Stucco is a durable, weather-resistant material that adds a unique look to your home. It also insulates better than vinyl, creating a comfortable interior and saving you money on heating and cooling costs.

The first layer of stucco is called the scratch coat and it consists of a mixture of cement and sand. It is applied with a notched trowel and must be thumbprint hard to ensure that the next coat adheres properly. Contact Dryvit Stucco Installation now!

Stucco is an attractive, durable and low maintenance material that can provide a unique look to the exterior of your home. It is also energy efficient, helping to regulate indoor temperatures by adding insulation value. However, stucco can be challenging to work with and should only be done by a qualified professional. Although it is possible to do a stucco project yourself, it is highly recommended that you consult with a professional prior to starting your project.

To begin a stucco project, prepare the wall surface by cleaning it and repairing any damage or cracks. Then, cover the wall with plastic or metal stucco netting, which is often called lath. This gives the base coat something to cling to and prevents the base layer from cracking as it cures. Then, apply a commercial concrete bonding agent to the surface of the wall. Allow the bonding agent to dry according to its manufacturer’s recommendations.

After applying the bonding agent, install a water-resistant barrier. This should be at least a double layer of “Grade D” building paper or Tyvek drainwrap. Make sure to overlap the paper by at least 4 inches (10 cm) and fasten it with galvanized roofing nails or staples. You should also install weep screeds, which are metal strips placed along the bottom edge of a wall to help water escape.

Then you can start the actual stucco application process. You’ll need to apply three coats of stucco for wood-framed walls, and two coats for masonry or poured concrete walls. Depending on your framing type, the preparation and curing time between each coat can take up to two weeks. Be sure to install control joints, which should be spaced no more than 18 ft (5.5 m) apart, and use expansion and contraction control in order to reduce the potential for cracking.

While you can stain or paint the final coat of stucco, many homeowners choose to leave the finish unstained. This allows for more creative designs and colors to be incorporated into the finished product. Using a sponge, you can draw on the stucco in a geometrical or random pattern. Alternatively, a stiff brush or comb can be used to create waves, stripes or cross hatches on the stucco.

Reputable Contractors

Stucco is a beautiful and unique masonry product that can completely transform the exterior of your home. It adds beauty and value while also providing excellent insulating properties. While it was originally used to distinguish Spanish and Mediterranean architecture, stucco is now widely used in homes across the country. When looking for a stucco contractor, it’s important to find one who offers quality work and is reliable. This is especially true if you’re planning to get your stucco repaired or replaced. Choosing the right contractor can make all the difference in your finished project.

When searching for contractors, it’s a good idea to get at least three or four estimates. This will allow you to compare prices and determine which company is the best fit for your needs. Avoid companies that require a large percentage of the total cost upfront, as this can be a red flag. Instead, look for a contractor who only requires a small portion of the payment up front and allows you to pay the rest once the job is completed.

In addition to offering competitive pricing, reputable stucco contractors will have proper licensing and insurance. They should also have a history of satisfied customers and be able to provide you with references upon request. It is also a good idea to ask if the company provides a warranty on their work, which will give you peace of mind knowing that the job will be done correctly.

Many homeowners attempt to save money by applying stucco themselves, but this can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive job. In addition to the cost of the stucco itself, you’ll need to purchase special tools and equipment to complete the task. Unless you have previous experience working with this material, it’s generally recommended to leave the job to professionals.

Professional stucco contractors can be found in most areas of the country, and many are willing to travel to do the work for a reasonable price. Moreover, hiring a local contractor often contributes back to the community and may open up opportunities for future repairs or maintenance projects.

Environmental Considerations

Stucco is an environmentally sustainable exterior finish that reduces energy costs, provides a superior level of insulation and offers design flexibility. It also promotes a healthier environment for the inhabitants of your home, being fire and mold resistant and providing superior sound absorption qualities. Additionally, a well-installed stucco system can be as durable as brick and less expensive to repair or replace than other materials such as vinyl siding and aluminum.

Despite these benefits, stucco has a few drawbacks that should be considered prior to its installation. Stucco can rust or rot if exposed to prolonged exposure to water, requiring special measures to prevent moisture intrusion and safeguard the structure from damage. Moisture problems typically occur at joints and other junctures where different building materials meet, such as windows, doors, or vents. If these junctures are not properly sealed or insulated, moisture can penetrate the wall, leading to rot, mold or mildew.

A thorough home inspection is crucial before you begin the stucco process. A good contractor will be able to identify problems and correct them before they become major issues. This can save you a lot of time, money and energy along the way.

The stucco material itself is usually sourced locally, reducing transportation emissions and supporting local economies. Additionally, stucco is generally applied over existing surfaces, reducing demolition and associated waste. Lastly, the manufacturing of stucco produces fewer pollutants than other exterior finishes.

Before you choose a stucco contractor, make sure they are members of the SMA (Stucco Manufacturers Association). SMA member manufacturers follow strict standards of manufacture and agree to third-party observations/reports for disputes. This is a critical component to quality control and the best method of solving any on site problems with your stucco project.

Another factor to consider is the thickness of your stucco. Building codes often dictate minimum and maximum stucco thicknesses, ensuring safety and functionality. Adherence to these thicknesses allows for consistent texture and enhances aesthetics, while preventing structural damage or moisture intrusion. Additionally, adequate thickness enables the proper performance of a building’s insulation and allows for specialized textures.

Inspection

Stucco — both the traditional type and the synthetic EIFS (Exterior Insulated Finish System) — gives homes a distinguished look and adds to their value. But like all building materials, stucco requires regular inspection and maintenance to keep it looking its best. Moisture damage under stucco is a common problem that can lead to mold, mildew and structural damage if left unchecked.

Unlike a standard home inspection, which covers pools, appliances, sewers, pest control and hazardous materials, stucco requires a separate and more detailed assessment. The Stucco Safe process consists of a visual examination of the exterior, moisture testing and a detailed report that highlights areas that may need attention. The process is a good choice for both new construction and homes with stucco surfaces that have already undergone repairs or renovations.

Moisture intrusion is often a hidden issue that can cause costly repair bills and devalue the property over time. Signs of moisture penetration such as dark spots around windows, rust-colored areas at roof-to-stucco transitions and stains on surface walls can be indicators of hidden deterioration that will eventually affect the integrity of the structure.

A thorough stucco inspection includes a close look at the flashing, window and door openings, wall to foundation connections, parapets, gutters, deck-to-building connections and other surface penetrations. The inspector will also check for proper insulation and vapor barriers, and examine the substrate and other structural elements under the stucco. If a more detailed analysis is required, the inspector will use probes to examine the interior of the walls for moisture and to determine whether the underlying structure is intact and in good condition.

If a probe is unable to provide an accurate reading of moisture content, the inspector may need to drill holes in the stucco to obtain a core sample of the substrate. The core can then be tested to determine the actual moisture level, which is important since different substrate types can trigger inaccurate meter readings. The holes that are drilled in the stucco are then filled with caulking to prevent any further moisture from entering the structure through these points.