A cement board and stucco combo creates an aesthetically appealing, moisture and impact-resistant system.
Compared to other stucco substrates, cement board simplifies the installation process and it’s one of the reasons why a lot of people are turning towards this combination.
However, apart from the many benefits associated with cement board stucco, there have been a few complaints over the years.
If you’re contemplating installing a cement board stucco system, you need to familiarize yourself with these problems so that you can decide whether it’s the right option for you.
What is Cement Board Stucco?
To understand better some of these cement board stucco problems, I think it’s fair that we start with a quick definition of this system. Cement board stucco doesn’t just comprise these two materials.
A cement board acts as the substrate and in between it and the stucco, you’ll find an air and water barrier, a drainage mat, a reinforced base coat of stucco, and the final finish.
All these materials play a crucial role in improving the stability, water, and impact resistance of the entire finish.
7 Common Cement Board Stucco Problems
Now that you know what cement board stucco is, let’s dive straight into the common problems you’re likely to run into;
1. Incorrect Installation
As mentioned earlier, cement board stucco is easier to install compared to other substrates. However, because the installation is easy, that doesn’t mean there is no room for error.
Mistakes such as not giving the stucco enough time to cure, or improperly mixing the stucco can lead to failure.
If you’re interested in a cement board stucco system, you need to ensure that it is installed correctly. If you’re going to follow a DIY approach, please do not skip any step.
Alternatively, if you’ll be hiring a contractor make sure that you work with experts. If you could also ask for a warranty for the system, that would be better.
2. Fading
This is a cement board stucco problem that can’t be avoided. Long-term exposure to UV rays can accelerate the fading of cement board stucco.
So, after every few years, you may find yourself being forced to repaint or retexture the finish. Even though this is a common issue, I think that it’s more of maintenance.
After all, you can’t expect cement board stucco to retain its vibrant colors forever.
3. Cracking
Whenever you’re dealing with stucco, cracks will always be lurking around the corners. Many factors can cause cracking on a cement board stucco system.
Examples include; structural movements, incorrect installation, and temperature changes. If you’ll be using this system on your home’s exterior, I’d advise you to frequently inspect it.
The earlier a crack in stucco is repaired, the less damage it is likely to cause. Quite often, most cracks on cement board stucco are usually small and can easily be patched up.
Another cause of cracking on cement board stucco is not providing sufficient expansion joints. Materials such as cement boards expand and contract with temperature changes. If the joints are small, any changes will put more pressure on the stucco and lead to cracking.
4. Moisture Penetration
Remember when I said that a moisture barrier is one of the key materials in a cement board stucco system? Well, its role is to prevent the many issues that can occur when moisture passes through the stucco.
Stucco is a porous material. That means it will let moisture pass through. Even though the cement board is water resistant, you need to try your level best to keep moisture away from this system.
The presence of moisture will weaken the bond between cement board and stucco which can lead to failure. Also, moisture can pass through the cement board and damage the wood frame behind it.
It’s important to note that moisture trapped between these two materials creates the perfect environment for mold growth.
5. Delamination
There are not many complaints about stucco delaminating from cement board. But because it is a serious issue, I had to add to this list. Delamination occurs when layers of stucco separate from the cement board.
This is mostly attributed to poor installation. For instance, if you didn’t use enough adhesive or forgot to apply primer to the cement board, delamination may occur.
If stucco delaminates from the cement board, there is no quick fix. The remaining stucco has to be removed and you have to start the installation process afresh. This isn’t only time-consuming and labor-intensive but it’s a very expensive problem.
6. Staining
As long as cement board stucco is installed on your home’s exterior, staining is inevitable. Dirt stains will eventually show up, especially at the base of the cement board stucco.
With stains, you can get rid of them through regular cleaning. Please be mindful of mold stains. These require a specialized approach.
7. Damage Due to Heavy Impact
A cement board stucco system is impact-resistant but that doesn’t mean it’s bulletproof. Heavy impact caused by either accidents or bad weather such as hail can damage the system.
Heavy impact often leads to the formation of large cracks which need to be repaired as soon as possible.
How Do I Prevent Cement Board Stucco Problems?
If you examine the problems I have listed above keenly, you’ll note that they are mostly attributed to poor installation. If you don’t use a water barrier, prepare to deal with moisture issues.
If you don’t apply enough adhesive, the stucco will delaminate from the cement board. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to properly install the cement board stucco system.
The other thing you can do to prevent these problems is to stick to quality materials. Go for cement boards that are specially designed for stucco. This way you can avoid incompatibility issues.
After installation, always make time to inspect the condition of your cement board stucco system. Look for signs of cracks, delamination, or fading and fix them as soon as possible.
With stucco, the longer you take to address a problem, the more complicated the repair will be.
How Do I Fix Cement Board Stucco Problems?
This will depend on the problem you’re currently dealing with. Above, I have listed a solution for each problem. For instance, if you’ve noticed stains on the cement board stucco, you can do a pressure wash.
But please use the lowest setting and hold the pressure wash at a 45-degree angle. Excessive pressure can delaminate the stucco from the cement board.
In case you run into a serious issue such as large cracks or delamination, please consider hiring an experienced professional to fix this problem for you.
If you have limited experience with cement board stucco, you may end up worsening the situation.
What is the Lifespan of Cement Board Stucco?
Cement board stucco if installed correctly and taken proper care of, can last for up to 30 years. That’s a very long time when you compare it to other home exterior finishes.
The local climate also plays a crucial role in determining the lifespan of cement board stucco. Homes located in areas that experience heavy rainfall often have a shorter cement board stucco lifespan. That’s because the system is more vulnerable to the effects of moisture damage.
What is the Cost of Repairing Cement Board Stucco Issues?
This also depends on the problem in question. Smaller problems like staining and fading will only cost you a few dollars.
However major issues like incorrect installation can cost you a lot of money, especially if you’ll be hiring a contractor.