We repair chimney stucco damage in Portland.
This chimney is about a quarter of a mile from the ocean. At one time it had a very nice stucco job on it that was well formulated and well applied. The stucco has pulled away over time due to water intrusion and freeze thaw cycles during cold winters. Water intruded behind the stucco between the brick and the stucco and froze, then expanded, then froze and expanded, and froze and expanded over time; the picture above shows the final result.
These days, we have waterproofing agents that will last 7 to 10 years depending on the environment. When this chimney is repaired we will apply the waterproofing 30 days later after the mortar has had time to cure. This damage will not occur again if the waterproofing program is maintained every 7 to 10 years meaning the waterproofing is reapplied.