Stucco Cutting Termites
We remove the stucco on a 45 angle reseal and waterproof the bottom edge.
Stucco cutting termites. Have the stucco cut and sealed by a qualified contractor. To prevent this problem we do a procedure called stucco cut back or stucco cut at ground level. The residential edition of the florida building code devotes a complete section r 318 protection against termites to construction details to keep termites from infesting a house. 1 create a barrier to keep them from getting into the house and 2 make it easier to spot termites if they do.
The problem is that this thin skinned covering gives the termite protection from its enemies and allows them to go undetected by the homeowner and even the termite inspector sometimes for years. The synthetic stucco can be trimmed at the bottom about 6. It is larger than a grinder but also has a depth gauge which comes in nice for cutting the stucco out and saving the wire in most cases. To make an accurate cut use a masonry chisel and hammer to make a scored groove to serve as a guide for the blade.
This is especially true when the stucco veneer goes below soil grade or cement levels. The handles are also a big advantage and lets the user have a more comfortable grip on the saw. Rotting wood and or termite infestation can be a result. To remove the stucco that is in contact with the soil and seal off the bottom edge of the stucco is called a cut above most termite companies require that the average distance from the stucco down to the grade is at least 6.
Caulk and seal cracks that form where the synthetic stucco meets window and door casings. A circular saw with a diamond blade attached is also a great tool to have for cutting stucco. They should then seal the bottom of the cut to the foundation with adhesive basecoat making it impossible for termites to re enter. One major default that allows termite entry has always been stuccos and veneers.
The code attacks the problem in two ways. If eifs is attached to the foundation and the foundation extends above the grade then the operation is as simple as cutting away the stucco then at the new line terminate the product by reapplying the fiberglass mesh covering basecoat and then applying finish to match the existing texture all the while sealing the stucco to the slab. If you are only cutting out a portion of the stucco and plan to replace it then make clean cuts since any patch will be difficult to blend into the existing wall.