Stucco Remediation
We don't patch stucco problems. We solve the root cause — permanently.
Stucco remediation is the complete removal and replacement of a failing stucco system — including the repair of all underlying structural and moisture management defects. Unlike stucco repair, which addresses only surface symptoms, StuccoToday's remediation methodology solves the root causes of failure: rotted OSB sheathing, missing drainage planes, improper window flashing, and the builder shortcuts that caused the problem in the first place.
Why Stucco Fails — The Root Causes
Most stucco failures in the Philadelphia region aren't caused by the stucco itself — they're caused by what's behind it. Or more accurately, what isn't behind it.
When we remove failing stucco, here's what we typically find:
- OSB sheathing instead of plywood — OSB absorbs moisture and swells, deteriorating far faster than plywood
- No kickout diverters — the #1 failure point, allowing water to pour behind the cladding at roof-to-wall junctions
- No drainage plane — no way for moisture that penetrates the stucco to drain away from the sheathing
- No weep screeds — no exit path for moisture at the base of the wall system
- No soft joints — stucco cracks at every window, door, and dissimilar material junction
- Improper window flashing — no sill pans, no corner shields, water entering around every opening
- Fixtures mounted directly through cladding — every light, outlet, and spigot becomes a water entry point
Our Process — The 8–10 Layer Underlayment System
At Stucco Today, we install an 8–10 layer moisture management system before a single piece of siding or stone goes up. Most contractors install 3–4 layers. That's why most remediation fails — and why ours doesn't.
Fortiflash Butyl 8"/9"
Applied at the foundation-to-framing junction — the critical transition point where moisture first enters the wall system.
Ice and Water Shield
Applied at the foundation AND all vulnerable areas including kickout locations and below windows. Secondary moisture barrier for the highest-risk zones.
JumboTex Two-Ply Vapor Barrier / Henry Obdyke HydroGap
Full-wall vapor barrier over the wood underlayment. JumboTex for stucco systems, HydroGap housewrap for Hardie installations.
KEENE Rainscreen Drainage Mat
6Mill for stucco, 3Mill for Hardie — creates an active drainage channel behind the cladding. This is the layer most contractors skip entirely, and it's often the difference between a system that works and one that fails.
Weep Screed Above Foundation
Coordinates with the drainage mat per current building code to provide a moisture exit path at the base of the wall system.
Kickout Diverters
Installed at ALL proper locations — not just where it's convenient. Missing kickout diverters are the single most common cause of stucco failure we find on the job.
EZBead Soft Joints with DOW 790
Expansion joints around every window, door, and dissimilar material junction. Allows the system to move with temperature changes without cracking.
2.5 Gauge Self-Furring Wire Lath
Per ASTM C1063 specification for stucco systems — provides the mechanical bond for the stucco application.
Premium Materials We Use
Foundation junction & window flashing
Rubberized corner flashings
Drainable housewrap
Active drainage mat (6Mill/3Mill)
Expansion joint sealant
Mounting blocks & transitions
8¼" Lap & Board and Batten
Color-matched exterior caulk
Stucco finish coat options
The James Hardie Triple Inspection
Every James Hardie installation gets three independent inspections by Sean Lichtenvoort, our dedicated James Hardie representative. He inspects before we start, during installation, and at completion. Your final payment is only released when Sean gives his stamp of approval.
How many contractors let the manufacturer hold their final payment hostage to quality?
Investment & Payment
Stucco remediation is a significant investment in your home's protection and value. Our projects typically range from $25,000 to $75,000 for residential homes, depending on scope, materials, and the extent of underlying damage.
What makes StuccoToday different isn't just what we do — it's what's included:
- OSB-to-plywood upgrade (structural improvement)
- Sister framing where needed (not an upcharge)
- Wet insulation replacement
- Full 8–10 layer underlayment system
- AZEK mounting blocks with drip edges for every fixture
- Z-flashing at all rooflines and clearance areas
Payment structure: Only 5% deposit to start, with milestone-based payments throughout. Financing available for qualifying projects with fully refundable deposits if financing isn't secured.
We provide detailed proposals with multiple options at different price points so you can make the choice that's right for your home and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stucco remediation projects typically range from $25,000 to $75,000 for residential homes, depending on the size of the area, extent of damage, and materials chosen. Our largest project was $395,000 for a luxury home in Gladwyne. We provide detailed proposals with options at multiple price points so you can make an informed decision. Only 5% deposit is required to start, with milestone-based payments throughout the project.
Stucco repair addresses surface-level issues like cracks and cosmetic damage. Stucco remediation is a complete solution: we remove all existing cladding down to the framing, repair structural damage, install our 8-10 layer moisture management system, and apply new cladding. If the root cause of failure isn't addressed — missing drainage planes, improper flashing, rotted sheathing — repair is just a temporary band-aid.
Most residential stucco remediation projects take 2-4 weeks depending on the scope. Larger projects or multi-elevation homes may be broken into phases. We provide a detailed timeline in your proposal so you know what to expect at each stage.
Most stucco failures in the Philadelphia region trace back to construction shortcuts: OSB sheathing instead of plywood, missing kickout diverters, no drainage plane behind the cladding, no weep screeds, and no soft joints around windows and doors. These defects allow moisture to penetrate behind the stucco where it rots the sheathing and framing — often for years before visible signs appear.
Yes. We recommend an invasive stucco inspection (also called a stucco report) before any remediation work. This involves cutting small test openings to examine the condition of the sheathing and framing behind the stucco. We provide a detailed breakdown of findings to help you understand the scope of work needed.
Some insurance policies cover water damage caused by stucco failure, but coverage varies widely. We can work with your insurance company and provide documentation of the damage for claims purposes. We also offer financing for qualifying projects.
We use premium, name-brand materials at every layer: Fortiflash Butyl tape for flashing, Corner Shield rubberized corners, JumboTex two-ply vapor barrier or Henry Obdyke HydroGap housewrap, KEENE Rainscreen Drainage Mat, DOW 790 sealant via EZBead soft joints, and either three-coat stucco, James Hardie siding, stone veneer, or vinyl siding for the finish. Every material is chosen for its specific role in our moisture management system.
Every James Hardie installation gets three independent inspections by Sean Lichtenvoort, our dedicated James Hardie representative. He inspects pre-job (scope of work), mid-installation (after flashings and trim), and at completion. Our final payment is only released upon his approval — an extraordinary level of quality assurance that most contractors don't offer.
Ready to Fix Your Stucco the Right Way?
Get a free estimate from Philadelphia's most trusted stucco remediation contractor. We'll diagnose the root cause and give you a detailed plan — no obligation.