Bob reached out with a concern about his stucco schedule being delayed, leaving his asphalt paper exposed for nine months. Let’s dive into the potential risks and whether the paper can be restored.
Question from Bob:
I have had a delay in my stucco schedule that has resulted in my paper being exposed for 9 months. What are my risks for that long of paper exposure? (So. California; no rain but lots of sun)? Can asphalt paper be restored?
Hey Bob! Nine months of exposure is definitely pushing the limits for stucco (asphalt) paper, even in a dry, sunny climate like Southern California. Here’s what you’re looking at in terms of risks and some potential options moving forward:
Risks of Prolonged Exposure
Asphalt paper is designed to be a temporary weather barrier during the construction process, but prolonged exposure to the elements can compromise its performance, which can come in the form of...
- UV Damage: Extended sun exposure can cause the paper to dry out, become brittle, and lose its flexibility. Over time, this makes it more prone to tearing and cracking, which can happen with strong winds.
- Degradation of Waterproofing: The asphalt layer in the paper can deteriorate with prolonged exposure, reducing its ability to repel water. This is still true even if the paper is covered up by a stucco base coat, the damage is already done.
- Potential Tears or Damage: Wind, like I mentioned already, can lead to physical damage, like rips or loosened edges, further compromising the paper's integrity and could cause an issue down the road.
Can Asphalt Paper Be Restored?
Unfortunately, once asphalt paper has been exposed for that long, it’s unlikely to perform as intended, even if it looks okay. The degradation from UV exposure and environmental wear means it probably won’t provide the reliable weather barrier needed for your stucco application, when compared to fresh paper.
Restoring asphalt paper isn’t really an option. Instead, it’s better to replace it to ensure your stucco system is properly protected. New paper will ensure that your walls have a fresh layer of paper that can withstand a good deal of moisture, with a worn out paper, there is no telling how long before it fails.
What Should You Do Now?
In my eyes, there really are only two options you have from this point, moving forward and these are:
- Inspect the Current Paper: Check for visible signs of damage, like tears, brittleness, or discoloration. If everything seems fine, then you could just leave it and take a small risk, avoiding the removal and reinstallation process. If any of these issues are present though, replacement is strongly recommended.
- Replace with Fresh Paper: This is the safest option. Removing and replacing the old paper will ensure a solid base for your stucco application. This is obviously a lot more work if the wire is also attached to the walls, but it is a reality that you will have to come to terms with if you want to eliminate any premature failures.
Bob, while it’s disappointing to deal with delays, replacing the paper now will save you potential headaches down the road. It’s better to ensure your stucco system starts with a solid, intact barrier rather than risk future water damage or failure!
