Informative

Informative is where I post general notes and observations from working with concrete and cement-based materials.

These aren’t always step-by-step tutorials. They’re more like field notes: what’s changing in materials, what works in practice, and how to think about common problems before they happen.

If you like the “why” behind the how-to guides, you’ll probably enjoy this section.

Worker smoothing fresh stucco on wall with trowel

Stucco Moisture Meter Readings Explained: When High Numbers Matter and When They Don’t

Introduction Stucco moisture meter readings are simply numbers that tell you how much moisture a meter senses in the wall material and whether that moisture might need attention. Think of the reading as one piece of a hands-on inspection—compare it to what you see on the surface and to any invasive checks before deciding if […]

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Close-up of blue stucco wall texture

Diagnosing Moisture Behind Stucco: Basic Probe Holes, Borescopes, and What to Look For

Introduction Diagnosing moisture behind stucco means checking for where water has crossed the exterior and is wetting the wall assembly; that can be done with basic probe holes, borescopes, and non‑invasive tools to confirm wet areas. Start by looking for staining, soft or sagging finishes, efflorescence, or indoor musty odors that suggest intrusion, and use

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Hand marking wall near electronic stud finder device

Stucco Clearance Over Walkways: How to Fix Wicking Without Full Removal

Introduction Stucco clearance over walkways means keeping the bottom edge of an EIFS or stucco finish high enough and detailed so moisture doesn’t wick into the walking surface; in plain terms, it’s about creating a gap and proper flashing so water drains away instead of soaking the path. For DIYers that can mean trimming finish,

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Stacked precast concrete hollow core slabs on dirt ground