Question: Dear Robert: I own a home here in Saugus and would like to know why the stucco is coming off of the side of the house, near the bottom. It is flaking off and landing into the planter. This is the only area that it is happening. What could it be from? Can you help with this issue, please?
— Joseph K.
Answer: Joseph, without a photo I can only surmise, but I believe your issue is going to be sprinkler-related, especially if this is the only area that is affected. Your planter likely has sprinklers within, and they are adjusted in such a way that the water is hitting the house.
This will be an easy fix, if this is the case. Simply adjust the sprinkler head so it is not hitting the house. If it is an old head or the incorrect type for the area, consider a new head or even switching this planter to a drip or soaker system. The area on the house should dry out completely, and once it is you can have a stucco company come in for a bid for repairs.
Be sure to only hire a licensed and insured contractor, and beware of unnecessary upsells. If the paper behind the stucco is still good, this should be a quick and easy fix to button this side back up. Best of luck.
Robert Lamoureux has more than 40 years of experience as a general contractor, with separate licenses in electrical and plumbing contracting. He owns IMS Construction Inc. in Valencia. His opinions are his own, not necessarily those of The Signal. Opinions expressed in this column are not meant to replace the recommendations of a qualified contractor after that contractor has made a thorough visual inspection. Email questions to Robert at [email protected].
