Foundation repair on a house

Can You Live In A House During Foundation Repair

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One of the biggest parts of a home to pay close attention to is your foundation. When you buy a house it can be a good idea to make sure that the home inspection comes back with a great report. This is a great idea so that you don’t incur bigger expenses down the road. If you are building a house, make sure that the building contractor has done a great job compacting the dirt pad that is going to be underneath the concrete slab foundation and it’s in good shape at the time of inspection.

Unfortunately, whether you’re buying or building a home, you will have pros and cons regarding various projects. Identifying any foundation issues early is key. Even if they occur after you have moved into the home. Can you live in a house during foundation repair? Most of the time, foundation repairs are done on the exterior of the home so leaving is rare.

Let’s take a look at what could happen to cause you to move out?

Foundation repair

What Are The Signs

Signs of foundation repair work are fairly simplistic and obvious. The type of foundation problems is going to be determined based on the extent of the damage to the home. If your home’s foundation is shifting due to the settling of the soil, you can run into these types of issues.

  • Mold and water damage – leaking pipes and exposure to the outside elements can cause further damage.
  • Cracks in the walls – cracks allow moisture to enter the home. They can also create a void in that wall, which allows it to shift over time.
  • Crooked doors and windows – as your windows become crooked, they become jammed. The shift in the structure changes causes the door frame and window frame to lean.
  • Uneven floors – if you notice your floors are starting to look uneven, cracking, or even buckling this could be a foundation issue. Something to keep an eye on.

The most important part of this is getting the issues fixed right away. If you allow your foundation to shift based on settling, the walls can crack, floors can get uneven, and doors and windows can have problems closing. Solving this issue immediately can also save time and money.

How It Works

A typical home foundation repair involves some sort of stabilization of the walls and foundation base. When the home settles, the soil is shifting and this can create cracks in the foundation, cracks in the walls, and your doors and windows shift. In some cases, you can install piers in the soil underneath the concrete slab. This will be done where the foundation damage is most visible and substantial.

This can be done rather quickly. Any excess dirt is used to re-grade the yard or is hauled away. If the damage is more substantial, pier beams are installed inside the home, at areas of load-bearing walls. This will build support for the damaged foundational areas and keep your walls from shifting.

When Do I Move Out

In most cases, you can live in a house for a foundation repair. The hope is that a simple dig on the exterior of your home to locate the issue and add support will suffice. However, there is about a 10% chance that you will need to move out. When the damage is substantial, the only solution is to cut 2 x 2 holes into your interior concrete pad to erect drilled piers for added support to load-bearing walls. Small machinery is used and creates a lot of noise during the foundation repair process.

Unfortunately, if this is the case, you will move out. The project is loud, dirty, and requires you to move furniture and pack your things. Most homeowners will move in with family members, rent a hotel, or even stay in an RV motor home, while the repairs are being made.

How Much Does It Cost

The cost to repair the foundation of a home can vary depending on the amount of damage that has been caused. The current national average for a foundation repair is $4,500. For larger homes with major damage, you could see a foundation cost in the $40,000 range. If it is something minor, such as fixing a crack in the foundation, you might be able to get away with a cost of $500. All costs with this project vary based on the size of the home, the damage done, and the city or state building codes.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Before you decide if you can live in your house during foundation repair, also determine the severity of the project. For example, is your house potentially set to collapse due to foundation issues? If the answer is “yes,” then you are most definitely moving out. Make sure you read up on what type of damage must occur for your home to collapse. This information can assist you in deciding if you should move out while repairs are conducted.

Another issue to consider regarding your stay is mold. When you have foundation issues, one of the results could be mold growth in the home. Once the foundation issues are handled you might find yourself getting mold remediation completed. This project could likely be done at the same time as your foundation repairs. This topic is also an area to consider moving out of the house for. Can you stay in your home during mold remediation? In some cases, yes, but in all cases, you should consider your health first.

