Stucco is a construction material used for decorative finishes of walls and buildings or
restoration of deteriorating ones. It is an easy and versatile way to accent otherwise
plain-looking or flat out ugly walls. Nowadays, it is a mixture of lime, sand, Portland
cement, and water and is applied wet to the surface then hardens as it dries. As such,
it is cost-effective, which makes it popular to homeowners and is widely used in
construction. But before you decide to pick up that trowel and brush here are some
useful tips that could help make your next home improvement project a success:
restoration of deteriorating ones. It is an easy and versatile way to accent otherwise
plain-looking or flat out ugly walls. Nowadays, it is a mixture of lime, sand, Portland
cement, and water and is applied wet to the surface then hardens as it dries. As such,
it is cost-effective, which makes it popular to homeowners and is widely used in
construction. But before you decide to pick up that trowel and brush here are some
useful tips that could help make your next home improvement project a success:
1. Stucco needs water to bond.
Stucco does not apply uniformly on a surface that repels moisture because it needs
water to bond. So, if the wall is an exposed brick or a surface that absorbs moisture,
then stucco can be applied directly. But if it is a painted finish that repels water, your
home can still utilize stucco with these 2 techniques. First is to remove this paint
finish either by sandblasting or water blasting before applying the stucco. Second is
to attach a paper-backed lath to the surface before applying three layers of stucco.
water to bond. So, if the wall is an exposed brick or a surface that absorbs moisture,
then stucco can be applied directly. But if it is a painted finish that repels water, your
home can still utilize stucco with these 2 techniques. First is to remove this paint
finish either by sandblasting or water blasting before applying the stucco. Second is
to attach a paper-backed lath to the surface before applying three layers of stucco.
2. Stucco needs curing.
Since hydration is necessary for the layers to harden, anything that interferes with
the moisture content should be avoided. This includes the temperature and the wind
conditions the wall is exposed to. The ideal temperature for proper curing is 40 to 90
degrees Fahrenheit. If weather conditions are less than ideal, it might be necessary
to install sun or windbreaks. Also wet the stucco finish one to two times a day,
especially on the first two days, except for painted finishes as wetting might interfere
with its uniformity. In this case, it is better to wet the base coating before applying
the top layer.
the moisture content should be avoided. This includes the temperature and the wind
conditions the wall is exposed to. The ideal temperature for proper curing is 40 to 90
degrees Fahrenheit. If weather conditions are less than ideal, it might be necessary
to install sun or windbreaks. Also wet the stucco finish one to two times a day,
especially on the first two days, except for painted finishes as wetting might interfere
with its uniformity. In this case, it is better to wet the base coating before applying
the top layer.
3. Does the surface have joints?
Depending on what part of the house or building you are applying the stucco on, the
surface may have joints. It can be an expansion or contraction joint, which means
the wall moves back and forth, or it can be a control joint that allows for out of plane
movements. Either way, these are made to relieve pressure or stress to prevent
cracking. When dealing with walls that have these, you need to use the appropriate
accessory. Use a one-piece accessory for expansion and contraction joints and a
two-piece assembly for walls with out-of-plane movements like doors and windows.
surface may have joints. It can be an expansion or contraction joint, which means
the wall moves back and forth, or it can be a control joint that allows for out of plane
movements. Either way, these are made to relieve pressure or stress to prevent
cracking. When dealing with walls that have these, you need to use the appropriate
accessory. Use a one-piece accessory for expansion and contraction joints and a
two-piece assembly for walls with out-of-plane movements like doors and windows.
Stucco can last a long time if appropriately applied. It is resistant to fire, mold, rot,
termites, but as with all construction or home improvements, it deteriorates early
when incorrectly done. For the average joe, it is sometimes better to let the
professionals handle it. One such professional is Smith Plastering, Inc., of Naples
Florida. Smith Plastering provides excellent drywall, stucco, painting, and metal
framing services in Naples, Florida and its surrounding areas. You can contact
them at 239-594-7537 or visit their website at https://www.smithplastering.com for
your home improvement needs.
termites, but as with all construction or home improvements, it deteriorates early
when incorrectly done. For the average joe, it is sometimes better to let the
professionals handle it. One such professional is Smith Plastering, Inc., of Naples
Florida. Smith Plastering provides excellent drywall, stucco, painting, and metal
framing services in Naples, Florida and its surrounding areas. You can contact
them at 239-594-7537 or visit their website at https://www.smithplastering.com for
your home improvement needs.
Stucco is a popular choice in construction both for homeowners and contractors
which, when applied and cared for correctly, will last a very long time.
which, when applied and cared for correctly, will last a very long time.
