Sep 10
8
Stucco Is A Prime Building Material
Stucco is an historic building material, used for centuries throughout the Middle East and the western world for both exterior wall construction and interior decoration. Stucco makes up a large part of the ‘stone’ arches and moldings that decorate the ceilings of cathedrals and mosques. In homes and apartments, it was used for the decorative medallions above suspended chandeliers, and for the elaborate molding between the top of the walls and the ceilings.
This material is essentially a mix of an aggregate (mainly sand), a binder that used to be lime but is now usually cement, and water. Lime is still added; it is hard when dry but dissolves in water and has a ‘self-sealing’ effect, smoothing and filling tiny cracks in the surface. Stucco ‘breathes’ even after it dries, which is good for the interior components of a building.
These days, the mix may have acrylic or fiberglass added, to make it even more durable and chip-resistant. It is malleable when wet and easy to work with, holds to brick and concrete better than paint or plaster, and can also be applied over wood stick framing. Both inside and out, it can be textured or smooth, can be covered with paint or wallpaper, and may be ordered with color integrated into the mix, which means it will never need repainting even if sanded.
Stucco when dry is hard and brittle. Lime, which used to be the main binder, is still added to the mixture because it dissolves and hardens again; in this way, it helps to seal tiny cracks in the surface that happen when the temperature changes. Acrylics or fiberglass are added to some new mixtures for added durability and less cracking. Mixes come complete except for water, or the sand and lime may be added on site.
The final coat is then applied. Many of the finishes have the color integrated at the factory, which means that there is no need for painting either at the time of installation or in the future. If desired, the stucco may be painted with a cement-based formula, which does not interfere with the vapor permeability of the stucco. It is important for both the stucco and the interior of the house that the finish not be a complete seal that will trap moisture in the construction materials.
As the surface dries, it becomes hard and brittle. Acrylic added to the mix makes the covering less likely to chip and crack. The siding can have an ‘old world’ look, being very smooth, or can be ‘floated’ to allow the sand to show on the surface. It can also be sanded for an extra slick surface or troweled for the swirls and stippling often seen on interior ceilings or home exteriors.
Although the first coats are sometimes sprayed on by machine, the final coat is often done by hand for the desired effect. Troweling can be done in such a way as to leave the surface rough or very smooth. ‘Floating’ is a way to let sand rise to the surface for an even but textured appearance. The ‘old-world’ look of slick stucco is achieved by troweling smooth or by using an additional ‘marble coat’ with or without a preliminary sanding of the dry surface.
Water-resistant, proof against insects, and very durable, stucco is a low maintenance, attractive, and easily customized way to side a house.
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