Stucco Repair | Sherman, CA | Stucco, Plastering & EIFS

Stucco is a durable, long-lasting material that provides excellent insulation for homes. Typically applied as a three to four millimeter thick exterior finish, stucco helps keep homes cool with minimal energy use while also reducing noise transmission. It effectively dampens outdoor sounds like traffic. However, stucco does have some downsides—it can be brittle, prone to cracking or shifting, and may not be ideal for areas with frequent ground movement.

Before applying stucco, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean the walls using water and detergent to remove dirt or debris that could affect adhesion. Once cleaned, the walls must be properly prepped to ensure the stucco bonds well. After the application, stucco restores the wall’s original profile and durability.

A key part of any stucco system is the lath material, which traditionally consisted of wooden strips installed horizontally to support the plaster. Today, lath is typically installed over a moisture-resistant barrier like paper or felt to protect the framing from water damage. This method, called “open-loop stucco,” helps prevent moisture from seeping into the masonry.

Stucco is popular for both commercial and residential buildings due to its aesthetic appeal. Early examples of stucco construction often mirrored European architectural styles. Notably, Benjamin Henry Latrobe, appointed by Thomas Jefferson in 1803 as the Surveyor of Public Buildings, oversaw the creation of several iconic stucco structures, such as St. John’s Church in Washington, D.C., and the marbleized stucco finish on Arlington House in the 1840s.

Traditionally, stucco is applied in multiple layers. The first layer, known as the “scratch coat” or “brown coat,” is followed by a finishing layer. A roughened base coat, often created with a wooden float and nails, provides a key for the final finish. Once the base layers have set, the final texture of the stucco finish is applied, resulting in a durable and attractive surface.

Stucco offers several advantages, such as absorbing moisture and helping to maintain stable indoor temperatures. While stucco isn’t completely waterproof, it can be applied over masonry to protect buildings from harsh weather, making homes more energy-efficient. Its durability and weather resistance make it a popular choice for both homes and commercial structures.

Additionally, stucco is breathable, allowing water vapor to escape through small pores, which helps prevent moisture build-up. Although stucco is not ideal for very wet or high-impact environments, in most climates, it remains an attractive and flexible option for homeowners seeking a material that can withstand the elements while adding value and visual appeal to their property.

The proper preparation of walls before applying stucco is critical. They must be thoroughly cleaned with detergent and water to remove debris, and the surface must be adequately prepped to ensure proper adhesion of the stucco. Once set, the stucco restores the wall’s original profile.

The lath, another essential component of stucco, was traditionally made from wooden strips installed horizontally to support the plaster. Today, it is installed over a moisture-resistant barrier like paper or felt, protecting the masonry from water damage. This method, known as “open-loop stucco,” prevents moisture infiltration.

Stucco has long been admired for its beauty and versatility, making it a popular choice for both commercial and residential buildings. Early American stucco construction was heavily influenced by European designs, with notable examples overseen by figures like Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who was appointed by Thomas Jefferson as Surveyor of Public Buildings in 1803. His work includes iconic structures such as St. John’s Church in Washington, D.C., and the marbleized stucco finish on Arlington House in the 1840s.

Traditionally, stucco was applied in multiple layers. The first layer, referred to as the “scratch coat” or “brown coat,” was followed by a finishing layer. A roughened base coat, often made with a wooden float and nails, provided a key for the final finish. Once the base layers were set, the final texture of the stucco finish was applied, creating a durable, attractive surface.

Stucco offers several advantages, such as absorbing moisture from the ground and helping to maintain stable indoor temperatures. Although stucco is not completely waterproof, it can be applied over masonry to shield buildings from harsh weather, making homes more energy-efficient. Its durability and weather resistance make stucco a popular choice for both homes and commercial buildings.

In addition to its resilience, stucco is also breathable, allowing water vapor to escape through small pores. This feature helps prevent moisture build-up, although stucco is not the best choice for very wet or high-impact environments. However, in most climates, stucco remains an attractive, flexible option for homeowners looking for a material that can withstand the elements while adding value and visual appeal to their property.

Stucco has many benefits over other materials, including its flexibility and durability, making it an attractive option for homes in various climates. It can resist rain and cold, helping to maintain energy efficiency, though it’s not ideal for high-impact environments.