Exterior cladding systems protect a building from the elements, especially rain, wind, and water intrusion. But they have to be installed properly, or they can cause damage that is extensive and expensive to repair.
Why These Systems Fail
Stucco, EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems), and other cladding materials are among the most frequent sources of construction defect litigation in Texas,
When properly installed with correct flashing and sealant, Stucco and EIFS perform as designed. Most problems from these systems arise not from the quality of the product but rather due to shoddy workmanship.
Contractors may be culpable for the following installation failures:
- Missing or improperly integrated flashing at windows, doors, and roof-to-wall transitions
- Absent or inadequate moisture barriers behind the cladding
- Improper sealing around penetrations such as light fixtures
- Failure to install a drainage plane or weep screed
- Incorrect thickness or application of base coats and finish coats
- Caulking used as a substitute
Each of these failures creates a route for water to enter the wall assembly and become trapped. Once moisture infiltrates, it has nowhere to go but down or through.
Water Intrusion Damage
Water intrusion behind stucco or EIFS rarely consists of visible leaks. Instead, it tends to migrate through the wall cavity and slowly deteriorate the structural components behind the exterior finish. When visible signs do appear, the underlying damage is usually significant.
Common consequences of moisture intrusion behind cladding systems include:
- Rotting of structural framing and sill plates
- Mold growth within wall cavities, which can create health hazards and render portions of a building uninhabitable
- Corrosion of metal fasteners, connectors, and framing members
- Deterioration of insulation, reducing the building’s energy efficiency
- Damage to interior finishes, including drywall staining, bubbling paint, and warped flooring
Repair costs in these cases frequently run into the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Remediation typically requires removing the entire cladding system, correcting the underlying installation defects, and reinstalling the exterior finish from scratch.
Who Bears Responsibility
Construction defect claims involving cladding failures can involve multiple parties. Potentially liable parties include the general contractor responsible for the overall project, the stucco or EIFS subcontractor who performed the installation, or the architect or designer who specified the system. In some cases, the manufacturer may be liable if the product was defective or if the manufacturer’s installation guidelines were materially misleading.
Contact an Experienced Construction Defect Lawyer
Construction defect claims involving stucco, EIFS, or other cladding systems are technical cases that require attorneys who understand law and building science. Evidence of improper installation can be difficult to identify without the right training or relationships with experts. ,
If you’ve discovered moisture damage, mold, or structural deterioration behind your building’s exterior, don’t wait to take action. At Porter Law Firm, an experienced construction defect attorney can coordinate an inspection by a qualified building envelope consultant, assess the scope of the damage, and pursue the cost of a full and proper repair from the responsible parties. Call us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case.