Stucco and EIFS: The Hidden Danger of Cracked Joints in Arizona Homes

Stucco and EIFS are incredibly popular building finishes across Arizona, prized for their durability and aesthetic appeal. However, even the most robust system has a critical weakness: the joints and transitions where the stucco meets windows, doors, or other building materials.

When these joints fail, they don't just look bad—they create invisible pathways for water to penetrate behind your wall system, leading to expensive, hidden damage.

The Stucco Sealing Problem in the Desert

The issue is twofold in Arizona:

1. Thermal Shock: The massive daily temperature swings cause your structure to constantly expand and contract. This relentless movement eventually exhausts and cracks standard caulk and sealants.

2. Monsoon Water Intrusion: A crack the width of a coin can funnel large amounts of water behind the stucco during a strong monsoon, where it gets trapped, promotes mold, and begins to rot the underlying sheathing and framing.

Ignoring these cracks is one of the most common and costly mistakes a property owner can make.

Our Specialized Solution for Stucco and EIFS

Felix Sealants LLC doesn't just slap a bead of caulk over a problem. We offer a specialized service designed to restore the integrity of your exterior finish:

• Removal of Failed Sealant: We meticulously remove all failed, brittle, and compromised sealant from the joints.

• Joint Preparation: The joint surface is cleaned, dried, and prepared to ensure maximum adhesion.

• High-Performance Application: We apply industrial-grade, elastomeric silicone sealants specifically formulated for dynamic joints in stucco and EIFS. These materials remain flexible and withstand the extreme movement and UV exposure common in the Southwest.

Our process ensures a reliable, long-lasting moisture barrier that keeps water out and preserves the structural health of your building.

Where We Focus Our Protection

We target the high-risk zones where water is most likely to exploit a weakness:

• Window and Door Perimeters: The seal where the stucco meets the frame is critical for stopping leaks and air infiltration.

• Control/Expansion Joints: The intentional lines cut into large stucco surfaces are designed to manage movement.

• Penetrations: Around hose bibs, electrical conduit, and vents.

• Parapet Wall Caps: Sealing the tops of exterior walls to prevent water from running down the wall cavity.

Don't wait until you see interior signs of water damage. If your stucco joints show cracks, gaps, or dryness, it’s time for proactive maintenance.

Protect your investment with professional stucco sealing.

Contact the experts at Felix Sealants LLC today for a free estimate!