When Houston Rain Meets Stucco: What to Watch This Season

Rain reveals what dry weather hides.

Rain in Houston isn’t exactly rare, but November showers can be sneaky. The air’s cooler, the storms are lighter, and most people assume the worst of the wet season is behind them. That’s when small stucco problems start to show their face.

Stucco is a strong, beautiful finish—but it’s not waterproof. It’s designed to breathe, to let moisture move through and out. When water gets in faster than it can escape, that’s when you see the telltale signs: dark patches that don’t dry quickly, hairline cracks that widen after rain, or that faint chalky dust you notice when you brush your hand along a wall.

A little surface dampness after a storm is normal. What’s not normal is persistence. If an area stays darker long after everything else dries, water may be getting trapped beneath the surface. That trapped moisture can work its way into framing or insulation and cause long-term damage before you ever see it inside.

Check around windows, doors, and rooflines after a heavy rain. Those are the weak spots where sealants fail or flashing shifts over time. You don’t need fancy tools—just good eyes and dry weather a few hours later.

Stucco doesn’t fail overnight. It sends small signals first. November’s milder rains are the perfect time to listen for them, before winter storms hit harder.

Because in Houston, it’s never really if it rains again—it’s when. And a little attention between downpours keeps your home looking good and staying dry.