Stucco is a great siding option for homes in both hot and cold climates. It keeps unwanted temperatures outside where they belong and also adds extra insulation to help reduce your energy bills.
Licensed stucco contractors must follow specific steps to ensure the process is done correctly and adheres to building codes. This includes properly lathing the walls, installing expansion joints, and preparing the brown coat. Contact Dryvit Stucco Installation now!
Before stucco is applied to the wall, it must be properly prepared. This includes erecting scaffolding, removing old stucco, and installing internal moisture and temperature protection. We will apply the three-coat stucco system once the structure has been properly prepped.
A weep screed is installed along the bottom edge of all walls to prevent water penetration. It is usually made from a mix of 1 part cement and 2 1/4 to 4 parts plaster sand. It may also be mixed with pigment to add color. The weep screed is troweled and floated on and must be allowed to cure for several days before applying a poly prep or color coat.
The scratch coat is the first of the three stucco layers. It consists of a mix of sand, cement, and reinforcing fibers applied to the wire lath. The surface of the scratch coat is then scratched horizontally to allow the next layer to adhere.
When the scratch coat is dry, a brown coat is applied. It is a thicker mixture of sand, cement and reinforcing fibrous material. Like the scratch coat, the brown coat must be allowed to cure before the poly prep or color coat is applied.
During the curing process, it is a good idea to spray the brown coat with clean water. This keeps the mixture from drying too quickly and reduces cracking.
The sheathing for most new houses is either all-veneer plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). To increase the stiffness of the walls, it is recommended to install horizontal blocking between the studs. Expansion joints are then installed at the junctures of different materials to relieve the stresses that develop from rising and falling temperatures.
Primer Coat
Stucco is a durable and versatile exterior finish for homes, offering many opportunities for unique design expression. However, like any surface it can suffer from the occasional problem. Cracking is one common issue, and it can range from hairline cracks to severe fractures that threaten the structural integrity of the building. While elastomeric paint is effective at bridging small gaps, larger cracks need to be filled before painting can begin. When these issues arise, it is often best to enlist the help of a professional contractor who has extensive experience working with stucco and can properly diagnose and repair any problems.
In addition to filling cracks, preparing the surface for painting involves cleaning and sanding. This is necessary for achieving a smooth, uniform appearance and improving surface adhesion. To help prevent moisture penetration and alkali migration, a high-quality exterior acrylic primer should be applied. This will also enhance the color-match and coverage capabilities of your chosen exterior paint, making it last longer.
Choose a product such as Acrylux UL200 Pigmented Primer, which can be tinted to match the desired hue and is suitable for use on new or previously painted stucco, masonry, and concrete. The product is designed to improve surface adhesion, reduce porosity, and bind residual pigments from previous paint colors so they do not mix with the new coat.
It is important to make sure the primer is applied evenly and with a premium quality roller, sprayer, or synthetic brush so it is able to work into the surface. Then, allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. If the surface is particularly dirty or greasy, a degreaser may be required to prepare it for priming.
Scratch Coat
The scratch coat is the first of the three plaster layers. It is a thin mix of Portland cement, sand and other ingredients that provides a solid foundation for the subsequent brown coat. It can be applied to a variety of substrates, including wood, concrete and masonry blocks. In addition, it can adhere to certain types of sheathing, such as insulated foam sheathing.
A key function of the scratch coat is to fill voids and imperfections in the surface, making it smoother. This helps reduce the potential for cracks in the finish, and it also ensures that a uniform thickness is maintained throughout. In some cases, the scratch coat can also help to provide a stronger chemical bond with the brown coat.
The textured nature of the scratch coat, known as its “grooves” or scratches, provides a strong mechanical bond for the subsequent layers. This enables the material to interlock and create an integral structure. This, in turn, increases the strength and security of the stucco. In some cases, the mix for the scratch coat contains additives that facilitate this chemical bonding.
It is essential to allow the scratch coat a sufficient amount of time to set. This can take 24-48 hours, depending on environmental conditions. This slow, unhurried drying period is critical to ensuring that the coat can fully set and become a robust base for additional coats.
Regular maintenance is required to prevent damage to the stucco exterior. This includes completing a perimeter walk around the house on a monthly basis to check for dents, chips, holes, buckling or bubbling. These small problems should be addressed immediately, before they develop into larger issues.
Finish Coat
The finish coat is the outer layer that gives the stucco its final texture and color. Traditionally this is a mixture of Portland cement, sand and lime that can be colored to suit the style of the house. It is the most visible part of the system and can be textured and molded for added interest and durability. It can also be used as a base for decorative elements such as flower pots, urns or other items to add flair to the home’s exterior.
There are two basic types of stucco finishes: a 3-coat and a 1-coat method. The three-coat method uses the scracht, brown and finish coats, while the one-coat system skips the brown and finish coats, using just a scratch, base and finish mix. Both offer design flexibility and durability, but the one-coat method is becoming more popular due to its speed and cost.
A good quality finish should last for decades and is resistant to fire, rot, impact and termite infestation. It can be painted with regular exterior house paint to match the colors and textures of other sidings, or it can be stained to maintain the original look.
Depending on climate conditions, the stucco will hold up to rain and snow without damage. In addition, the insulating properties of the stucco can help to keep a home comfortable all year round.
Stucco repair and maintenance can be done on a DIY basis for small areas or for general discoloration, but a professional should be used for any major renovations or repairs. They can ensure that the repair process is completed correctly to protect the home’s structural integrity and prevent water infiltration.
Paint
When it comes to painting stucco, you’ll want to use a paint that is designed for the type of surface you are working on. Many painters will recommend using acrylic latex paint for stucco surfaces because it allows the surface to breathe which can prevent mold and mildew. It also provides good coverage and is affordable. Elastomeric paint is another option but it is not as durable or flexible as an acrylic finish.
You will need to prepare the surface before you begin to ensure that the surface is smooth and free of cracks or chips. You will want to remove any dirt or debris from the surface and then clean it thoroughly with a water hose or pressure washer. After cleaning the surface, you will want to wait for it to dry completely. Once the surface is dry, you will be ready to apply your paint.
Stucco is a beautiful and durable exterior material that can add character to your home. It offers a number of customization options and it can be painted in a variety of colors. Choosing the right color for your stucco can make or break the overall look of your home. Neutral tones like beiges, tans, and light grays create a classic and timeless appearance, while earthy hues such as warm browns and terracotta offer a natural and rustic charm.
Painting your stucco is a big job that requires a lot of time and effort. It is recommended that you hire a professional to do the job. They will have the experience and tools necessary to ensure that the paint is applied evenly and lasts for a long period of time.