The word stucco is an English word that refers to the coating of a building or palace from the outside and also plaster for the interiors. However, according to the other European languages, including for Italian, they probably do not have the same distinction. Here stucco means plaster in Italian and serves for both the purposes. Traditionally, it was common that plaster, which was used inside of a building, and stucco, which was used outside, consisted of the primary materials such as lime and sand together with fibers of plants and animals for strength. But later the traditional lime plasters were replaced by gypsum plaster which increased and improved the durability of stucco.
Today, the modern stucco is made of Portland cement, sand, water, and some quantity of lime is added to increase the permeability of the same. Or additives such as acrylics or glass fibers can also be added to improve the structural properties of the stucco.
Advantages of Stucco
Does not require maintenance: This Portland cement plaster is hard, durable, and also rot and fungus resistant. This does not require a log of maintenance and is a low-cost home exterior material.
Weather resistant: Another major advantage of stucco is that it can be used in almost all kinds of climates plus can be conveniently applied to concrete, brick, concrete masonry, wood frame, or to even on a steel frame. Stucco acts an incredible insulator to both warm and cool air.
Fire resistant: Besides being this versatile, lasting durability, requires low maintenance, it is equally a good fire resistant and color retentive.
Provides perfect finish: Along with these characteristics, it gives the walls just the perfect finish that we all look for.
Cost and energy efficient: As already mentioned earlier, it is comparatively cheaper, energy efficient and that is why it maintains a constant temperature at the home.
Adding to all of these, one can add coloring to the cement coats, artistic designs carved into the cement coatings, and also mosaics and murals into the stucco walls before the cement dries. Thus the stucco can easily be transformed into one of the most creative, and innovative, siding thing to look a beautiful look to the exterior of your home.
How to Apply Stucco to your Home Exterior?
1. The application procedure of stucco is labor intensive and can be a little time consuming but the ending results are incredible and you will find it worth all the time and money investments. Firstly, during the application of stucco, you have to ensure that the temperature and elements are right. The ideal temperature conditions forth same is on a cloudy day having an average temperature between 55° and 80° F. Next, stucco is applied in three layers and if you're applying stucco to a block, concrete wall, or on a brick you need to apply a concrete bonding agent to the walls and then allow it to dry. Once the walls have been prepared, next we have to scratch a trowel to spread an inch layer of mortar mix forced down into the wire mesh and this should be allowed to dry for a few hours. After scratching the surface, allow the stucco to dry for a day or two, and keep misting it with water to keep it from drying fast. The next step is to apply the top or final coat and to create a smooth surface using a wood float across the surface.
2. This fresh coat of stucco gives a completely beautiful look to the walls and is waterproof, and provides extra insulation as well.
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