So, you are ready to get rid of that old stucco on your Pasadena home. I understand. Sometimes the stucco is cracked, and sometimes it is just not the look you want anymore. This is especially true if you are in a historic area like Bungalow Heaven and want to bring back an older look. But before you grab a sledgehammer or call the first person with a truck, let us talk about what you should not do. I have seen many homeowners make some big mistakes during stucco removal projects, and you do not want to be one of them.
Ignoring What Is Hiding Underneath the Stucco
This is probably the biggest mistake I see with Stucco Removal in Pasadena. People get very focused on getting the stucco off, and they completely forget to think about what is actually under it. Back in the day, especially on some of those older homes here in Pasadena, stucco often went straight over wood siding. Sometimes this was old redwood or cedar siding. Other times, the stucco is just over sheathing. You really need to know what you are about to expose before you start tearing into things during your Stucco Removal project.
If you are planning to swap it out for new siding, that is good. But if you are hoping to bring back original wood, you will need to set aside some money for repairs. That wood might be damaged, rotted, or just full of many nail holes. Do not assume it is perfect. Get a professional to open up a small section first, or at least do some serious digging yourself. It will save you a huge headache later on, and that is important for Stucco Removal in Pasadena.
Old stucco can often hide problems like moisture intrusion or dry rot. This is very common in homes built before the 1980s. Pasadena's climate has hot, dry summers and wet winters. This can stress stucco, leading to stucco cracks and stucco delamination over time. Removing compromised stucco allows for proper inspection and repair of the underlying sheathing and framing. This prevents more costly problems later on. Apex Stucco provides Stucco Removal services for homes in Pasadena, CA.
Skipping the Moisture Inspection for Stucco
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