While Gilbert, AZ isn’t on the coast, powerful monsoon storms during hurricane season can bring heavy winds, pounding rain, and flash floods that test your home’s defenses. If your house has stucco siding, conducting a careful inspection before storm season is essential. Stucco may seem rock-solid, but even small cracks or hidden weaknesses can lead to serious water intrusion once the heavy weather hits.
Here’s a pre-hurricane stucco inspection checklist every Gilbert homeowner should complete to stay storm-ready.
Key Takeaways
Pre-storm stucco inspections help prevent major water damage during Arizona’s hurricane-related monsoon events.
Early crack repairs and sealing reinforce your home’s first line of defense.
Professional inspections can detect hidden vulnerabilities before they escalate.
Protecting stucco now saves you from costly repairs later.
Why Stucco Inspections Matter Before Heavy Storms
Stucco is prized in Gilbert for its durability and heat resistance, but it’s still vulnerable to water infiltration if damaged. When cracks, gaps, or aged surfaces are exposed to wind-driven rain, water can seep into walls, leading to:
Mold and mildew growth
Structural weakening of wood framing
Peeling and crumbling stucco surfaces
Higher repair costs post-storm
Completing a pre-hurricane inspection ensures your home can stand up to Gilbert’s summer storms with confidence.
Stucco Inspection Must-Dos Before Hurricane Season
1. Inspect for Visible Cracks
Check around windows, doors, and rooflines where stucco often cracks first.
Pay special attention to the base of walls and areas where different materials meet.
Use a flashlight to spot fine hairline cracks that could otherwise be missed.
2. Check for Bulging or Soft Spots
Press gently on suspicious areas. If they feel hollow, soft, or spongy, moisture may already be trapped behind the stucco.
These areas are extremely vulnerable to storm-driven water.
3. Look for Stains or Efflorescence
Dark stains indicate moisture movement through stucco.
White, powdery deposits (efflorescence) show that water is bringing salts to the surface—another warning sign that waterproofing has been compromised.
4. Inspect Expansion Joints and Sealants
Examine joints around windows, doors, and trim.
If caulking is cracked, missing, or brittle, replace it with a flexible, paintable sealant designed for stucco.
5. Check Flashing and Roof-Wall Connections
Ensure flashing is properly installed and sealed where the roof meets stucco walls.
Gaps or loose flashing can funnel rainwater directly into the wall system.
6. Evaluate Past Repairs
If your stucco has been patched before, ensure those areas are still sound and properly blended.
Poor patch jobs often fail first under heavy rain pressure.
If you find significant issues, scheduling professional stucco repair services from Stucco Contractors Arizona is the smartest next step.
Bonus Tip: Preventative Waterproofing
After minor repairs, applying a breathable, waterproofing sealant or fog coating to your stucco can dramatically improve its ability to resist moisture during monsoon storms. It’s an affordable, proactive way to reinforce your home’s protection.
Why Professional Stucco Inspections Are Worth It
While a homeowner visual check is a good start, professional stucco inspections use moisture meters, thermal imaging, and expertise to find hidden vulnerabilities you might miss.
Benefits of a professional inspection include:
Accurate diagnosis of unseen water damage
Expert recommendations for repairs or upgrades
Peace of mind knowing your home is fully storm-prepared
Our team at Stucco Contractors Arizona specializes in preparing Gilbert homes for Arizona’s toughest weather events with fast, thorough service.
Protect Your Gilbert Home Before the Storms Hit
Don’t wait for the first downpour to find out your stucco isn’t ready. A simple inspection now can prevent massive headaches—and expenses—later.
Need help inspecting or reinforcing your home’s stucco before the next big storm? Contact Stucco Contractors Arizona today for a comprehensive pre-hurricane inspection and expert repair solutions customized for Gilbert’s storm season challenges!