Don’t Let Stucco Trap the Moisture: How to Keep Your Walls Breathing All Summer Long
- cj91679
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
In Houston, summer means heat, humidity—and plenty of moisture in the air. While stucco is known for its durability and aesthetic appeal, it’s also one of the exterior systems most vulnerable to trapped moisture. If your stucco can’t "breathe," your home may be silently harboring damage you can’t see until it’s too late.
Stucco Is Porous by Nature—But That’s Not the Whole Story
Traditional stucco is a breathable material. It allows water vapor to pass through, which is critical in Houston’s humid climate. But many homes today don’t use traditional stucco alone—they have synthetic finishes, multiple layers of paint, or improperly installed barriers that can trap moisture inside the wall system.
When this happens, your exterior may look fine on the surface while water slowly deteriorates the substrate behind it.
What Causes Stucco to Trap Moisture?
Several factors can turn a breathable wall into a moisture trap:
Multiple layers of paint or elastomeric coatings that seal the surface too tightly
Improper flashing or weep screeds that prevent water from escaping
Landscaping or sprinkler systems hitting the walls regularly
Synthetic stucco (EIFS) systems installed without proper drainage
High indoor humidity seeping outward and condensing inside the wall
In all of these cases, moisture gets in—but doesn’t get out.
Signs That Moisture Is Stuck Behind the Surface
Most homeowners don’t realize there’s a problem until it becomes visible. Be on the lookout for:
Bulging or soft spots in the stucco
Staining or streaks on the wall
Mold or mildew smells near exterior walls
Cracks that widen or spread quickly
Interior signs like warped baseboards or musty drywall
These symptoms usually mean the wall system has been holding onto moisture for some time.
How to Keep Your Stucco Walls Breathing
You can help protect your home by maintaining breathability and improving drainage:
Avoid painting stucco with non-permeable coatings unless professionally advised
Make sure all weep screeds are exposed and unobstructed
Keep sprinklers and water features away from the base of your walls
Schedule regular inspections, especially if your stucco is more than 10 years old
Ensure proper attic ventilation and dehumidification inside the home
If you’re unsure whether your stucco is trapping moisture, a professional inspection is the safest next step.
Final Thought
Stucco isn’t a “set it and forget it” exterior. It needs to breathe—especially during Houston’s intense summer heat and humidity. A little attention now can prevent major repairs down the road.
Think your walls might be holding on to more than they should?We’re here to help. Book a professional stucco inspection and get peace of mind before summer takes its toll.
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