Everything You Wanted to Know About Stucco
A common question that a stucco repair contractor is often asked, when people are renovating or updating older houses, is what is the best surface to apply stucco? A painted surface does not absorb water and, as such, is a substrate, stucco will not easily adhere to it. There are two alternatives to covering a painted brick surface with stucco.
Sand or water blast the surface to remove the paint, then apply a two-coat system. It is essential you have a surface that is absorptive and will accept the plaster coating. In addition, it is beneficial to use a bonding agent when using this approach.
Attach paper-backed lath between the wall and metal lath; this will provide a moisture barrier and act as a bond breaker. Apply a three-coat stucco to the metal lath and accessories. With this approach, the idea is to treat the plaster as a sheathed system, using a metal lath to support the plaster while isolating the plaster layer with building paper. This stops any kind of partial bonding situation, which could create unwanted stress in the plaster and result in cracking.
Does stucco require curing?
For cement-based materials, curing is maintaining an appropriate temperature and moisture content for a certain period of time. All portland cement-based materials, including stucco, do require curing.
Because adding water to cement starts the chemical reaction known as hydration, it is important to provide excess water to the cement, so it develops a strong bond with its environment. This is how plaster hardens. Each plaster section is thin, ranging between 3/8- to 7/8-inch total. Thin layers must be protected from conditions that will prevent cement hydration, such as extreme heat or cold.
To make an appointment with a professional stucco repair contractor, please call SM Stucco today at (985) 208-3861 if you live in or around the Metairie, LA area.