This type is porous, absorbing and then releasing water, so it stays away from the. Cracking can occur in both cladding systems but are more common in traditional stucco. Clearly these must be the traditional, hard coat stucco variety and not the synthetic eifs stuff. Traditional stucco is applied in a threecoat process to woodframe exterior walls. Hairline or egg shell cracking or checking in the finish color coat is also the result of a rapid dry out and most commonly occurs on hot, windy days. Since water may enter through cracks, penetrations, or through the stucco finish itself, all stucco exteriors rely on a backup waterproof drainage plane to protect the structure. This is usually done with what is considered a one coat stucco system, as opposed to the traditional three coat method. This is a leveling coat that provides the flat surface for the finished wall. No stucco system is impervious to water penetration, whether traditional three coat stucco, modern one coat systems, or exterior insulation and finish systems eifs. Traditionalhard coat stucco as the name suggests it is hard, but brittle. Achieving a uniform thickness can be particularly difficult with. The multicoat hard coat stucco system are applied directly to a structure at the construction site, or may be applied to prefabricated panels. The benefits of traditional stucco siding homeadvisor.
Diamond wall one coat stucco systems are code compliant plaster systems that create a longlasting exterior cladding for residential and commercial projects. One coat stucco diamond wall omega products international. In this area dryvit or synergy, or others like that are also used as a topcoat on hard coat stucco. Exterior stucco contractors best stucco contractors nyc. Stucco wall methods and choices best practices guide. If one is building a house, one doesnt want to use wood in its ultimate dry state because its very hard to drive nails into it. Once moisture or water gets inside a wall, it will inevitably cause further damage. Most of the time, these will be relatively small and are refer to as hairline cracks. I was relieved to find that it was a traditional hard surface stucco and that there was pretty good attention to detail around the doors and windows. Atlanta hard coat or traditional stucco inspections. Fortunately, most cracks in a stucco system are hairline and present only a. Clean sand is the key to creating a strong coat, with either traditional three coat or one coat materials figure 2.
This minimizes the number of cracks that may come through and. Eifs adds a layer of insulation which is encapsulated in the. All portland cementhard coat systems either one coat or three coat are based on the. The question becomes, do the cracks need to be fixed. But, as the old adage goes, there are three things in life you can count on and the most reliable of these continue reading taxes, death, and cracks in stucco walls. Traditional stucco is ideal for concrete wall systems. Eifs virtually never cracks, and it gives your home extra insulation as well. The most traditional and popular of these types is 3coat stucco, in which stucco is applied in three coats over metal reinforcement. Most of the time these types of cracks can be fixed by homeowners with no plastering experience required, and requires minimal tools to do so. Traditional hard coat stucco systems water management or drainable eifs systems.
At first glance, the seamless coat of stucco on the east boston house looked as bulletproof as a sidewalk, the perfect foil against the harsh wet weather of this coastal city. These cladding options are most often placed over framed walls with sheathing but can also be applied over concrete and masonry. Pm systems have greater impact resistance than the polymer based systems, but are typically less than onethird the thickness of traditional three coat stucco. Until the earlytwentieth century when a variety of novelty finishes or textures were introduced, the last coat of stucco was commonly given a smooth, troweled finish, and then scored or lined in imitation of ashlar. As an exterior cladding material, portland cement plaster, or stucco, is a versatile material and used in traditional, modern, and contemporary designs. Yet beneath its lush cloak of ivy, the cement shell was a mess of cracks and buckling, signs that water had gotten in and damaged the underlying wood lath. It is the most common material of choice for siding installers and has been used for hundreds of years. The problems with stucco have been welldocumented for years.
In the second part of this series, we will discuss the structure, installation, advantages, and disadvantages of eifs. If the nail does not dig in but leaves a white line, the stucco is hard enough for the brown coat. Hello everyone, i have a 5 year old home that had a few hair line cracks the first year. Other common repair methods may be better suited to active cracks. Hardcoat stucco has high impact resistance, sheds water but breaths, allowing water vapor to escape. The most traditional and popular of these types is 3coat stucco, in which. Hard float the brown coat to densify plaster membrane. The base coat relies on adhesion and embedment in the. One coat stucco has the appearance and advantages of traditional three coat stucco, but with increased energy efficiency, lower labor costs, and schedule savings.
