Humans have used stucco, in various forms, since the very first buildings were erected. stucco has many different forms, from a simple concrete and limestone mixture to complex Styrofoam-based stucco alternatives, and is quite versatile. In recent years, stucco has begun to regain popularity as a low-maintenance, economical and attractive alternative for residential exteriors. There are various types and applications of stucco siding to choose from, based upon your preferences and budget.
One important thing to note is that a professional should always install stucco siding. Improperly applied stucco can result in many costly and unsightly problems. The financial investment put forth by hiring an expert installer will be worth it because fixing a bad stucco job can be very expensive.
Besides being economical and durable, stucco provides a wide range of options for enhancing the appearance of your home. Pigments or paint can be added to stucco for color, and the texture can be altered through application methods or the addition of inert materials such as pebbles or sand.
Some of the most popular choices in stucco siding include:
1) Conventional stucco siding (also called ‘traditional’): This is what most people refer to as stucco; it is a simple mixture of concrete, water, and inert ingredients such as limestone, pebbles or sand. stucco siding is applied over a metal lath, or grid, that rests on a layer of substrate. The substrate provides a moisture barrier, and the lath supports the weight of the siding. stucco siding is applied one of two ways:
* One coat application: As the name implies, one coat of stucco is applied by hand over the metal lath. One coat siding is faster to install, dries quickly and is flexible, which helps prevent cracking. This single layer is between 3/8” and 5/8” thick. Because it is thinner than a three coat application, it does not provide as much insulation. However, one-coat stucco is the more economical of the two options.
* Three coat application: Two initial coats are laid down over the lath (metal grid), allowing time for each layer to dry in between. Pigment may be added to the third coat if color is desired or the stucco can be painted after the final layer has set. Three-coat stucco siding is generally considered to be more durable than one-coat, although due to reduced flexibility, it is more likely to crack.
In both types of conventional stucco application (one and three-coat), the mixture is spread onto the lath by hand with the use of a trowel.
2) Exterior insulation & finish systems (EIFS): EIFS is not true stucco, although it does replicate the look, and for this reason, installers often refer to it as ‘synthetic stucco.’ It has a seamless look, similar to conventional stucco, and is extremely energy efficient. The most common type of EIFS used is a barrier EIFS that consists of three different layers:
* First, a layer of sheets of foam insulation is laid down and affixed with a strong liquid adhesive.
* Secondly, a fiberglass mesh with adhesive embedded within it is applied. This layer looks somewhat like a very loosely woven window screen.
* The topmost layer or the ‘finish’ is a colored material, roughly the consistency of thick paint, which is either applied by hand using a trowel or sprayed on.
EIFS are available in many colors and textures, some of which are designed to resemble granite or brick. It can also be painted over, just as in the case of conventional stucco.
EIFS has developed something of a poor reputation over the past few years, as a result of owners who experienced problems with mold and moisture retention, and the lawsuits that followed. It is important to note, however, that these types of moisture problems can be minimized or avoided entirely through the installer’s proper application of drainage principles and the use of a WRB (water resistant barrier).
Whether you choose traditional stucco or ‘synthetic stucco’, you will need to find a professional siding installer who specializes in the particular type and application of stucco that you are interested in. The majority of the problems that people encounter with both stucco and EIFS are the result of faulty installation, and not of an intrinsic defect in the product. To properly apply stucco siding requires a great deal of knowledge and experience so be certain to check references and inquire as to whether the installer is certified by any independent organizations.
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