Dryvit Stucco Installation is a cost-effective, durable, and visually appealing finish for the exterior of a building. However, if not applied properly, stucco can be difficult and expensive to repair.
Stucco has great insulation properties that help keep homes warm in winter and cool during the summer, which can lower energy costs. It is also highly resistant to crumbling, fading, thermal expansion, and chalking.
Preparation
Stucco is a beautiful exterior finish that can be textured in a variety of ways and painted to create a custom look. It is also very durable and can help keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is important to understand how to properly install stucco to ensure a long-lasting and attractive finish.
A professional should always be consulted when installing stucco, as it is more complicated than many other exterior finishes. Stucco is a cement-based material that can be applied over a variety of rigid surfaces including plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), cement board, and exterior grade gypsum sheathing. It can be used over wood framing, masonry walls, and concrete block walls as well. Before the first coat of stucco is applied, it is necessary to prepare the surface of the wall by patching any cracks and repairing any damage. The surface should be clean, free of debris, and wet down thoroughly with a fog spray to improve adhesion and prevent premature drying.
Metal lath should be installed over the sheathing to which the stucco will be applied. This should be nailed or stapled to the sheathing at least every 8 inches. It is important to use galvanized nails or staples when installing metal laths, as they are less likely to rust and loosen over time. The lath should overlap horizontally by 1 inch and vertically by 2 inches to provide a strong base for the stucco. Weep screeds should also be installed along the bottom of the wall to allow water to escape from the stucco.
Corner trim pieces should be secured to all outside corners of the wall. The corner trim should be a matching color to the stucco, and should not be installed until after the base coat has been applied. After the base coat has dried to a thumbprint hardness, it should be textured with a rake or notched trowel. This will give the next coats of stucco a solid surface to adhere to. In addition, it will help reduce the risk of water absorption into the finished product, a common cause of mold and mildew problems.
Scratch Coat
Stucco is a long-lasting material that offers homeowners unique home protection. However, it requires regular maintenance and upkeep to keep its exterior finish in good condition. This makes stucco more expensive than some other types of exterior siding, but it has a high return on investment and increases the value of your home.
The first step of the stucco process is applying a scratch coat to the walls. A scratch coat has the same ingredients as the base coat, but it is a thinner layer that needs to dry for a minimum of 36 hours before application of the next layer. This step is crucial to the success of your project as it provides a rough surface for effective adherence and is an essential foundation layer. Professional contractors understand how important the scratch coat is and will apply it properly to ensure that the rest of the stucco installation will go smoothly.
After the scratch coat is dried, a brown coating, which is also known as the leveling coat, is applied. It consists of Portland cement, sand, and water and is sprayed on the wall with a float. This second coat smooths out the surface of the wall and establishes an even foundation for the last layer of stucco. The brown coat must be allowed to dry for a long time before applying the final plaster.
Once the brown coat is dry, it can be scraped and textured to give the house its desired appearance. Some prefer a smooth finish, while others choose to add different pigmentations before application. This allows the homeowner to customize their home and create a unique look.
Its composite materials naturally deter fire, rot, mold, and termite infestations, making it an effective barrier against inclement weather. Its seamless nature keeps rain and snow from seeping into the walls and prevents air from escaping, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Stucco is also easy to paint, allowing the homeowner to change the color of their home to match the surrounding environment or to simply reflect their taste and style. It is also a material that can easily be stained and sanded, allowing for the removal of blemishes and minor imperfections.
Base Coat
Stucco is a popular choice for exterior walls because it lasts long, can be customized to suit your tastes, and doesn’t require much maintenance. It’s a variety of plaster that’s been around for thousands of years and can take on a variety of looks, including textured or smooth. It also offers a good amount of insulation to your home, cutting down on cooling and heating costs.
The first step in the stucco process is to add a base coat to your home. This is important because it will set the foundation for the other layers to come. A well-installed base coat can reduce the risk of water penetration that can lead to cracking, chipping, and other issues later on in the life of your stucco.
There are several methods for mixing the base coat, but the most common is to pour it into a bucket and use a drill to mix until it has a smooth texture. This is a great method for smaller projects because it allows you to get your mix ready quickly and easily. Another option is to buy a pre-mixed base coat from a local supplier. This will save you time and can be a more cost-effective solution for smaller projects.
After the base coat is poured it will need to dry for a few days before you can begin work on the next step. During this time it’s important to avoid any moisture from getting into the wall assembly, especially at window flashings and roof wall connections. Moisture penetration is a common problem in stucco and can cause significant damage if not addressed properly.
Once the base coat has dried you will be able to apply the brown coat, which will give your stucco its final color. You can choose to skip this step or do it yourself, but be careful when choosing a brown coat because it’s extremely important to get the right shade to ensure your stucco will look beautiful and last a long time.
The thickness of your stucco system will vary depending on a few different factors, the most influential being the system you’re using (three-coat, one-coat, EIFS, etc.). The other factors include the finish you’re going to use and how thick of a texture you’re trying to achieve, which will add additional depth.
Finish Coat
Stucco is an excellent siding choice for masonry or wood-sheathed homes. It is environmentally friendly, resistant to weather elements, and requires little maintenance. In addition, stucco has many advantages over other siding materials such as fiber-cement panels and vinyl siding. However, stucco installation is time-consuming and requires expert knowledge to ensure proper application. While you can choose to work on the project yourself, working with a professional will save you time and money in the long run.
Once the surface has been readied, a concrete bonding agent must be applied and allowed to dry completely. This will give the subsequent stucco layers something to adhere to and prevent water damage.
A thin layer of scratch-coat stucco is then sprayed over the entire surface. This layer is a mix of Portland cement and plaster sand and provides a rough surface for the next coat to adhere to. A racking tool or notched trowel is used to create horizontal grooves on the surface of the scratch coat. These should be about 1/8 inch deep, which will provide a solid base for the subsequent layers of the stucco.
After the scratch coat is applied, a second layer known as the brown coat is sprayed and troweled over the surface of the wall. This smoothes the scratch coat and establishes a level foundation for the final coat. It is made of a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water. It is important to use cool water, as warm or hot water may cause the stucco to sag.
Before the finish coat is added, the weep screeds are installed along the bottom edge of each wall. These will prevent moisture from pooling on the walls and causing mold or efflorescence. Finally, casing beads are placed around the edges of windows and doors to create clean, finished corners.
Once all the finishing touches are in place, the stucco can be left to cure for up to 21 days. It is important to keep the brown coat moist by misting or fogging it periodically, if necessary, to prevent it from drying too quickly and cracking. In addition, the stucco should be protected from sun and wind to allow for an extended curing period.