Lastly, check if you need your stucco replaced or if you can just cover it up with vinyl. In some cases, the damage to your stucco might be so simple that you can add an otherwise more aesthetically pleasing vinyl layer. This change to your exterior allows you to pressure wash the outside walls more easily and refrain from concerns about cracks that expose your home to outside elements and insects. Look into if you can install vinyl over your stucco.

Foundation professional

When Do I Call A Professional

Calling on a professional contractor who has expertise in foundation repair should happen the moment you notice cracks in your exterior foundation and walls. Call your local home inspection team to come out and inspect the entire home for foundation damage. Not only can they assure you of how in-depth the project will be, but they can also refer you to a reputable residential structural engineer. The structural engineer will team up with your professional foundation repair company to attack the repairs needed to keep your home safe.

Conclusion

Your biggest issue with this project is understanding what is going on and how it affects your home. Getting the right residential structural engineer in there to begin the process is key. Hopefully, it is a situation where you have minimal damage and won’t have to move your family out of the house. Getting your team of engineers, contractors, and home inspection company together on this project will allow you to have peace of mind that it is all being done correctly and safely. Saving your investment from further damage is vital. Contact Inside and Out Property Inspectors in Jacksonville, FL, and surrounding areas to get your home inspection done today.

What is a Weep Screed

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Have you ever stopped to think about what is involved with stucco work on a house? There are many parts and pieces that go into your stucco work. One of those parts is a weep screed. What is a weep screed you ask? Well, it is a piece of metal flashing that is set at the bottom of the exterior walls of your home. Its main job is to pull the moisture out of the walls and provide an outlet for it to drain out.

The main purpose of this is to allow moisture and water to flow out and away from areas where it might collect and cause damage to your walls.

How a Weep Screed Works

Your weep screed works in two ways. First, it is installed to allow the stucco something to adhere to. So, when adding the stucco, the weep screed acts as a grabbing material so that the stucco stays on the wall. Secondly, it is installed to reduce moisture issues from behind the stucco. Moisture can build up and needs a place to go. Using the weep screed provides an outlet for the moisture to drain at the bottom of the walls. Thus, keeping your stucco dry and free from bubbling up and cracking.

Never Block a Weep Screed

It is important to understand that blocking the weep screed will cause a massive moisture issue within your stucco walls. You might think it pipes are leaking in the walls when it is actually moisture building up.

The weep screed provides the moisture build-up a place to leave the walls and maintain a dry area under the stucco wall. Keep in mind, if you are installing a new patio, the contractor needs to angle the slap in such a way that it does not block the weep screed. Blocking it will cause major damage to your walls and home exterior.

weep screed

Do You Really Need a Weep Screed

Installing a weep screed under your stucco is highly recommended and in many cases a local code requirement. When installing it you must follow the proper overlap and clearance codes if you expect to get project completion approval. The general opinion is that it is highly effective and a very useful tool in stucco application. It also allows for a clean break on your foundation and walls and a nicer look

I would recommend using this on every stucco project unless you are matching an existing building that never used it and you want to match the rest of the house.

weep screed on a stucco home

When a Weep Screed is Required

The question of when a weep screed is required is actually fairly common. It is highly recommended to use one when placing stucco over wood on a house. This is standard when you have a new construction build. They are code enforced and those codes can vary based on counties and states. Since it is meant to reduce moisture in the walls, they are typically not used on a cinder block or concrete home, because both concrete and cinder block are materials that can handle the moisture already.

Where to Buy a Weep Screed

Believe it or not, you can buy a weep screed at Home Depot or Lowes. However, it is highly possible that the one that you would like to have is not in their inventory. Typically, you will find one that is a 7/8 type and not the “J” type. If you want to get the proper type, you should go to a stucco supply yard for the best choices. Stucco supply yards will carry a three-coat and one-coat system, and the weep screeds are made from specialty metals that will not rust. In addition, those at the stucco supply yard come in various sizes and flanges as well.

