stucco to blister and peel.

   Expansion and contraction: Stucco can expand and contract with changes in temperature, which can cause stress on the material. If the stucco system wasn't installed properly or doesn't have adequate expansion joints, this stress could cause blistering.

   Inadequate adhesive bond: If the brown coat wasn't applied correctly or there wasn't adequate adhesive bond between the brown coat and the acrylic texture coat, the texture coat may be more prone to blistering and peeling.

   Improper mix ratio: If the acrylic stucco texture coat wasn't mixed correctly, this could also cause blistering and peeling.

   To determine the specific cause of the blistering, it's important to have a professional stucco inspector or contractor take a closer look at the system. They can evaluate the condition of the stucco and identify any issues that may be causing the blistering. Based on their assessment, they may recommend repairs or modifications to the system to prevent further blistering and maintain the integrity of the stucco system.

1. 
   deucevantage | Apr 17, 2023 02:42pm | #2

   This really sounds like a classic trapped moisture problem. Being precise with terms for purposes of discussion -This is not ‘stucco’, it’s EIFS. ( ‘Stucco system ‘ is ambiguous). I only point this out as the semantics do make a difference . And you have no effective drainage gap between the foam board and the house sheathing. This is now code requirement, and in many jurisdictions you need a separate special (paid by you) inspection for any EFIs system.. There is often an exemption if you document a robust drainage screen/gap behind the cement. Sorry to say this is not unusual. These systems typically are impermeable, and if you have an impermeable sheathing system e.g., Zip, there is no where for the trapped water/vapor to go. When sun hits the water drive increases hence that’s when you are seeing it manifest. .In fact most insurers have a specific EIFS exemption with that type of an assembly without a a drain screen (ideally 9 mm )….chubb won’t even issue a policy at all to owners with any sort of EIFS)numerous companies make such darainge screens ranging from mortaire in Maine to most recently hUber/zip. At <1.50 $ a sq foot , this is something all new EIFS - and classical stucco amd reservoir cladding systems -should have.

   I would have a qualified EIFS inspector come out drill a small test hole and get actual measurement of mositure in your sheathing to make sure you don’t have a problem- and go from there. All EIFS and all stucco walls leak, even if just at cracks and or window door junctions.

2. 
   user-6833488 | Apr 17, 2023 04:37pm | #3

   I would agree moisture is the driver. This house was done with the same assembly, same products and same contractor as several other houses we built all during the same time frame and this is the only house having any issues. So the idea that the brown coat or the acrylic coat was not mixed correctly or bonded correctly seems like the area to investigate further. Any recommendations on how to locate an 'expert' that doesn't have an agenda other than to find the cause?

2. 
   deucevantage | Apr 18, 2023 10:36am | #4

   Local stucco installers
   Giggle EIFS repairs, EIFS problems etc for someone in your area

3. 
   deucevantage | Apr 18, 2023 10:39am | #5

   Local stucco installers
   Goggle EIFS repairs, EIFS problems etc for someone in your area

   The worlds expert on this is er long up in Philly a hotbed for these issues
   https://www.mas-con.com/
   Steve long is the man and may be able to refer you to someone local

   ALSO JEFF ADAMS IN SAN ANTONIO IS A national expert in stucco/EFIs forensics-Adams home inspections -he’s got some nice utube presentations in the InterNACHI channel -

   Hopefully you can address this with ensuring you weep screed is functioning as well as ventilation at the top - relatively ‘simple’
   By the way I have to assume builder did not use a systemic EFIs assembly engineered by sto, dryvit etc . Most don’t because they are more expensive . If you look at their sites you will see the details. Done right EFIs is a good product attractive and other than woodpeckers and kids hitting baseballs into the , durable.