Say yes to stucco
What is stucco?
Starting here, stucco siding, a hand-troweled masonry plaster consisting a mixture of cement, water, and sand. Prominently known as a strong feature a of Spanish and Mediterranean architectural design. Depending on the application technique, stucco can feature exterior walls of homes in several textures, like the use of pebbles; sweeping swirls to virtually smooth; and provides reliable protection against the elements of weather. However, masonry of this proportion does have its letdowns; and based on many factors, may not be appropriate for every property. Never fear, with Silverstone Remodeling, Inc
Three Historical Stucco Facts
- Stucco use to contained lime instead of cement
- The oldest natural types of siding around, to have said to behave been used by Ancient Greece
- It’s believed that Spaniards introduced stucco to Mexico and the American southwest
Stucco: The Good, The Bad, The Beautiful.
The good should be enough reason not to deter you from your reason to choosing Stucco as a siding for your home or in some cases keeping it. Durability is stucco’s strongest point of sale. Stucco stands up well to weather, wind and debris. Stucco comes in a variety of color and many texture and can be formed to create decorative enhancements to the exterior. Stucco is resistant to fire and insects, needs very low maintenance. Keeps outside noise quiet, however offers only some insulation value.
Some unfortunate things you may not be aware of is that during earthquakes stucco may crack. As stucco settles and homes expand and/or contracts with temperature changes this can also create unwanted cracks. But most importantly could be the costs that become upsetting as expenses on materials like vinyl, aluminum and fiber cement are less expensive; We suggest a professional installation because this is important durability and curb appeal.
The beautiful thing about stucco is even though brick layers of a home can last 75+ years, stucco can stand the test of times, lasting 50-80 years throughout severe weather conditions. This is great news since vinyl siding only lasts an average of 20-30 years, as aluminum siding also lasts 20-30 years and requires less maintenance than fiber cement, which holds up an average of 30-50 years.
The Process of Stucco Siding
The homes exterior might need be covered with tar paper; a vapor barrier. Lath, a heavy metal wiring, is attached to the exterior to hold the stucco. stucco can be applied in three coats: the scratch coat, which creates adhesion to the lath. The brown coat, that produces a thick and even layer. Finally, the finish coat which includes the specific texture desired. All three coats can be hand-applied or sprayed on, and finish coat can be smooth or textured. Textures such as Dash, Pebbledash, Sand, Worm finishes, Lace, and Smooth.
Textures of Stucco
Dash is a gritty, very textured stucco finish that appears as if fine gravel has been added into the stucco plaster mix. Rough casting actually incorporates gravel into the plaster. Common Dash stucco finishes in modern day are made by spraying the stucco or splattering it onto the final coat. Depending on the application Dash textures can be either fine, medium or heavy.Pebbledash, a popular style of stucco finish in the United Kingdom and parts of Northern Europe. Also known as rock dash finishes, after final coat of stucco is applied and while wet, actual small material such as pebbles, gravel, chips, seashells or even crushed glass, entirely covering its surface.Sand is as simple as the name, this stucco finish looks like it says sand has been added to the stucco mix. Well it has! The heavy Sand finishes can resemble finer Dash finishes. This is because, in the final process the uniformed textures are created by using a stucco float. Sand textures, from fine to medium to heavy are created by various gauges of sand, The heavy Sand finishes can resemble finer Dash finishes.An uncommon stucco finish known as Worm Finishes. Special round sand that is mixed into a synthetic stucco mix. Worm like spaces are created with a trowel resulting in little groove indentations.Spanish Stucco Lace finish as it hides imperfections is a very popular. May also be known as Skip Trowel Finish to suitable buildings designs. During application a final layer of stucco in random directions using a skip-trowel, then the final surface is knocked down or flattened slightly creating a heavy or fine lace-like texture.Scraped finish is the smoothest finish, using a tool to smooth out and flat the finishing layer. By adding creativity and uniqueness a customization of mottled color versions can be created.Y.O.S.O ( You Only Stucco Once)
An entire Stucco application on a home should only happen once, as we stated lasting 50 plus years adding value and charm to your home. We’ve discussed what stucco is, some little know stucco facts, some good key points as well as some times to keep an eye on for repairs. The great thing about stucco repairs is that it’s typically minimal and most of the times will not require professional help. However occasions arise and whether conditions can be extreme to the point where you do need some professional assistance.
Our team at Silverstone Remodeling, Inc. are experts at handling even the biggest stucco crack. Give us a call today, and let us create the stucco house you’ve been desiring.
REFERENCES
https://thestuccoguy.com/what-is-stucco-anyways/
https://www.thespruce.com/basics-of-stucco-finish-1821950
https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-stucco-art-and-architecture-178362
https://www.oldhouseonline.com/repairs-and-how-to/stucco-repair/
https://thestuccoguy.com/stucco-textures-a-visual-aid/
https://www.mayaconstruction1.com/different-types-stucco-finishes/
https://thestuccoguy.com/an-overview-of-the-three-coat-stucco-process/
https://www.hunker.com/13401127/step-by-step-on-how-to-stucco
