As we’ve seen, stucco is a fantastic material for creating durable, long-lasting exteriors that can last for centuries. In addition to this, stucco has the added benefit of insulating the building. This is very important in the modern age, with conservation of resources on everyone’s mind. However, there are some concerns that must be addressed. Is stucco efficient enough to be used as a primary material in an energy-efficient, sustainable design? Can it be used in a passive house?
In this article we will expand upon the benefits of stucco. We will explore its applications in passive houses and other energy efficient constructions, and will examine the current innovations that are being made to make stucco even more efficient.
Some of the most common stucco defects turn out to be preventable with a little extra effort.
Stucco, as a cladding system, offers unique advantages. It’s one of the most energy-efficient siding materials, and when it’s installed right, it can last for decades with a minimum of maintenance. But stucco is also a highly textured product, and almost all of the defects that pop up are a result of the texture application. Most of these are avoidable with proper field supervision.
The most common stucco defects turn out to be preventable with a little extra effort. Here are some of the most common mistakes that can cost you time and money.
- Improper mix ratios
Most stucco mixes contain a Portland cement paste as the binder and aggregate. Portland cement is a fine pulverized material, much like talcum powder. When mixed with water, it expands and becomes hydrated, with its volume expanding by as much as 7 times. This is what makes stucco such a strong material.
But to ensure the paste is water-tight, the ratio of water to mix must be precise. If there’s too much water, the mix will remain too soupy, resulting in an uneven texture and surface. If there’s not enough water, the mix will be too dry, resulting in a brittle stucco.
In order to get the proper consistency, the mix must be thoroughly wetted with water before it is delivered to the site. The mix must be kept constantly wet with water until it’s used. If it dries out, the mix is ruined.
- The wrong mix
The right mix is one that is consistent and free of voids. If you’re using a premixed stucco, look closely at the bag to ensure it’s formulated specifically for the job you’re doing.
Void content is especially crucial in the first layer of stucco. It should be applied at a thickness of 1/4- 1/2-inch. If it’s too thick, the mix will be too soupy and will not adhere properly to the sheathing. If it’s too thin, you will have a hard time achieving the desired smoothness.
The first layer of stucco is known as the “scratch coat.” It is the first layer of stucco that is applied on the wall and is applied in order to provide a key for the finish coat, to smooth out the finish coat, and to provide a surface that will accept the finish coat. The finish coat is generally applied as a 1/8-inch-thick layer.
- Improper application
When it comes to applying stucco, the quality of the application is every bit as important as the quality of the mix.
Stucco is applied in three coats. The first layer, called the scratch coat, is the most important. It provides a key for the finish coat and a surface that will accept the finish coat. The second layer is called the brown coat. It fills in the open joints between the first layer and the third layer, called the finish coat. The finish coat is the top layer of stucco. It is the layer that has the most texture and the most visual impact. It also provides the desired color and surface smoothness, and it protects the wall from the elements.
The first layer is called the scratch coat. It is the first layer of stucco that is applied on the wall and is applied in order to provide a key for the finish coat, to smooth out the finish coat, and to provide a surface that will accept the finish coat. The finish coat is generally applied as a 1/8-inch-thick layer.
The first layer of stucco is called the scratch coat. It is the first layer of stucco that is applied on the wall and is applied in order to provide a key for the finish coat, to smooth out the finish coat, and to provide a surface that will accept the finish coat. The finish coat is generally applied as a 1/8-inch-thick layer.
The second layer is called the brown coat. It fills in the open joints between the first layer and the third layer, called the finish coat. The finish coat is the top layer of stucco. It is the layer that has the most texture and the most visual impact. It also provides the desired color and surface smoothness, and it protects the wall from the elements.
- Using the wrong mixers
Stucco is a highly viscous material. It will not mix properly with a paddle mixer; it is too thick to be agitated by a paddle. The best way to mix stucco is with a power mixer, like a Hog. If your local hardware store doesn’t have one, you can rent one by the day.
- Using the wrong tools
Stucco can be a messy, sticky material. It will stick to anything it touches. If you must use a shovel, place a sheet of plastic over the surface to protect the wall from any contamination.