The mineral base is portland cement, while the polymer is usually an acrylic. They ranged any where from 45 feet long to the length of my garage wall 16 plus feet between the front windows. How to tell synthetic eifs from real stucco youtube. The brown coat also adds strength and thickness, and it is in large part what determines the quality of the finish. Like the synthetic stucco, manufacturers have special products that will have more names as well, but are the same thing. Hairline cracks that develop in traditional stucco or hard coat stucco do not necessary have to be fixed if the width of the cracks are less that 116 of an inch. The most traditional and popular of these types is 3 coat stucco, in which stucco is applied in three coats over metal reinforcement. Im wondering if anyone knows it the luxury home market has the same negative perception towards stucco. There is a new wave in stucco, referred to as an exterior insulation and finish systems eifs. Stucco is a traditional material and process that has been around for centuries. Cracks can also develop at floor lines if proper expansion joints are not installed.
Before i c an ahead of myself, i should explain what traditional stucco, or masonry stucco or plaster, or hard coat stucco is. With the advent of fiberreinforced portlandcement, stucco systems today are very often two coat systems a base and finish coat, but often referred to in the industry as one coat stucco, rather than the three coat systems of. This type of cracking is basically a sign that the base coat did not cure properly. Ours was apparently the third to receive this exterior after they switched from the synthetic stucco after getting so many complaints. Limiting cracks in stucco northwest wall and ceiling.
Unlike hairline cracks, a large stucco crack may indicate a structural problem. At stucco nj we offer eifs synthetic stucco and traditional hard coat stucco. Traditional stucco is applied in a three coat process to woodframe exterior walls. Complaints about the finished color, cracks, and efflorescence are the most. The home was built twelve years ago and was showing its first signs of wear and tear. Here, using a field report of leaks at horizontal control joints in a hard coat stucco wall system, we describe the inspection, diagnosis, repair, and proper compared with improper installation of traditional stucco building wall surfacing systems. Superior finishes over stucco rock solid reputation. It has proved itself to be more durable and more customizable tailored to the individual needs of the homeowner. Stucco is a long stranding traditional exterior cladding and for good reason. Lahabra offers the fastwall family of stucco assemblies with a number of different features to meet the needs of building owners. The typical type of cracks that occur in with traditional stucco are called hairline cracks. Lawsuits involving exterior insulation and finish systems eifs have been common knowledge among the home inspection community for years. Because of this, the process of stuccoing a home will be different with varying costs.
Stucco is an economical to install and provides a hard and tough barrier for the exterior of a structure. In this method, youll attach paperbacked metal lath directly to the wood sheathing, without the foam board insulation. Mar 22, 2012 cracks can also develop at floor lines if proper expansion joints are not installed. Sometimes it is referred to as cement stucco or hardcoat stucco. Its also known as classic hard coat or cement stucco finish. After you apply the caulking, it will look something like this. An exterior finish composed of some combination of portland cement, lime and sand, which are mixed with water, which dries to a very hard textured finish 1. Cracks can develop due to a number of different reasons. Jun 29, 2018 stucco and eifs are commonly installed on single family homes, townhomes and lowmidrise commercialresidential buildings. Evaluating stucco the ashi reporter inspection news. Because of this, the process of restuccoing a home will be different with varying costs. This stucco system consists of a scratch coat, brown coat and finish coat.
Portland cement, the same material that is the basis for the hardened properties of concrete used to build superhighways, bridges, and skyscrapers provides. And unlike poorly installed traditional stucco, synthetic stucco does not yellow or fade, which occasionally forces homeowners to paint over their stucco. Also known as classic, hard coat or cement stucco, the traditional variety is made of cement, lime, sand and water. Now in the winter i am seeing more and more hairline cracks and some spider cracks but still hairline. Once the crack has been filled, fogcoat may be used to even out the color around the repaired area. Lime stucco is a relatively solubility of lime which in solution can be deposited in cracks, where it solidifies.
