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Thursday, July 21, 2022

Cement stucco installation process

Don’t know the best remedy to your stucco exterior dilapidation? Well, get a stucco remediation service fast to avoid further deterioration. The best remedy to an aging or shaky stucco exterior is cement stucco or cement plastering. Check out how a reliable stucco remediation company does it.

 

What is stucco?

Stucco refers to a mixture of fine sand, cement, lime, and water to form a paste that is applied over a surface using a trowel or machine-sprayed. The end product is a hard and aerated surface designed to allow moisture to escape through small pores to minimize the chances of decay or rot.

 

What is stucco remediation?

This process entails getting rid of your old and damaged stucco system and replacing it with a new one. The damage is usually a result of moisture penetrating the space separating the outer stucco layer and the inside framework of the walls.

 

What is the cement stucco installation process?

Stucco can spread over any masonry-based wall like concrete, cinder block, and brick. The application is done in thin layers. It can also be applied to wood-sheathed walls through the usual frame construction with the addition of a metal lath on top of the wood. The finish is then done in a rough texture.

The typical stucco application on a house takes the following steps.

1.      Scaffolding

We first erect scaffolding around the building in line with OSHA requirements to create a safe workspace. This will help us in the removal of the dilapidated stucco system, repairing the damage, and application of the new system. The scaffold will hold for the entire project’s timeline and be disassembled afterward.

 

2.      Weather resistive barrier

The next step involves setting up a WrapShield weather-resistant barrier (WRB) over the entire wall surface. This WRB has an integrated tape to secure it in place while protecting the wall materials beneath it from moisture damage.

 

3.      Rainscreen drainage

We then apply the WaterWay 3mm Rainscreen Drainage Mat on top of the WRB. The drainage mat acts as a sponge-like layer separating the stucco and the WRB and keeping the wall’s interior dry. It does this by facilitating water drainage and perfect air circulation through the sponge cavities.

 

4.      Expanded wire lath

To get the stucco cement to adhere to the surface and provide it with extra rigidity, it is held in place 7” or 8” from the rainscreen with an expanded wire lath 2.5mm thick. This acts as the final layer underneath the stucco cement.

 

5.      Scratch & brown coat

Next, is the application of stucco premix to act as a basecoat in readiness for the finish coat application. The scratch coat comprises a mixture of cement, sand, and supporting fibers. It is applied on the wire lath and its surface horizontally scratched to pave the way for the next layer to attach to it better. The brown coat is then applied and comprises the same mixture as the scratch coat except it is applied without scratching.

 

6.      Polymer-acrylic base coat

Application of a polymer-acrylic base coat over the entire stucco is what follows. This coat helps protect the finish coat from damage through scraping. It also enhances the waterproofing of the finish to prevent moisture penetration.

 

7.      Stucco finish

The stucco finish involves the creation of watertight seals between stucco and frames, windows, and doors. We do this once the cement stucco application is complete by caulking the seams to seal off any potential water penetration points.

 

8.      Expansion joints

½” expansion joints with backer-rod and polyurethane sealant are applied around each opening to prevent moisture damage and stucco cracking due to temperature variation.

 

9.      Flashing

Metal drip flashing with turn up ½” edges are installed above each opening to channel water away from walls.

The end product is a durable structure with far better aesthetics. Contact us today if you want to experience the beauty of cement stucco.

 

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