08/18/2026
❓: What do all of these homes have in common?
🅰️:They all need the exterior cladding on them inspected on a regular basis. They're all houses that Allied has completed these inspections for over the years.
❓: What's Exterior Cladding?
🅰️: Exterior Cladding is the masonry or masonry-like finish systems that you see on the exterior of these homes. These systems include EIFS finishes (Exterior Insulation & Finish Systems) commonly known by the brand names of Dryvit or Flexlite; they're stucco-like in appearance. It also includes fiber-cement siding, stucco, & real or faux stone veneer.
❓: Why would you need an Exterior Cladding inspection?
🅰️: These inspections are important to maintain the integrity of the surface. We're looking for signs of water intrusion, improper installation, cracks, drainage problems, insufficient caulking, & other issues that could allow moisture behind the exterior surface & potentially cause hidden damage.
❓: How often should these inspections be done?
🅰️: In general, we'd recommend this type of inspection be done every 3-5 years. You'd want it inspected sooner than that if you see signs of water intrusion. These signs include cracking, staining, bulging, deterioration, or damaged caulking. Other ideal times to complete an EIFS/Exterior Cladding inspection is before buying or selling a home, after significant exterior modifications, or after a major weather event if there's reason to suspect damage.
❓: So what happens if water does get in?
🅰️: If water gets behind the exterior surface & doesn't have a way to escape or dry properly, it can cause some major damage. Trapped moisture can lead to wood rot, deteriorated sheathing, delamination, & eventually, potentially causing significant structural deterioration. The problem is that the exterior surface can look just fine while the damage is being done behind it.
❓: How do you know if there's hidden damage?
🅰️: You call us! Our inspections probe behind the surface to identify areas of deterioration in the sub-surface. Yes that means poking holes into the exterior. But don't let that alarm you! Those holes are always properly sealed with sealant immediately after testing. Once we've completed our inspection & testing, a contractor friendly report is given to you with notes made about the issues we observed.
❓: If I wanted to have my home inspected, what do I do now?
🅰️: Contact Allied! Give us a call or send an email! We can answer any questions you have & get you scheduled! The only obstacle in our way is the weather! As you can imagine, rainy weather could give us a false positive. To ensure the most accurate readings, we want dry weather for at least 24 hours before the inspection.
We're ready to help you for ALL of your inspection needs! We look forward to serving you!