Maintenance of Other Areas

Weep Hole – You might think the name weep screed sounds funny, but there is also a weep hole. A weep hole is in brick and some windows to let the moisture out. If it is not there, water can back up in the home. We all know that water backing up into the home can cause mold and other problems so always make sure the holes are open.

A weep hole is also in many windows. When it rains, the weep hole is there to let water drain. Just like the weep hole in a brick, if it clogs, the water backs up and goes into the home and down the wall. Thus, allowing staining on the walls and mold to grow.

Plumbing – if you have an older home, keep an eye out for plumbing issues. Older homes can have issues in drains, sewer lines that fail, and old fixtures to name a few.

cleaning stucco on a house

Clean stucco – since the weep screed is on the stucco and you are going to take a look to make sure it is working, it is a good time to clean the stucco. Cleaning the stucco can be done by using cleaning detergent, water, and a brush. This is easy to do and the good news is you aren’t using chemicals.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if the weep screed is either not installed properly on your stucco home, or if it is missing or blocked. Also, if you have any questions about installation or are experiencing any leaking of water in the home. If this is something you don’t want to put in yourself, calling a professional is the way to go.

Conclusion

Weep screed is important to keep the moisture away from the home. Keeping moisture away is essential as it can wreak havoc on the home. The idea of the is to keep water out of the home, thus avoiding any damages. Inside and Out Property Inspectors can check the weep screed in your home to make sure it is working correctly in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, FL areas. If not, they can refer a professional.

Dirty stucco

Easy Ways to Clean Stucco

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A home is a great place to own or rent and making the outside look nice is always fun with paint or landscaping. Also, homes are made of various materials such as brick, concrete, stone, or metal to name a few. Stucco is a very popular building plaster, especially here in Florida. While It is eco-friendly and a mixture of concrete, sand, and limestone, it is also highly porous and stains easily.

Stucco is nice to have, but it does need to be cleaned at least once a year. Are you wondering how to clean stucco? You will need a few things: A water hose, bucket, scrub brush, and a concentrated cleaner. You may even need a power washer if the stains are tough or it is a large area. Before you clean the stucco, there are a few things you need to do first. We will look at the steps needed and how to clean the stucco.

We will take a look at why you need to know how to clean stucco, things to think about first, before cleaning the stucco, starting the process, rinsing the stucco, other areas of maintenance, and when to call a professional.

Why You Need to Know How to Clean Stucco

Stucco is a great material to have on a home, but it does require a little more maintenance than vinyl siding or brick. It is important to clean it correctly and after surveying the home for cracks. Cleaning the home once a year will allow you to get the pollen, mold, mildew, moss, and algae off the house so you can keep the home looking great for years to come.

Things to Think About First Before Cleaning the Stucco

Time

Think about if you have the time to clean the stucco? It can take all day depending on the size of your home.

Budget

If you pay a professional to clean the stucco, it can range from $200-400 depending on where you live and the size of the home. Time is money and it may be nice (or necessary) to pay someone else to do it for you.

Safety

Using protective wear is important, and this includes goggles and gloves. Also, if you need to climb on a ladder to get to the stucco, think about if you are physically able to do that.

Here are the steps to cleaning stucco.

Fixing stucco

1. Before Cleaning, Check the Outside of the Home

Walking around the outside of the home to check for cracks is essential before you clean the home. You are looking for cracks in the stucco that need to be filled in. A homeowner can fix small cracks, such as less than 1/8. In fact, it is a great idea to try to do this on your own as it can save you money. Use Quickrete to make the repair or get a kit from a local home improvement store, around $5-$30. You can also use caulking designed to fill stucco cracks for those smaller cracks.

Stucco issues

Issue Found While Checking the Outside of the Home

What if you find a crack that a credit card can fit into? This is something you need to contact a professional to check out. Issues may be found because of things such as:

  1. Installation of the stucco was not properly done when the house was in the building stage
  2. Expansion joints are not in the correct place
  3. The stucco was not applied or mixed properly
  4. The home is having structural movement
  5. And others

Contacting a professional is your best bet in this case and hold off on cleaning that area of the stucco until the problem is fixed. We conduct stucco inspections in Jacksonville and St Augustine for this reason.

