Bulging stucco wall
Hi all,
I own a 1910 2 story home in Virginia with stucco siding and 2x4 wall framing. The stucco under the kitchen sink/ along the kitchen wall is bulging out and has been since buying last year. Inspector was mostly useless.
There is no drip screed but at least the stucco doesn’t touch dirt- slab foundation expands out beyond the wall by about a foot. I’d like to consider fixing this along with some other stucco cracks along the wall that are relatively easy to fix.
My suspicion is that at one point there may have been a water leak, or simply moisture buildup behind the stucco with no way to escape. (See missing drip screed)
Either way, I feel I need to address this at some point and figured I might as well install a drip screen around the entire house (and some expansion joints) for long term ownership. I’m fully expecting to find some rot that needs replacing for studs and I’m hoping the wrb is in ok condition and that hopefully there’s a rain screen? There’s no info on when the house was last stucco’d but likely a long time ago, (hopefully pre-asbestos)
I have included some pictures here if you could give me your best insights, from you got this, no biggie, to holy moly you’re screwed. Please share your thoughts so I can be prepared!