Ai Restoration

CAUSE:
When rainwater enters untreated stucco it carries contaminants with it. As the water dissipates the contaminants are left behind. Every single time it rains the cycle repeat itself, not only accumulating deposits, but actually concentrating them.

RESOLUTION:
We will first remove contaminants from deep within the stucco with our environmentally neutral products. To prevent future staining we HIGHLY recommend the application of a clear sealer. This clear sealer will prevent water and the contaminants that it carries from entering the stucco.

CAUSE:
If cracking is localized to specific areas, it can often be linked to excessive movement in that region. The stucco may have been improperly applied and/or done so in inclement weather. Some structures may naturally experience movement in certain areas that exceed the strength and flexibility of normal, untreated stucco.

RESOLUTION:
Our coating systems are much stronger than normal stucco, but invisible to the untrained eye. They will bridge and fill these cracks and allow for future movement without cracking. If any cracks are excessively wide, we fill them with a specialized urethane prior to application of an elastomeric coating. To ensure deep penetration and uniform coverage, we atomize the material while spraying it on the surface. Our equipment is capable of spraying textured material, so your home will look natural, not painted. We can color match your existing stucco or you choose a new look with any color you desire.

CAUSE:
If water is present within your walls mold will grow.

RESOLUTION:
The path of the water must first be discovered and stopped. A section of stucco will then be removed. Any defects in installation are examined and addressed. All rotted wood will be replaced.   Most important is the proper reinstallation of stucco to keep this from reoccurring.

CAUSE:
When stucco extends below the dirt line it creates two major problems.   First, any water contained in the stucco that moves downward has nowhere to drain.   Secondly, the stucco will actually pull moisture up out of the ground through capillarity, (also known as capillary action, capillary rise, or wicking).

RESOLUTION:
The stucco is cut above grade, followed by the installation of a weep screed.

CAUSE:
Unsealed stucco will naturally age. Improper mixing, poor installation, or a combination of both will expedite the decomposition of stucco.  

RESOLUTION:
Treating your stucco with a preservative will greatly decrease the rate of decay.

CAUSE:
The natural porosity of stucco allows for excessive water saturation. This increases the likelihood of damage and deterioration from normal freeze/thaw cycles.

RESOLUTION:
The fastest and most effective solution is the application of a deep penetrating sealer that will protect the stucco from the base coat to the surface.

CAUSE:
Efflorescence is a mineral salt deposit. These deposits are most commonly observed as a white dust on stucco, but may also manifest themselves in brown or green colors. These water-soluble salts are present, in varying degrees, in the materials used to mix the stucco. They may also originate at any point where stucco meets the soil. As water enters the stucco, it dissolves the salts and pulls them to the surface. The water then evaporates, leaving the salt deposits behind.

RESOLUTION:
A non-toxic solution is used to neutralize the salt deposit as they are brushed away. To prevent further efflorescence, a clear sealer should be applied. Without water in the stucco, there is no mechanism for the salts to concentrate on the surface.

CAUSE:
This is often overlooked during the construction phase. The window installer will blame the stucco contractor and vice-versa. Many times we find these areas to be the origin of larger problems.  

RESOLUTION:
All gaps are first routed open. We then apply a flexible joint system that will allow for movement between dissimilar surfaces. We DO NOT squirt silicone all over the place like other companies do. In fact, if silicone is present, we will remove it and replace it with a more durable specialized exterior urethane.  

CAUSE:
Long streaks emerge because the water is not being directed properly where the stucco meets the roof.

RESOLUTION:
All water needs to be redirected away from the stucco, preferably into a gutter if present. This is accomplished by the proper installation of Kick Out flashing.