Stucco Siding

Stucco is the predominant siding of choice in the southwest states like Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California as well as Florida because of the stability of the grounds in these locations and the overall efficiency for these climates.

Stucco is made up of Portland cement, lime, sand, and water. It is usually applied in three coats over a mesh lath base. Stucco provides a long lasting, solid and seamless home exterior finish. Stucco offers a natural resistance to fire with, low maintenance with long lasting durability.

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STUCCO REPAIR

If you are seeing cracks and/or buckling of your stucco you need to get your stucco repaired as soon as possible. Not repairing your stucco siding can lead to other additional damage to your home which could be far more costly. Here is how we repair your stucco siding.

STEP 1

We inspect and evaluate the condition of your stucco and how significant is the damage. Is the damage only to the exterior of the stucco or has additional damage occurred behind the stucco finish.

STEP 2

We break off and chip away at the stucco that is in need of repair. We take care not to damage any underlying materials.

STEP 3

Once the stucco is removed we repair all underlaying materials down to the sheathing and even frame as necessary, based on the damage that has been found. We apply new underlying water barriers and mesh lath to the area that needs repair.

STEP 4

We mix the first coat of stucco and apply it, typically scoring it to allow for the adhesion of additional layers.

STEP 5

A second layer of stucco is applied. This is often completed after several days of allowing the first layer to cure and shrink.

STEP 6

After a couple more days we return and apply the final coat matching the current texture and finish of your home.

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NEW STUCCO INSTALLATION

The traditional method of installing stucco is over a metal wire mesh lath. The mesh lath is installed on top of a couple of layers of water barrier which is installed on top of the homes outer sheathing. The sheathing is attached to the homes frame studs. The stucco is applied in three layers on top of the mesh. . Traditional stucco siding usually has an expansive, acrylic-polymer finish, which will expand and contract with the weather. This installation method keeps cracks to a bare minimum and allows the siding to last as many as 50 years.

In recent years, an acrylic polymer coat of Styrofoam based stucco can be applied onto a base of fiberglass mesh lath and a foam board installation. This is known as Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). This EIFS system claims to never crack because of its increased resilience and will also offer improved insulating properties. The EIFS system is a bit more expensive and more vulnerable to impact damage from debris, animals or hail.

STUCCO APPLICATION PROCESS

Stucco is installed in layers, a time-consuming, labor-intensive process done by skilled pros—not a job for even the most ambitious DIYer—and that’s why it can be pricey. In the southwest, where stucco contractors are knowledgeable and plentiful, you can have it applied for reasonable costs because of the competition in the labor market, however in other areas of the country it can be a bit pricier.

The application process depends on the house’s structure. A wood-framed walls require more coats of traditional stucco than block or concrete and by applying stucco in layers and allowing each layer to set, the contractor gradually builds up the thickness of the siding.

TRADITIONAL STUCCO 3 STEP APPLICATION:

It starts with a “scratch coat” spread over metal lath attached to a house’s exterior sheathing.
The rough surface allows the next layer, the “brown coat,” to adhere.
The brown coat adds strength and acts as a base for the “finish coat,” which can be hand-troweled to create a custom surface texture.

TWO COAT STUCCO PROCESS

Two-coat stucco is used on concrete, brick, and block walls. The existing masonry makes a scratch coat unnecessary. Instead of metal lath, a bonding adhesive is applied to the masonry wall before two coats of stucco are applied.
The bonding adhesive allows the next layer, the “brown coat,” to be applied.
The brown coat adds strength and acts as a base for the “finish coat,” which can be hand-troweled to create a custom surface texture.

ONE COAT STUCCO PROCESS

Metal lath is applied to the home’s exterior sheathing
One-coat stucco is a relatively new process using stucco mixed with fiberglass, applied over metal lath.

STUCCO CARE AND MAINTENANCE

If you already own one of these stucco homes, pay attention to its maintenance needs to get the most from this exterior.

If you worry about foundation settling, take steps to reduce soil movement. By installing good guttering and downspouts, and by grading your yard to slope away from the foundation, you’ll limit soil saturation and lessen the risk of foundation movement.
Remove dirt and debris that collects on stucco with a medium-bristle brush and a garden hose. Cleaning with a high-pressure washer is not recommended, as it can damage the surface.
To remove mold, combine one-part non-chlorine bleach with three parts water and apply directly to the stains with a sponge or brush. Allow the solution to soak into the surface before rinsing with a hose.
Efflorescence, a white stain that can develop on stucco exposed to prolonged moisture, can be removed by spraying with white vinegar. Allow several minutes of dwell time before rinsing with a hose. Re-treat if necessary to completely remove the stain.
Keep in mind that stucco can be painted if you tire of the color, and and you can probably do the job yourself. With just a little care, your stucco siding will keep its distinctive look for years to come.