Stucco – if it cannot breathe
I have a 100 year old wood house that was covered in stucco possibly around 1995. A few years ago I noticed little ants getting in my house. They were entering through a gap between stucco and foundation that runs around the perimeter of the house [also in attic]. I sealed that gap up with a spackling type material and the problem was solved. But now I may have a mold problem as I find I am coughing and stuffed up all the time but I don’t have a cold. It’s possible now that the stucco cannot breathe. Do I remove all that spackling? Or is there another way to ensure the stucco breathes and the insects stay out? I expect that won’t solve the mold problem if there is one. Do I need to rip out all the insulation and drywall in my house?
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Replies
This is a question that we're not going to be able to answer here. It all depends on specifically what is going on at your house.
Ants are often (but not always) a sign that the walls are wet. Ants like damp places to nest. A 1995 stucco installation could have major water issues, or not. Sealing that gap at the bottom of the wall may have also sealed up the drainage channels, causing water to become trapped in the wall. Or not. You're going to have to find a local stucco expert to inspect the house and let you know what's going on. You can start with inspectors certified by either EDI or the AWCI. They've both got lists on their websites.
Windy,
The question about whether your house needs a ventilation system has nothing to do with whether or not the stucco can breathe. These are two separate issues.
For information on indoor air quality and ventilation systems, see these three articles:
"Designing a Good Ventilation System"
"Revisiting Ventilation"
"All About Indoor Air Quality"
And by the way: If you have medical symptoms, you shouldn't seek advice on a forum about residential construction. Instead, talk to your doctor.