FAQS

There are three easy ways to get in touch: Phone: Call (610) 455-5408 to speak directly with the team Email: Reach out at leporeservices@gmail.com or leporestucco@gmail.com Online: Submit a contact form at leporestucco.com/contact When you reach out, it helps to share your general location, a brief description of the issue you're seeing, and the exterior type of your home (stucco, EIFS, HardiePlank, etc.). Photos of the affected areas are also helpful if you can provide them.

Having the following information available will help LePore provide faster, more accurate assistance: Property address and municipality (Chester County, Delaware County, or northern Delaware) Type of exterior cladding (hard coat stucco, EIFS/synthetic stucco, HardiePlank, or unknown) Approximate age of the home and stucco system Description of visible issues (cracks, staining, soft spots, interior water signs) Whether you have an existing stucco inspection or moisture report Any urgency factors (e.g., upcoming home sale, active water intrusion)

The Philadelphia suburban region — including Chester County, Delaware County, and northern Delaware — experienced a major stucco construction boom in the 1980s through early 2000s. During this period, EIFS (synthetic stucco) and one-coat hard coat systems were widely installed on new construction homes. Unfortunately, many of these installations were done with insufficient attention to flashing details, particularly around windows and at roof-to-wall transitions. Over 20–40 years, these flashing deficiencies have produced widespread moisture intrusion problems throughout the region. This is why stucco issues are so prevalent in Chester County communities like West Chester, Malvern, Downingtown, Exton, Phoenixville, and Kennett Square, and throughout Delaware County.

Yes — strongly. Any home with a stucco exterior in southeastern Pennsylvania should receive a professional stucco inspection as part of the pre-purchase due diligence process. A proper stucco inspection includes a visual assessment and moisture probe testing (and often infrared thermography) to identify whether moisture has accumulated behind the stucco. Many home purchase contracts in this region specifically call for stucco inspections as a contingency. Discovering moisture problems before purchase allows buyers to negotiate repairs or price adjustments, or to walk away from a problematic property.

EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish System — commonly called synthetic stucco. EIFS consists of a foam insulation board adhered to the wall sheathing, a fiberglass mesh and base coat layer, and a textured finish coat. Unlike traditional hard coat stucco, early EIFS systems (pre-1996) were barrier systems with no provision for draining any water that penetrated the outer surface. When flashing failed, water accumulated in the wall cavity with no exit path, causing serious rot and mold damage before any exterior signs appeared. Homes with EIFS in the Chester County and Delaware County area require careful inspection and proper drainage flashing details in any repair.

The cost of stucco repair varies widely depending on the scope of the issue, the number of affected areas, whether structural sheathing replacement is required, and the extent of re-stuccoing needed. Targeted flashing and caulking repairs at a limited number of window or door locations are typically far less expensive than full exterior remediation. LePore Stucco Services is competitively priced: customer reviews specifically note that their quotes compare favorably against other contractors in the southeastern Pennsylvania market. Contact LePore directly at (610) 455-5408 for a project-specific estimate.

LePore Stucco Services provides quotes following an on-site assessment of the property. Contact the team at (610) 455-5408 or via the contact form at leporestucco.com to schedule a visit.

LePore Stucco Services is affiliated with the MoistureFree Warranty program, which provides homeowners with documented warranty coverage on qualifying repairs. The specifics of warranty terms depend on the scope of work performed. Ask about warranty details when requesting your quote.

Many contractors default to recommending full exterior remediation (complete tear-off and replacement) for any home with stucco moisture issues. This is the highest-cost option and is often unnecessary when the root cause is localized flashing deficiencies rather than systemic failure. LePore's diagnostic expertise allows them to distinguish between homes that genuinely require full remediation and those where targeted surgical repairs will achieve lasting results at a fraction of the cost.

During a site visit, a member of the LePore team will visually inspect the exterior of the home, paying close attention to all high-risk moisture entry points: window and door perimeters, roofline transitions, foundation interfaces, and any areas showing visible stucco distress. Where warranted, moisture probe readings or infrared thermography may be used to assess the extent of moisture behind the surface. Following the assessment, LePore provides a detailed proposal outlining the scope of recommended work, the approach, and the associated cost.

The duration depends on the scope of the repair. Targeted flashing and caulking repairs at a handful of windows may be completed in one to two days. More extensive multi-area repairs involving stucco removal, sheathing inspection, flashing installation, and re-stuccoing may take several days to a week or more. LePore communicates clearly about scheduling and timeline from the outset and keeps homeowners informed throughout the process.

Yes. LePore Stucco Services photographs the repair process throughout each project — including photos of the conditions found before repair, the corrective work in progress, and the finished result. This documentation is provided to the homeowner and serves as a record for future reference, insurance purposes, or resale disclosure.

Yes. The LePore team cleans the work site at the end of each day and upon project completion. Customer reviews consistently note that the team left the property in excellent condition.