Here is a video about cleaning stucco. In this video, he starts with a fence, but you get the idea.

What Can Happen If There Are Cracks and You Continue to Clean the Stucco

If there are cracks and you continue to clean the stucco, mold and mildew can form. This is because water and other things have already gone into the crack and it is possible that it has gone into the home. Once it is in the home, it can become a big mess to clean up so the earlier you find it the better.

Garden hose to clean stucco

2. Start the Process of Cleaning the Stucco

After you check there are no issues or you fix them, you are ready to start the process of cleaning the stucco. Grab the following items:

  1. Garden hose and attachment
  2. Bucket
  3. Heavy duty sponge
  4. Pressure washer
  5. Soft bristle brush
  6. Cleaning detergent

You will be working in a small area each time. Starting with the garden hose, you will spray the house and start to see the dirt coming off. You may need to put the attachment on the hose if you need it to spray harder to get tough to remove spots or in crevices.

You may even want to use a power washer if you have one or can borrow one. However, make sure you know how to use it properly. If you go this route, use a pressure level of 1,500 PSI or below and a 25- or 40-degree nozzle. Remember the surface of stucco is porous and too strong of pressure will damage it. Check there are at least 24 inches between the nozzle and the stucco surface and rinse the surface at a 45-degree angle.

After Removing the Dirt

Then, once all the dirt is removed, you can mix dish soap, borax, and water together to create a cleaner. This is done by taking 2 gallons of warm water, 1/2 cup of Borax, and 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap and mix it together. If you choose to use the pressure washer for this, apply the solution at a downward angle using a 65-degree nozzle tip, leaving 18 to 24 inches between the nozzle tip and the stucco surface. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes but don’t let it dry, it will be harder to wash off.

The other option is to get a good stucco cleaner to help get the stains off and make the area shine brighter. Follow the directions on the packaging and use the heavy sponge to wash it off. The last resort is always bleach as a cleaner.

If you find algae or mold on the outside of the house, you can use the cleaner you made to clean it off the house. Also, you may want to investigate where it came from as well.

3. Rinse the Stucco

Lastly, take a soft bristle brush to get the stubborn stains off and rinse with the hose. You always need to rinse the house from top to bottom when applying any cleaners. Finding rust stains? You may need a rust remover and a pump sprayer and the local hardware store can help you find the right one. As always, rinse off any chemicals you put on a home.

If you aren’t comfortable cleaning this on your own, you can hire a professional.

hvac maintenance

Other Areas of Maintenance

Check the HVAC

While you are cleaning the stucco, check the HVAC outside to see if the grass is away from the unit and it is working. Go inside the home to where the air handler is and make sure it turns on and there is no water leaking. If you do find water is leaking from your air handler, it could be a few things that you would want to check out. If you are not sure, contact a professional.

Check the Windows

Does it seem like the windows leak when it rains? This can be due to a number of factors such as a crack in stucco, poor paint, cracked sealant, or more! Calling a professional may be best to find where the leak is.

Gutters Should Be Clean and Have Downspouts

Cleaning the gutters out and allowing debris to flow smoothly into the downspouts and out to the yard is important. If they are clogging, clean them out. If not, the water can back up into the home.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if you need help cleaning the stucco, or you find cracks or other issues around the exterior of the home. Also, they are helpful with diagnosing issues and helping you solve them. If something doesn’t seem right, it is always better to call someone to ask. You want your home to last a very long time so taking care of it is imperative.

Conclusion

Stucco is common in many houses, especially on ones built here in the south. But just like with everything, it needs to be kept clean and taken care of. You want the stucco to last a long time and for that to happen, you need to take care of it. Inside and Out Property Inspectors will inspect the stucco during your home inspection. We also inspect stucco as a standalone inspection.

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