There are two types of stucco, traditional stucco or hard-coat stucco and EIFS. The hard-coat stucco system is a cement
mixture used for siding residential and commercial buildings. The cement is combined with water and inert materials such as
sand and lime. Usually, wooden walls are covered with tar paper and chicken wire or galvanized metal screening. This framework
is then covered with the stucco mixture, as described in detail below:
- Tarpaper: Used as a moisture barrier. To seal plywood from the elements, a layer of waterproof 2-ply tarpaper is
attached to the wood with staples, covering all wood surfaces to be covered by stucco.
- Metal Lath: The purpose of lath is to provide a way for the plaster to adhere to the wall. Lath is a metal mesh
securely attached to the wall with staples.
- (“FRP”) mixed to the consistency of cement and spread onto the lath to a thickness of 3/8 inch and worked
to achieve a flat surface.
- Finish (texture) coat: The finish coat is a substance that can be manipulated to form a variety of colors and textures.
The finish coat is applied with a thickness of approximately 1/16 inch and is extremely durable when dry. An acrylic primer
is applied before the finish coat to aid in bonding, durability, water resistance, and elasticity.
What are the benefits of stucco as a building exterior?
Stucco can protect your home as well as any other type of exterior treatment. Many people feel that stucco also provides
a rich texture and is aesthetically pleasing. Stucco is low maintenance and requires no repainting. Stucco systems grow stronger
with age and are impervious to termites, fungus and rot. Some finishes also add insulation value.
- Durability - Hard-coat stucco is a very durable and long-lasting medium,
easily lasting in good condition 10-20 years with little to no maintenance costs. Stucco will not chip, peel, or fade
substantially like painted siding.
- Aesthetic Appearance - Stucco gives homes and buildings a very clean and pleasing
look. Stucco also complements other exteriors well, such as stone, brick, or siding.
- Fire-resistance - Stucco gives your home or business approximately one hour
of fire resistance for extra peace of mind.
- Weather-resistance - The finish coating of our system does not allow water
to penetrate into the system. If water were somehow to get into the stucco, we cover all wood sheeting with 2 layers of waterproof
tarpaper.
- Noise-resistance - Stucco helps keep outside noise from getting in, acting
as a sound insulator.
- Economical - When compared with the high maintenance costs associated with
repainting siding periodically, and the costs of stone and brick, stucco is an affordable option.
What materials can stucco cover?
Stucco is a very versatile product in that it can be applied to many surfaces, including standard sheeting (plywood),
old siding, concrete walls and foundations, among others.
Can stucco be applied in the winter?
Stucco is applied year round, especially with the moderate Colorado winters. When the temperature is below freezing,
heat and enclosure of the project may be required.
