WHY IS FULL ELEVATION REPAIR NECESSARY INSTEAD OF PATCH REPAIR?

Inspection reports often show high levels of moisture in just a few areas of a wall or elevation, usually under one or more windows. 

In the past, patch repairs were performed in an attempt to save money, versus removal of all stucco, corner to corner. However, it is not possible to integrate a functioning drainage plane with a patch repair so future moisture problems are eminent.  

Drainage planes are water repellent materials (building paper, house wrap, sheet membranes, etc) that are located behind the cladding and are designed and constructed to drain water that passes through the cladding. They are interconnected with flashings, window and door openings, and other penetrations of the building enclosure to provide drainage of water to the exterior of the building. 

The materials that form the drainage plane overlap each other shingle fashion or are sealed so that water drains down and out of the elevation wall. 

In attempting a patch repair, any existing drainage plane is damaged and made even less effective. In the short term, a patch repair will result in lower moisture readings when the damp material is removed and replaced. However, a functioning drainage plane can not be integrated with existing materials.  Further, the original construction practices will affect the entire home over time, some areas faster than others.