Stucco

 

Traditional Portland cement plaster (stucco) is a time-tested exterior finish. It consists of Portland cement-based materials and sand, mixed with water to form a workable plaster. Portland cement, the same material that is the basis for the hardened properties of concrete used to build super-highways, bridges, and skyscrapers provides strength, durability, and toughness in Portland cement plaster.

Portland cement plaster is applied either by hand or machine to exterior and interior wall surfaces in two or three coats. It may be applied directly to a solid base such as masonry or concrete walls, or it can be applied to a metal lath attached to frame construction, solid masonry, or concrete construction. Applied directly to concrete masonry, Portland cement plaster provides a tough 1/2-inch thick facing that is integrally bonded with the masonry substrate. When applied to metal lath, three coats of plaster form a 7/8-inch total thickness. A vapor-permeable, water-resistant building paper separates the plaster and lath from water sensitive sheathing or framing. Portland cement plaster has high impact resistance, sheds water, but breaths, allowing water vapor to escape. It’s a proven system that works in all climates.

Traditional Stucco Is Strong And Beautiful

Traditional Portland cement stucco provides a tough exterior that resists attack from woodpeckers to weed whackers. That inherent toughness is beautifully complemented by the variety of colors and textures available. Appearance is an important consideration in selecting a wall cladding. You can select a color and texture consistent with the message and image you wish to convey.

Color is determined by selecting cement and aggregate color, and quite often modified by adding mineral oxide pigments to the plaster mix. In many areas, factory-prepared finish-coat products are available. Pre-pigmented packaged cements also can be used to achieve the desired stucco color or pre-weighed mineral oxide pigments can be added to the finish coat stucco during mixing.

Texture is achieved by selecting aggregate size, controlling finish mix consistency, and using special treatment techniques during and after application of the finish coat plaster. Texture gives substance and character to the plaster surface. It can be used to provide highlights, depth, continuity, segmentation, and even achieve the look of a completely different construction material such as wood timbers, brick, or stone masonry construction. To confirm the suitability of a desired color and texture, be sure to ask your plasterer to provide a sample panel for evaluation prior to starting work.

Portland cement plaster has a well documented history of proven performance in extreme climates from the desert southwest of Arizona, to the severe winters of Minnesota, to the hot-humid Florida summers. It performs in all climates.

That durability is complemented by its versatility. Portland cement plaster provides an ideal finish or cladding for any building construction system including concrete, concrete masonry, brick masonry, wood frame, or steel frame. Portland cement stucco can be applied to any flat or curved surface either inside or outside.