Water intrusion from an exterior wall can be alarming, especially in southwest Florida, where the rainy seasons can be heavy and hurricanes can be disastrous. The proper steps to seal the areas allowing water in are crucial to ensure no more water damage occurs. “Georges Quality” is committed to transparency in handling this essential repair.
Removing Interior Drywall
Occasionally, “Georges Quality” starts from the inside to identify the exact cause of the water intrusion. We will remove a section of the drywall to reveal the conditions underneath. Once the drywall is removed, we can inspect the framing for rotting, the insulation for water damage, and the backside of any window sealant for damage. Depending on the composition of the wall, we can sometimes get a view of the back side of the sheathing that supports the exterior stucco to see if it is healthy.
With part of the interior drywall removed, we can also run some water on the exterior to confirm that the leak is in the specified location.
Water-damaged Wood Framing
Changing out any damaged and rotting framing is essential in the repair process. Once the water starts rotting away the framing, damaged key wood components in the wall can become a safety hazard. Rotting wood loses its strength to hold up windows and other building components. “Georges Quality” adds new supports to the wall to help support existing windows while we remove the damaged wood and install new healthy, strong wood members.
Damaged and Cracked Stucco
In many instances of water intrusion, the culprit is damaged exterior stucco. Stucco cracking, lifting, and bulging should be addressed immediately. “Georges Quality” removes the damaged stucco on the exterior to expose any damaged sheathing underneath. We then replace the damaged sheathing with new, healthy sheathing. We apply a waterproofing agent (R-Guard Water Barrier) to crucial areas. Exterior sheathing requires two water barrier/house wrap layers before the lathing and cement process begins.
The first layer of house wrap installed by “Georges Quality” is usually a high-grade version of the brand Tyvek. The second house wrap installed by “Georges Quality” is generally glued to the back side of the lath and sold together. The stucco cement on the exterior should be at least 7/8 of an inch thick.
Sealing The Windows
“Georges Quality” addresses window sealant when the specified leak is around or by a window. We understand that outside elements and extreme storm conditions can damage the exterior sealant around the perimeter of the window case. “Georges Quality” thoroughly removes the old and damaged sealant around the window and prepares it for a new sealant. We then apply a high-grade exterior sealant around the window that is rated to withstand the exterior elements.
Our Commitment
We understand that not all leaks are the same, though they might share similarities. We tackle every Stucco repair job individually and try to give each client exactly what their repair needs.
