Stucco protects the envelope and sets the look of the facade. Properly built assemblies manage water first—then carry a durable plaster finish that breathes, cures well, and holds its lines at trims and openings.
Overview
- Scope: new stucco assemblies, targeted repairs, full re‑stucco, fog and color coats, elastomeric recoats, and EIFS (synthetic) patching.
- Goals: dry, well‑detailed walls; straight beads and joints; textures that match; finishes that resist cracking and shed water.
- Surfaces: framed walls with sheathing, CMU/concrete, existing stucco, and EIFS—detailed per substrate and climate.
What This Service Includes
- Assessment & prep: check sheathing, WRB, flashings, and previous coatings; locate moisture entry and repair substrate as needed.
- WRB & flashing: housewrap or fluid‑applied WRB, shingled laps, weep screeds at base, pan/head flashings, and kick‑outs at roof intersections.
- Lath & accessories: galvanized metal lath or paper‑backed lath, control/expansion joints, corner and casing beads, fasteners to framing per spec.
- Cement plaster: scratch coat, brown coat, and finish coat with controlled cure; textures from sand float to lace, dash, Santa Barbara, or smooth trowel.
- Acrylic & finishes: acrylic color coats over brown or base; fog coats; elastomeric coatings where specified for hairline crack bridging.
- Repairs & re‑stucco: crack routing and mesh‑reinforced patches, delamination fixes, texture blending, bonding agents, and full restucco over stabilized substrates.
- Sealants & edges: backer rod and sealant at joints and penetrations; clean returns at windows, doors, lights, and hose bibs.
Assemblies & Materials
- Hard‑coat stucco: traditional three‑coat cement plaster for durability and vapor permeability.
- Acrylic finishes: factory‑tinted, UV‑stable coats with consistent color and texture options.
- EIFS (synthetic): base coat with mesh over EPS, acrylic finish; repairs and drainage details handled per system specs.
- Accessories: galvanized or PVC beads and screeds, pre‑manufactured control joints, and corrosion‑resistant fasteners.
Details, Weather & Curing
- Install in suitable conditions (typically 40–90°F, no driving rain); wind and sun exposure moderated to prevent rapid drying.
- Scratch and brown coats kept moist for proper hydration; finish coats allowed to cure per product guidance.
- Clearances maintained above grade and hardscape; terminations detailed to shed water and vent at the base.
Repairs & Matching
- Cracks evaluated for movement; routed and reinforced with mesh‑modified base where needed.
- Texture matches tested on sample panels; color blending planned (spot match, fog coat, or full elevation as aging dictates).
- Efflorescence and staining treated before recoating; incompatible paints or sealers identified and addressed.
Sequencing & Coordination
- Follows window install and roof flashing; integrates with WRB at openings and penetrations.
- Coordinates with electricians, plumbers, and HVAC for sleeves and light boxes before lath.
- Gutters and downspouts set after fascia/soffit; final coats scheduled within good weather windows.
Quality Markers
- Straight beads and joints; consistent texture with no cold joints visible on the elevation.
- Properly lapped WRB and flashing; weep screeds clear and unobstructed.
- Finish coat uniform in color and sheen; sealant joints sized and tooled cleanly.
Safety & Compliance
- Scaffold and fall protection used; mixing and cutting done with silica‑aware dust control.
- Corrosion‑resistant materials specified in coastal or high‑exposure zones.
- Installations meet local codes and manufacturer guidelines for warranty eligibility.
Care & Maintenance
- Annual rinse to remove dust and mildew; avoid high‑pressure washing that can damage the finish.
- Sealant joints and flashings inspected and renewed as needed; vegetation kept off the facade.
- Recoat cycles planned by exposure: fog coat or acrylic refresh as color weathers over time.
