Stucco Repair | Orem, UT | Stucco, Plastering & EIFS

Stucco is a durable material that provides excellent insulation for homes. Typically, the exterior finish of a house made from stucco is three to four millimeters thick, which helps keep the house cool without additional energy consumption and reduces sound transmission. Additionally, applying stucco helps reduce noise from street sounds. However, stucco has its disadvantages as well. It is brittle and susceptible to shifting, making it less ideal in certain regions.

Before applying stucco, the wall must be thoroughly cleaned with detergent and water to remove any debris. Proper cleaning ensures the stucco adheres well. Once cleaned, the wall is prepared for stucco application. After the stucco sets, it will restore the wall to its original profile, ready for the final stucco application.

The lath material is another crucial component of stucco application. Traditionally, lath was made of horizontal wood strips supporting the wet plaster. When applied to exterior walls, lath is installed over a paper or felt sheet that protects the framing from moisture. The masonry is then sealed to prevent water seepage, a method known as open-loop stucco.

Stucco’s aesthetic appeal makes it popular for commercial and residential buildings. Early stucco structures imitated European architecture. In 1803, Thomas Jefferson appointed Benjamin Henry Latrobe as Surveyor of Public Buildings, leading to many notable stucco structures, including St. John’s Church in Washington, D.C. During the 1840s, the Arlington House’s stucco finish was marbleized.

Traditionally, stucco is applied in multiple layers. The first coat, called the scratch or brown coat, provides a base for the second coat. The final layer is the finishing coat. This multi-layer process enhances the stucco’s durability and appearance.

The second coat is usually roughened with a wood float with protruding nails to provide a key for the final coat. After roughening the base coat and dampening it, the finish coat is applied, which gives the stucco its final texture and appearance.

Stucco has several advantages. It absorbs ground moisture and draws it away from the building, helping to maintain a steady interior temperature. While not entirely waterproof, stucco is breathable and can be applied to masonry, protecting against extreme weather conditions and enhancing energy efficiency.

Apart from its durability and resistance to the elements, stucco is also weather-resistant and an attractive wall covering. Previously used to cover solid surfaces, it is now often applied in thin layers over a solid base. The finish coat, made of lime or sand, allows water passage through its pores, maintaining breathability.

Stucco’s flexibility makes it suitable for various climates. It withstands rain and, to some extent, cold, though it is not ideal for high-impact environments. Its durability and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice for homes, offering resilience against the elements.