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Pinellas County requires contractors involved in new construction or significant repairs to get permits and submit to inspections as the project progresses. However, even when the project passes the required building department inspection, there may be defects in the stucco or building envelope that go unnoticed.
Stucco is a popular finish known for its ability to withstand heat and humidity and its attractiveness as a decorative covering that adds panache to unique homes. It may not be the stucco mixture that is at fault when Pinellas Park stucco construction defects occur. Rather, the worker who applied the stucco may be at fault for application defects, leaving the potential for enormous damage if the stucco cracks and water seeps in. If you see cracks in recent stucco work or rust stains, call Herman & Wells now to discuss what our construction defect attorneys can do for you.
The Florida Building Code has generally adopted standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), an international organization that specifically addresses how thick stucco should be, how it should be applied around windows, what should be done between masonry and wood levels, and how control joints should be properly installed.
When improperly installed, stucco may begin to show hairline cracks, and water becomes trapped behind it, causing the lath (the supporting wire mesh) to rust and the coating to break off from the building. The wood underneath the stucco may rot, allowing water and pests to invade the home. At Herman & Wells, our attorneys are familiar with stucco construction flaws and have years of experience helping clients across Pinellas County hold contractors and subcontractors liable for the havoc these flaws can cause.
In the 1970s, Highway 19 through Pinellas Park was a desolate road slicing through sparsely populated territory. The building boom of the next decade and beyond prompted some builders to cut corners, including in stucco applications that involved:
This and subsequent rapid construction made Pinellas Park a vibrant and notable community within the County. However, even now, builders are often so busy that they cannot oversee every aspect of stucco application, and county inspectors often fail to scrutinize this part of the construction. When cracks appear in stucco applied within the last seven years, the damage can escalate rapidly, making your home or business a nightmare.
Homeowners and condo associations are expected to maintain the integrity of stucco applications. For instance, if a Spanish-style home features stucco arches, it may be necessary to seal the tops periodically to prevent water from seeping in.
If cracks are appearing due to stucco defects in your property, your first step should be to hire a licensed contractor or inspector to identify the problem. You can then approach the original contractor if the defect was caused by substandard work, or the manufacturer if the stucco itself falls below acceptable standards, and discuss how to fix the issue.
Most construction companies have insurance to protect them when problems arise. Our Pinellas County construction attorneys are experienced negotiators and will engage with insurers, contractors, manufacturers, and stucco distributors on your behalf. We also represent clients at mediation and arbitration and are knowledgeable at litigating if these remedies are not sufficient.
Losses from the substandard application of stucco to your home or condominium building can be substantial as rainwater creeps behind the stucco through quickly spreading hairline cracks. Although stucco has been used since ancient Roman times for its resilience and beauty, defects must be corrected to protect building integrity.
The attorneys at Herman & Wells are dedicated to preserving the vibrancy of Florida’s homes and condominiums by advocating for clients who have been wronged during the construction process. We are always available to our clients. If you are dealing with stucco construction defects in Pinellas County, we are standing by to help—call now.
