Stucco - a form of hard plaster made by combining an aggregate and a binder with water - was used to finish buildings in ancient Greece, Rome, and other Mediterranean regions. It is still used today, with minor changes in application methods and more comprehensive ones in the ingredients used for today's markets.
This material that is mixed with water and applied or shaped while wet hardens to make durable wall coverings that make rough structures look finished. It is also used for statuary and architectural decoration, just as it was in early centuries. It is a eminently satisfactory building material, so much so that it is the most popular exterior finish for buildings in the American southwest, where the climate is generally hotter and drier than the rest of the country.
The coating adheres to concrete, brick, stone, and cinder block and may be applied directly to enhance the appearance of these kinds of buildings. For wood frame construction, a supporting under-layer of wire mesh - formerly it was mostly lattice or lath - and a moisture barrier of asphalt paper is installed first and then the outer finish of durable stucco is applied. The 'old world' look is as smooth as interior plaster, but all sorts of textures are possible when the mixture is still wet. Fashions change from generation to generation and according to regional trends.
Lime, which was the old binder, is still added to mixtures that depend on Portland cement for extreme durability. Lime is slowly dissolved in water, which makes it self-repairing. Tiny cracks caused by settling of the structure or because of weather extremes will fill in as the lime dissolves. In dry weather, the lime quickly hardens again. Many people feel that lime in the mix gives a softer, more traditional appearance to the end result.
Traditional stucco is best suited to hot, dry climates, where its components are not subjected to frequent rains and where the coolness of thick walls is appreciated. It is the most popular exterior finish in the American southwest. Today, with cement added to the mix, it is now suitable for all regions. Its affordability, durability, and relatively easy application makes it an attractive option for residences and commercial buildings.
Maintenance is really minimal with modern types of this material. Pigments are usually added to the mix, so the color is not just on the surface, and stuccoed walls never need painting. Regular inspections to detect cracks and chips and occasional washing is pretty much all that will be required in most cases.
There are also synthetic forms of this material on the market today. Made of acrylics with other substances added for extra strength, this man-made protection for unfinished walls often comes in prefabricated sheets - lightweight foam-backed panels that are covered with simulated stucco in a wide choice of textures and colors.
Stucco is a great do-it-yourself material, because it can be mixed in a wheelbarrow and is easy to apply. There are also many professional contractors who can do the job well and quickly. It is always one of the more affordable options, since it is relatively inexpensive and extremely durable. Its appearance can be absolutely first class when properly done, and maintenance is minimal.
This material that is mixed with water and applied or shaped while wet hardens to make durable wall coverings that make rough structures look finished. It is also used for statuary and architectural decoration, just as it was in early centuries. It is a eminently satisfactory building material, so much so that it is the most popular exterior finish for buildings in the American southwest, where the climate is generally hotter and drier than the rest of the country.
The coating adheres to concrete, brick, stone, and cinder block and may be applied directly to enhance the appearance of these kinds of buildings. For wood frame construction, a supporting under-layer of wire mesh - formerly it was mostly lattice or lath - and a moisture barrier of asphalt paper is installed first and then the outer finish of durable stucco is applied. The 'old world' look is as smooth as interior plaster, but all sorts of textures are possible when the mixture is still wet. Fashions change from generation to generation and according to regional trends.
Lime, which was the old binder, is still added to mixtures that depend on Portland cement for extreme durability. Lime is slowly dissolved in water, which makes it self-repairing. Tiny cracks caused by settling of the structure or because of weather extremes will fill in as the lime dissolves. In dry weather, the lime quickly hardens again. Many people feel that lime in the mix gives a softer, more traditional appearance to the end result.
Traditional stucco is best suited to hot, dry climates, where its components are not subjected to frequent rains and where the coolness of thick walls is appreciated. It is the most popular exterior finish in the American southwest. Today, with cement added to the mix, it is now suitable for all regions. Its affordability, durability, and relatively easy application makes it an attractive option for residences and commercial buildings.
Maintenance is really minimal with modern types of this material. Pigments are usually added to the mix, so the color is not just on the surface, and stuccoed walls never need painting. Regular inspections to detect cracks and chips and occasional washing is pretty much all that will be required in most cases.
There are also synthetic forms of this material on the market today. Made of acrylics with other substances added for extra strength, this man-made protection for unfinished walls often comes in prefabricated sheets - lightweight foam-backed panels that are covered with simulated stucco in a wide choice of textures and colors.
Stucco is a great do-it-yourself material, because it can be mixed in a wheelbarrow and is easy to apply. There are also many professional contractors who can do the job well and quickly. It is always one of the more affordable options, since it is relatively inexpensive and extremely durable. Its appearance can be absolutely first class when properly done, and maintenance is minimal.
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