Absolutely. If you have a pre-purchase or annual stucco inspection report identifying moisture intrusion issues, LePore Stucco Services can review the findings and propose targeted repairs that directly address the documented deficiencies. This is an efficient and cost-effective path for buyers, sellers, and current homeowners who already have inspection data in hand.

NO! It is rare that all the Stucco on your home would need to be removed. Chances are the water is making its way behind the water barrier by either 1.) missing, undersized, or incorrectly installed flashing (s), 2.) a separation gap between two dissimilar materials that can be sealed with caulk.

No, after we thoroughly go through your moisture inspection report. We will put a game plan together that will include diagnosing where the water is entering, correcting the issue as well as replaced necessary sheathing and structural support. The repair(s) will last for years to come.

Stucco remediation refers to the process of addressing moisture damage behind a stucco exterior — typically by removing compromised sections, drying the wall assembly, repairing or replacing damaged sheathing, and reinstalling the stucco system with corrected flashing details. Many contractors immediately recommend full remediation (a complete tear-off of the exterior), but in a large number of cases, this is unnecessary. LePore Stucco Services takes a surgical approach: they first determine whether the moisture intrusion is truly widespread or localized. If the damage is concentrated around specific penetrations (windows, doors, rooflines), targeted repairs and proper flashing installation can stop water entry at the source without the expense and disruption of a full tear-off.

The most common cause of stucco failure is not the stucco material itself — it is improper or missing flashing. Flashing is the metal or membrane barrier installed at transitions where different materials meet: around windows, doors, at rooflines, at foundation interfaces, and at horizontal ledges. When flashing is absent, incorrectly installed, or has degraded, water infiltrates behind the stucco and becomes trapped, leading to: Wood rot in the wall framing and sheathing Mold growth inside wall cavities Cracking, bubbling, and delamination of the stucco surface Staining on interior walls and ceilings Structural damage over time Other contributing factors include poor caulking around penetrations, missing weep screeds at the bottom of the stucco system, and improperly installed kick-out flashing at roof-to-wall junctions.

Warning signs that stucco may have a moisture problem include: Visible cracks, especially around windows, doors, or corners Stucco that sounds hollow when tapped Discoloration, staining, or dark patches on the exterior surface Efflorescence (white mineral deposits) on the stucco face Interior water stains, musty odors, or visible mold Soft or spongy feeling around window frames or door jambs Elevated moisture readings from an IR thermography or probe inspection 💡 Many moisture issues in stucco homes develop silently for years before becoming visible. If your home is over 10 years old and has never had a stucco inspection, proactive assessment is strongly recommended.

Stucco Repair refers to patching cracks, re-coating damaged areas, or addressing isolated surface defects. It is appropriate when the stucco is largely intact and there is no evidence of systemic moisture intrusion behind the wall. Stucco Remediation involves a more comprehensive intervention: removing sections of stucco (or the entire exterior), inspecting and repairing the wall assembly beneath, correcting flashing and moisture management details, and reinstalling a new stucco system. It is warranted when moisture has penetrated the wall and caused damage to structural or sheathing components. LePore Stucco Services evaluates each home individually to recommend the most cost-effective approach — often a targeted repair rather than a full remediation.

In many cases, yes. LePore Stucco Services specializes in surgical repairs that address the root cause of water intrusion — primarily faulty flashing — without requiring a full exterior tear-off. This approach is significantly less expensive and disruptive than full remediation and produces lasting results when the underlying wall structure is still sound. During an assessment, the team evaluates moisture levels and structural integrity to determine whether targeted repair is appropriate.

LePore Stucco Services is experienced with all common residential stucco systems, including: Traditional three-coat hard coat stucco (Portland cement-based) One-coat stucco systems EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System), also known as synthetic stucco Dryvit and other EIFS brand systems They also work on homes with mixed exteriors, including combinations of stucco with fiber cement siding (HardiePlank), stone, or brick.

Yes. The moisture intrusion problems caused by improper flashing affect stucco, fiber cement, and HardiePlank-sided homes alike. LePore Stucco Services addresses flashing deficiencies and moisture management details across all exterior cladding types common to southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware.

LePore Stucco Services LLC is a third-generation, family-owned stucco repair and moisture intrusion company based in Avondale, PA. Founded on decades of hands-on experience, the company specializes in surgical stucco repairs — targeted fixes that address the true source of failure rather than treating surface symptoms. What sets LePore apart is their diagnostic approach: instead of recommending costly full exterior tear-offs, they identify and repair the underlying cause of water intrusion, most often faulty flashing at windows, doors, rooflines, and foundation transitions.

LePore Stucco Services is owned and operated by Michael LePore and his sons, making it a true family business with multi-generational expertise. Customers consistently praise the professionalism, communication, and craftsmanship of the LePore team. The company carries a MoistureFree Warranty and is affiliated with the Stucco Rescue Team network.

