Moisture Accumulation in EIFS Stucco Cladding.

During a recent home moisture inspection in the Houston area we were able to capture this

thermal image while carrying out an infrared thermal scan. This home is circa 1950s and the

EIFs Stucco cladding is showing classic indications of physical as well as moisture damage. As

Home Inspectors we have often observed stucco repairs being carried out without addressing the

cause and/or source of the moisture infiltration into the EIFS stucco wall.

Some of the most common EIFS Stucco problems we see during stucco inspections

include but are not limited to the following:

-Poor stucco installation or stucco cladding that is not in accordance with the manufactures’

installation instructions.

-Improper flashing from the roof on down, or missing flashing

-Horizontal stucco surfaces that have an insufficient or lack of a drainage plane.

-Cracks or physical damage to the stucco cladding that allows water to enter the wall.

If you have a stucco cladded home we highly recommend a nondestructive infrared scan

to identify areas of moisture accumulation and/or water damage at least once every 2 years.

Using the infrared camera we can enhance our thermal images to identify areas of concern in

your Home before they become catastrophic.