The dictionary defines “stucco” as plaster or cement for surfacing walls. Stucco is an old-fashioned yet low-cost, aesthetically pleasing, durable cladding. We use products which combine the best of engineered fiber reinforced cement stucco with technologically advanced elastomeric finishes to create a stucco-type system that provides a superior cladding over traditional, field mixed sand, lime and cement. Superior products in a superior system create a more durable and colorfast exterior wall cladding. These products are designed for maximum effective crack bridging which does not allow moisture to get in the wall.

 

Achieving Lasting Performance and Durability in Stucco Systems

Understanding appropriate construction practices and some of the common causes of problems in exterior stucco can help prevent future problems. Building construction should comply with National, State and Local Building Codes. Less than complete code compliance seriously jeopardizes an owner's or builder's investment. Construction details, particularly flashing at window sills, roof/wall intersections, decks and other transition areas of construction should be designed or built to divert water to the exterior, not into the walls.

Cracking to some degree is normal in stucco. Understanding the numerous factors that contribute to cracking, including the following conditions, can encourage construction and maintenance practice that minimize cracking:

 

• Wood shrinkage
• Improper mixing
• inadequate curing
• Poor lath installation
• Structural movement
• Settling of building site
• Roof leakage - window leakage
• Absence of caulking at windows and doors
• Absence or improper location of expansion or control joints
• Improper sequence of work (i.e., roof and/or interior drywall work after installation of stucco)

 

Stucco at and below grade can cause problems with durability that require continual maintenance. Sound grading and landscaping practices should be used to provide effective drainage of water away from the walls of the structure at grade, and the stucco should be kept well above finished grade. Wood framing or sheathing should never go below grade.

 

Sprinklers should not use walls as a means of diverting water to gardens or lawns. Drip irrigation should not keep soil continually wet near base of wall.

 

Horizontal and low-slope surfaces are not intended for stucco applications. Extra surface preparation is required and periodic maintenance and reduced durability should be expected for any weather-exposed sloped surfaces.

 

Retaining walls and planters should be thoroughly waterproofed from the inside (where the soil makes contact) before putting any stucco on the outside.

 

Caulking should be installed at all terminations of the stucco and all openings through the stucco (windows, doors, pipes, vent, etc.).

 

Scuppers or canals should not use the walls to drain water from the roof into or onto walls.

 

Choice of color can be a determining factor in the longevity of the stucco's like new appearance. Dark colors will generally fade faster than lighter colors and require more frequent maintenance, including recoating.