Real Stucco
For centuries, Stucco has proven to be one of the most enduring, versatile and weather resistant exterior wall
finishes available - with its variety of colors and textures, stucco continues to be one of the most popular wall systems.
Stucco is cement plaster applied over wall and surfaces inside and outside buildings. The stucco is
a plaster type material that is made from cement, sand and lime. Stucco provides a hard, reliable, durable and
low cost surface that requires little maintenance and can be used to obtain different textures and finishes.
Stucco might be applied over metal lath which allows the stucco to adhere and become stronger.
The stucco must be applied over lath to keep it away from the frame sheathing by about one quarter of an inch.
Stucco must be applied using thin coats; the first one must be forced into the lath so the mesh is entirely
embedded within the stucco mix.
It is recommended to apply stucco in three different coats, adding over one
inch of stucco surface once the plaster has been applied. A 3-coat stucco system consists of a scratch coat,
brown coat, and finish coat. The scratch coat is applied first to provide a strong base for the system.
It's embedded in metal lath, which strengthens and secures the coat. The brown coat is applied next to
create an even surface for the finish coat. The finish coat is applied last, creating the decorative finish
on the wall surface.
Health Advantages
Common Mistakes
- Installing stucco over faulty or wrong substrate
- Not allowing enough time for curing between coats
- Not maintaining the right humidity level during curing
- Using wrong, rusty or not enough stucco accessories
- Not installing weep and termite screeds