Traditional hard stucco is a type of finish that has stood the test of time. Here in the columbus, ohio, area many homes are traditional three coat plaster stucco or one coat. The finish coat usually contained an integral color and was typically textured for appearance. Acrylics and fibers are added to add strength and help prevent cracks.
Eifs stucco click or call kevin dinkel at 2257538114 for your free home insepection quote andor free pest control initia. We now manufacture premixed, integrallycolored stuccos and decorative coatings, only requiring the addition of water at the site. Virtually all stucco homes these days all suffer from one thing, cracking. Idaho stucco eifs new construction installations additions. Previously, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of traditional hard coat stucco. Lime stucco is a relatively hard material that can be broken or chipped by hand without too much difficulty. Apr 27, 2012 next, the base coat, ranging from 316. Taxes, death, and cracks in stucco walls as an exterior cladding material, portland cement plaster, or stucco, is a versatile material and used in traditional, modern, and contemporary designs. Traditional stucco is made with portland cement, lime, water and sand, and then placed over mesh. It was traditionally used as both an interior and exterior finish applied in one or two thin layers directly over a solid masonry, brick, or stone surface. Traditional portland cement plaster hard coat stucco is a timetested exterior breathable finish. As evidenced by the hybrid stucco systems described above, traditional stucco has changed in recent years. The benefits of traditional stucco come in wetter conditions, as it is less likely to absorb water and be damaged by it than synthetic stucco siding.
A thin layer of concrete would not stick very well to most walls and would fall off over time. Shrinkage cracks can occur very early on and cannot be seen after the finish color coat is applied. Feb 14, 2012 eifs stucco click or call kevin dinkel at 2257538114 for your free home insepection quote andor free pest control initia. Traditional stucco traditional stucco, also known as hard coat stucco, is a centuriesold wall cladding system that is made from a mixture of portland cement, lime, sand and water. A traditional hardcoat stucco exterior system is extremely strong and durable because it essentially covers your home with a layer of rock. As a building material, stucco is a durable, attractive, and weatherresistant wall covering. Hardcoat stucco cracks, leaks, damage stucco cracks, leaks at control joints, standards. Its the oldschool recipe thats been in use since the early 20 th century. Lime, on the other hand, makes stucco easier to mold. Traditional stucco is excellent because of its versatility. Traditional portland cement plaster hardcoat stucco is a timetested exterior.
One way to determine whether stucco is traditional or syn thetic is to knock on the surface traditional stucco is solid, while synthetic stucco will sound hollow. Stucco cost estimate prices to stucco a house remodeling. Traditional hard coat stucco as the name suggests it is hard, but brittle. The set up so, you have installed a cement or hard coat stucco. A quick look at traditional hard coat stucco and what to watch out for when doing a home inspection. What about colored stucco or exterior stucco how is it applied. Conventional or threecoat stucco will have a mechanically fastened. The purpose of a stucco inspection is to help assess the condition of the stucco system by looking for visible installation flaws, inadequate water diversion and sealant failures and to evaluate the wall sheathingframing behind the system for elevated moisture levels.
The majority of stucco walls, whether traditional hard. Are these stucco cracks caused by structrual problems. Traditional stucco is made of glass fibers are added to improve the structural properties of the stucco. Today, sidercrete has taken traditional stucco steps further. It consists of portland cement and sand mixed with water to form a workable plaster. Read about how cracks occur in 3coat stucco systems and some of the best ways to. Its very important to note that no warranty protects against cracking. Consult the stucco finish manufacturer or contractor for recommended repair methods. Repairing hairline cracks in exterior stucco a helpful. However, they can provide a pathway for moisture and water to enter into a wall system. Jul, 2018 previously, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of traditional hard coat stucco. It can provide either an ornate or simple, clean look.
