You’ve probably seen a lot of houses with stone siding, or even own one yourself, and admired how natural it looks and that it must be durable. It has been a trend in the market to favor this stone siding wrapped around house exteriors—it gives homeowners a sense of stability of their home. Unfortunately, this stone siding may not be as stable as it looks, in fact, it may not even be stone.
Faux stone is a fabrication material that commonly substitutes for actual stone. This material is light weight, can be manufactured in a variety of colors, and most importantly, it’s less expensive. Both builders and homeowners have favored faux stone in recent years, contributing to its double-digit sales growth. However, home inspectors have noticed a problem—widespread water damage from poor installation.
Trace Inspections out of Nashville, Tennessee have claimed that nearly 9 out of the 10 homes they’ve inspected with this fabricated stone siding had been installed incorrectly, resulting in a number of problems. Years after installation, homeowners have reported water seepage behind the siding, leading to mold and rotting walls.
It seems as if faux stone is repeating the same issues that came with the synthetic stucco (exterior insulation finish systems or EIFS) from the 1990s. Synthetic stucco is similar to faux stone in that it was cheap, easy to install, and was a favored alternative to the traditional material. Like the fabricated stone, synthetic stucco also had water damage issues. Seepage through small openings around windows and doors caused irreversible damage requiring expensive repairs. Affected homeowners sued the manufacturers, who in turn offered large settlements.
The American Society of Home Inspectors are addressing this issue by encouraging homeowners to be aware of the problems costs associated with the improper installation of exterior siding, pressuring them to closely inspect the siding for signs of seepage.
What signs of damage should you look for? You may see trim boards start to warp and separate, or a slight discoloration of hardwood floors. Another obvious indicator is if the siding was installed without sealants or backer rods around large windows, which would lead to water running down the inside of the walls and lead to mold and rot. Another simple check is to tap the stone to feel any give. Anything that feels loose while tapping is an easy indicator of water damage that dissolved the glue from behind the siding. Another thing to look for is under windows or door frames, where the stone veneer should come up to with only a half-inch gap, which should be filled with a foam rod and a flexible sealant. Water may settle in these areas and cause rotting and mold growth. Check to see if these areas are properly caulked and sealed.
Unfortunately, problems often exist behind the stonework and are out of sight until it is too late. For this case, specialized equipment may be necessary. Moisture meters and infrared cameras can be used to detect problems beyond the reach of the naked eye.
To minimize the likelihood of water damage, preventative action is encouraged to limit the amount of moisture around the siding. Keeping foliage away from exterior siding is a simple, yet necessary, first step. Plants warrant unnecessary moisture, attracting insects and animals that may find their way through the walls. Keeping gutters clean is another step that is often undermined by homeowners. If gutters are clogged, causing water to back up, there is potential of water damage to exterior siding. It is recommended to check and clean gutters at least twice a year.
With proper installation and preventative measures, however, these problems wouldn’t exist. Faux stone is a worthy alternative to real stone with its affordable, lightweight design, as long as it is installed properly. Inspectors advise homeowners to pay close attention to the quality of their builders’ work to make sure the siding is installed as it should, and prevent any future damage with costly repairs. These factors should be kept in mind when buying a home with this fabricated stone veneer. It would be best to hire a home inspector with specialized training for the peace of mind of not having any costly surprises in the future.
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