Water and adobe
Adobe is earth. When it's dry, it's strong. When it gets wet from the inside, it can soften and slump, and plaster can come loose. The most common way water gets into an adobe wall is from the top — through a cracked parapet cap or a leaking canale.
Where to look
- Cracks along the tops of parapets
- Canales that leak where they pass through the wall
- Stucco stains, bulges or loose plaster
- White mineral crust on walls
- Soft spots in plaster at the base of walls
Protecting the walls
- Seal parapet caps and corners
- Make sure canales send water well away from the wall
- Keep roof coatings intact so water drains to canales, not walls
- Grade soil away from the base of walls
Breathability
Adobe walls need to release moisture. Cement-based stucco and some sealers can trap it. On true adobe, product choice matters. We'll discuss what's appropriate for your parapets. See adobe parapet repair.
Seeing stains on an adobe wall? Call (505) 588-5928.
Common questions
Is my house real adobe or frame with stucco?
Many newer homes are frame or block with stucco. Older homes, especially in the village, may be true adobe. Wall thickness is a clue.
Do you repair adobe walls?
We seal parapets and roof joints. Structural adobe repair is a specialty trade.