LePore Stucco Services proudly serves homeowners throughout: Chester County, Pennsylvania (including Avondale, West Chester, Malvern, Downingtown, Kennett Square, and surrounding communities) Delaware County, Pennsylvania (including Media, Haverford, Springfield, Upper Darby, and surrounding areas) New Castle County, Delaware / Northern Delaware (including Wilmington, Newark, and nearby towns) 💡 Not sure if your address falls within the service area? Call (610) 455-5408 or submit a contact form at leporestucco.com for a quick confirmation.

Yes. LePore Stucco Services operates as a professional LLC and carries appropriate licensing and insurance for exterior repair work in Pennsylvania and Delaware. They also back their work with a MoistureFree Warranty, giving homeowners added confidence in the lasting quality of every repair.

Yes. LePore Stucco Services provides exterior waterproofing and painting as part of their service offerings. Elastomeric waterproofing coatings are applied to the stucco surface to bridge hairline cracks, create a flexible water-resistant membrane, and extend the life of the exterior. These coatings differ from standard exterior paint in that they are significantly thicker, remain flexible across a wide temperature range, and provide meaningful resistance to wind-driven rain.

No — and this is a critical point. Surface waterproofing coatings cannot compensate for deficient flashing or failed caulk joints. Water entering through an unsealed window frame or missing kick-out flashing will bypass any surface coating and accumulate in the wall cavity. Waterproofing is most effective as a protective measure on an exterior that has already been properly repaired and sealed. LePore Stucco Services always addresses the underlying moisture pathways before applying any surface treatment.

Caulking creates the secondary seal at all exterior joints where flashing alone cannot provide a complete barrier. On stucco homes, critical caulking locations include the perimeter of every window and door, the joint where stucco meets different materials (trim, stone, brick), around light fixtures, hose bibs, dryer vents, and any other penetration through the exterior wall. As caulk ages, it shrinks, cracks, and loses adhesion — allowing water to enter. Failing caulk is one of the most common and easily overlooked causes of moisture problems.

High-quality exterior caulk (elastomeric or polyurethane-based) typically lasts 10–20 years under normal conditions, though UV exposure, temperature swings, and joint movement can shorten that lifespan. In the Philadelphia metro region's climate — with hot, humid summers and freeze-thaw cycles in winter — caulk joints should be inspected every 3–5 years and replaced when cracking, separation, or shrinkage is observed. LePore Stucco Services performs comprehensive re-caulking as a standalone service and as part of broader repair scopes.

The appropriate caulk depends on the substrate and joint type. For stucco exteriors, LePore typically uses premium-grade elastomeric or polyurethane sealants that remain flexible through temperature cycling, bond reliably to masonry and metal surfaces, and are compatible with paint. Silicone-based caulks are sometimes used at metal-to-stucco transitions. The selection of the right product for each specific joint is important — using the wrong caulk type can lead to premature failure or adhesion problems.

Flashing is a thin layer of water-resistant material — typically metal (aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper) or rubberized membrane — installed at transitions and penetrations in a home's exterior envelope. Its job is to redirect water away from vulnerable areas and prevent it from entering the wall assembly. Common flashing locations include: Around window frames (sill pan flashing, head flashing, and jamb flashing) Around door frames At roofline-to-wall junctions (kick-out flashing, step flashing, counter-flashing) At foundation transitions where the wall meets the foundation or grade Around pipes, vents, and other exterior penetrations Flashing is not visible once the exterior finish is applied, but it is the single most important component for keeping water out of the walls. When it is absent or poorly installed, even a small rain event can drive water directly into the wall cavity.

Kick-out flashing (also called diverter flashing) is installed at the point where a roof edge meets a sidewall. Without it, rainwater that runs down the roof slope is channeled directly along the wall rather than being directed away from the structure. This is one of the most common sources of severe water intrusion in homes across Chester County, Delaware County, and northern Delaware — and one of the most frequently missed details in original construction and amateur repairs. LePore Stucco Services specifically identifies and corrects missing or improperly installed kick-out flashing as a core part of their repair work.

Window pan flashing (also called sill pan flashing) is a pre-sloped tray or membrane installed at the bottom of a window rough opening before the window is set. Its purpose is to collect any water that gets past the window itself and direct it outward rather than allowing it to drain into the wall framing. When pan flashing is absent — which is common in homes built during the 1990s and 2000s — window areas become primary entry points for moisture. LePore Stucco Services installs or retrofits pan flashing as part of targeted window-area repairs.

Signs that flashing may be compromised or missing include: Water stains on interior walls or ceilings near windows, doors, or roof-wall junctions Rust-colored staining on the exterior stucco surface near transitions Gaps, separations, or missing metal at roof edges and wall junctions Cracking or bubbling stucco specifically around window and door perimeters A prior stucco inspection that flagged elevated moisture readings at penetrations 💡 Flashing problems are often invisible from the outside until damage has already accumulated. An infrared thermography inspection or professional moisture probe assessment is the most reliable way to detect hidden flashing failures.