Brad Coates
MoistureFree Warranty Certified Stucco Inspector, Certification #1589I was co-founder of Stucco Pro Moisturescan in 1996. Stucco Pro developed the Stucco Pro MoistureScan Grid testing protocol and reporting inspection system. At Stucco Pro I helped developed many unique stucco inspection and remediation programs that relied on the impact of emerging industry strategies. Many of these inspection protocols have been adopted nationwide as the standard for stucco property inspections. I traveled extensively nationwide training inspectors on the stucco inspection protocols and reporting systems.
In late 1999, Stucco Pro MoistureScan migrated into Moisture Warranty Corporation which provides the MoistureFree Warranty for stucco homes nationwide. This transition was orchestrated with the Dryvit Class Action Settlement. Moisture Warranty was selected as the Administrator for the Dryvit Class Action Law Suit with complete control over all stucco inspections and stucco repairs.
I was one of three professionals that created the MoistureFree Inspector and Contractor Training System. This training program protocols were adopted nationwide as the industry standard in Stucco Inspection and Repair Techniques. I took on the role of the National Inspection Oversight and ERC (Estimated Repair Costs) Administrator. Over the next 5 years I personally provided stucco inspection and stucco repair oversight for over 10,000 Dryvit stucco homes.
I am currently employed at Moisture Warranty Corporation and provide CRA (certified repair analysis) services, warranty sales, Inspection Training, and all IT service applications.
My professional career outside of Moisture Warranty includes independent stucco inspections and Expert Witness services. I also am involved with my own media service (MMM). Currently I am developing an online inspection reporting system which I hope will improve on the current reporting systems available to Inspection Professionals. There will be an APP FOR THAT!


- Stucco Inspections 80%
- Internet Marketing 40%
- App Development 10%
- Warranty Sales 90%
- Inspection Training 50%
- Realtor Presentations 60%
- Expert Witness 15%
Charlotte Stucco Discussion Fourm
The Stigma Associated with Carolina Stucco Homes
Carolina stucco real estate professionals, you’re undoubtedly aware of the stigma associated with stucco or "Dryvit" homes, and the real estate transactions that have been ruined by the problems related to stucco. You get a listing on one of these homes, a moisture...
Charlotte Stucco Inspections and Surrounding Areas
We have inspected thousands of stucco homes in the greater Lake Norman Charlotte area as well as throughout the Southeast and have found numerous problems due to improper installation practices. Most problems are easily corrected but some are severe and can be very...
Homeowners Guide To Maintaining A Stucco Home
A brief visual inspection can alert you to potential trouble spots. Check roof / wall intersections (kickouts) to see if an angled piece of flashing has been installed to divert the flow a of water away from the vertical wall Check the lower corners of windows for any...
We provide stucco home inspection services in the greater Charlotte NC Lake Norman region
We have inspected thousands of stucco homes in the greater Lake Norman Charlotte area as well as throughout the Southeast and have found numerous problems due to improper installation practices. Most problems are easily corrected but some are severe and can be very...
Is the home Stucco Hard-Coat Stucco or is the home EIFS Synthetic Stucco
Installation in and around the Greater Charlotte Lake Norman NC region. Barrier EIFS is comprised of a base coat and finish coat applied over an EPS board that is attached directly to the sheathing using fasteners or an adhesive. The system provides no avenue for...
Moisture Testing Procedures
Specific, high-risk locations, such as areas under windows, roof flashings and decks are tested for moisture using an electrical resistance-type probe meter. Additionally, the surface of EIFS is scanned under high-risk locations using a Tramex Wet Wall Meter. Any...
Repair follow-up and annual Charlotte stucco inspections
A stucco repair follow-up inspection should be conducted within three months after completion of any Charlotte stucco repairs to assess the effectiveness of the moisture modifications if the first inspection uncovered areas of high moisture. This is extremely...
Stucco And Other Cladding Related Moisture Failure Data
Over 60% of all claddings have moisture problems that damage the home. It is much easier to test EIFS for moisture than any other cladding, therefore a lot more data is available. If other claddings were easier to test, the failure rates would be likely to be much higher than shown on the graph above.
Charlotte Stucco Home Realtors, Buyers, and Sellers Beware
About Charlotte restoration, engineering, and stucco repair company’s that do inspections. Some stucco restoration company’s also do their own stucco inspections. Their primary source of income is from the restoration work and their stucco inspection services is used to find new work. There is nothing wrong with stucco restoration work, however when a company is looking for work, the inspections they provide some times reflect a greater need for their restoration services than what is really there. I have seen small problems magnified to big problems, improper use of inspection equipment to misrepresent a problem or just plain inexperience.
We provide a independent 3rd party inspection service without pushing for repairs. We report the facts as found and have no reason to magnify a problem. If problems are found we will gladly consult with the remediation company you choose, regarding findings in our reports.
Six Critical Elements of a Kickout Flashing
1. Placement • Under last step/run flashing in direct contact with the wall and roof substrate, as shown. • Lift last shingle to check if kickout is under step/run flashing 2. Sufficient Height and Angle • At least 4” in height—angle to roof should be 90 degrees. •...
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