About Stucco
Stucco describes various kinds of plasterwork, both exterior and interior. The most commonly used kind of stucco is plaster or cement used for the external coating of buildings. This hard coat stucco consists of a mixture of cement or lime, sand and water, and is applied in one or more coats over rough masonry or frame structures.
Traditional Portland cement stucco provides a tough exterior that resists assault from weed whackers to woodpeckers. Its inherent toughness is beautifully complemented by the variety of colors and textures available.
Some leading causes of Stucco Failure:
- Improper termination points at masonry to dissimilar material locations
- Missing weep screed at wall to foundation transitions
- Inadequately sized roofing components particularly at fireplace locations
- Inadequately sized gutters and downspouts
- Improperly designed and ill-fitting exterior chimney caps
- Poorly installed stucco applied to the incorrect thickness
- Missing layers of weather resistant barrier (WRB)
- Lack of expansion control joints to minimize cracking
- Improperly installed flashing around windows and doors
- Nonfunctioning or omitted kick-out diverters at roof to wall intersections