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Over the last few months we have received several claims from folks with homes constructed with stucco applied over frame (lath and plywood). Most of these dwellings were built in the last 15 to 20 years. The problem:  stucco is porous  and over many years  moisture collects behind it and causes rot and damage to the exterior plywood and eventually mold develops on the interior plasterboard. The issue is that in most cases, homeowners don't know there is a problem until rain water is rushing in during or directly after a storm. And here's the really big concern. Typically there is little or NO coverage for this type of situation. Most homeowner policies exclude mold and rot or at best limit the coverage to a few thousand dollars.  Damage relating to this cause can run into thousands of dollars leaving folks in a financially difficult position.
We at WIN suggest the following to help prevent this from happening:
Check the exterior of your home. Particularly, the north face of the building. If you see black marks on the stucco, you may have rot or mold. In this case, you may want to contact a building inspector or construction professional. They have proper tools to further investigate the problem.
Don't wait to do this. Mold is not only destructive to wood but it is also responsible for upper resperitory problems in children and adults alike.
Please contact or office if you have any concerns or questions regarding mold or rot.
https://www.travelersagentvideo.com/VLP140DEA.aspx