Traditional stucco is a hardcoat system, usually felt, metal lath and. Nov 29, 2017 traditional stucco has been used by builders and home improvement professionals as homes exterior siding for many years. No md eicf to deal with, but some minor cracks and weathering issues around the bottoms of door jambs. This article will focus on the investigation of cracks and some suggested repairs. While other products are high performance, elastomeric stucco finishes created to withstand intense uv rays, resist water intrusion and promote elasticity in the finish.
Idaho stucco eifs new construction installations additions boise. Hi andrew, if what you are seeing are very thin cracks that occur mostly near returns or window and door openings, you are probably seeing typical curingmovement cracks which are normal with conventional stucco. Cracks are a common and accepted occurrence in stucco assemblies but by utilizing stucco level coat with embedded mesh over the stucco base provides enhanced crack resistance to the wall. There are different types of stucco found on homes, synthetic eifs and traditional hard coat portland cement plaster. The january 2007 article on stucco cracks dealt with myths, planning, caveats and suggested contract language when working with such systems. The multicoat hard coat stucco system is an exterior stucco system and is comprised of a weatherresistant barrier, lath, base coat, and a finish coat. Often, large cracks develop at the intersection of vertical walls, at the upper corners of window and door frames, or at joints between wood framing and concretebrick masonry. Sometimes, glass fibers and acrylics are added to traditional stucco to reinforce it and make it strong. An acrylicpolymer coat of styrofoam based stucco is sprayed, or applied, onto a base of fiberglass mesh and foam board insulation. Shrinkage cracksmay develop as the excess water evaporates from the drying cement mix. Choose a qualified stucco company if you find that your home or business needs stucco repairs or replacement, dont choose just any stucco company.
Using portland cement, when mixed with water, it creates a plaster tough enough to handle difficult conditions. Care and maintenance of your stucco home castle building. Smooth, dash, texture, cat face or sand finish and not matter which type of substrates you have we know how to work on that, residential all the way to commercial unites. Acrylic stucco vs traditional stucco the stucco guy. Cement stucco is made of sand, a small quantity of lime, portland cement and water. Jul 23, 2008 there are several different types of stucco installations. Mar 03, 2016 now that you know why stucco cracks, lets find out how serious a stucco crack can be.
These cracks are a result of the stucco brown coat. The finish coat is then applied over the base coat. This level of maintenance is to be expected with all stucco homes. A skilled stucco contractor should always be used when considering a new look to the exterior of your home. This type is porous, absorbing and then releasing water, so it stays away from the wood framing of the house. Does stucco reduce the price of highend luxury homes in atlanta.
It starts with a scratch coat spread over metal lath attached to a houses exterior sheathing. Whats the difference between eifs and traditional stucco. I put the builder on notice and of course the warranty has. Whether its applied by hand or machine, traditional hard stucco has both high impact resistance and water resistance, while also being a breathable. The scratch coat is applied first to provide a strong base for the system. Repairing hairline cracks in exterior stucco a helpful tutorial. Pure cement stucco is rather hard, and if a stable mesh base, known as lath, is not applied, the stucco will crack. Stucco in modern times is a cement based product lik e concrete, with some differences. Not all stucco companies are qualified to deal with both traditional, hard coat stucco siding and flexible, exterior insulated finish system eifs, commonly called synthetic stucco. Colored stucco or exterior stucco is a cementlime mix that is highly durable and cost efficient product for adding texture and color over onecoat or conventional stucco systems.
Traditional stucco is made up of portland cement, lime, sand and water. Also called hard coat stucco and exterior plaster definition. The hard facts about hard coat stucco sidercrete, inc. Identifying various cracks in stucco the stucco guy. A traditional hard coat stucco exterior system is extremely strong and durable because it essentially covers your home with a layer of rock. However, conventional stucco is a hard and durable system, and in most cases will outlast the structure itself. The basic cause of cracks in stucco not the hairline types is that wood continues to move until it reaches its absolute dry state. Applied directly to concrete masonry, hardcoat stucco provides a tough finish that.
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