Stucco is a popular exterior finish for homes and other buildings. It can be used on many different surfaces, such as wood, metal, concrete, and masonry. In this blog post, we will be discussing the main types of stucco.
Contents
What Types of Stucco is Best?
Stucco is a type of material that can be applied to the exterior or interior surfaces of buildings for decoration purposes. It is typically made from Portland cement and sand and some substance such as peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, chopped straw, or sugarcane fiber in order to improve its workability. The word stucco is derived from the Italian word “structure,” which means to cover or to plaster.
There are three main types of stucco:
- Traditional stucco,
- EIFS (exterior insulation and finishing system) stucco
- EIFS with lath.
1. Traditional Stucco
The traditional stucco exterior finish is made using Portland cement, sand aggregate (usually washed), water, additives like acrylic fortifiers or fiberglass mesh to strengthen the material mixture. It typically takes three coats of this product before it is ready to be painted.
Traditional stucco has a rough surface, which will not hold paint very well, and needs many coats of primer and paint before the color starts to even out on your home’s exterior. It also tends to absorb water into the mix during rainstorms or high humidity conditions, which can then freeze and cause structural damage to the home.
2. EIFS Stucco
The EIFS stucco finish is made using a synthetic polymer-based material that has an acrylic adhesive added to it. This product comes in either a smooth or textured finish and can be directly applied to many different types of substrates, including wood, metal, concrete, and masonry.
EIFS stucco is a water-resistant material and typically only needs one coat to be applied, although two coats are recommended for a more durable finish. This product is also less likely to absorb water into the mix during bad weather conditions, so it is a better option for homes in areas with high humidity or rainstorms.
3. EIFS with Lath Stucco
The EIFS stucco finish can also be applied to a structure that has been covered in the lath. To create this exterior, you will need to add Portland cement and sand aggregate along with water into your mix. You should then apply the mixture over wire mesh or another type of lath that has been added to the surface. The wire mesh or lath will help hold the stucco mix in place as it dries and also adds more strength to your exterior finish.
Stuccoing is an important part of remodeling a home’s interior, but you should only choose one of these three types if you are going to be stuccoing the exterior of your home. If you are not sure which type of stucco is best for your needs, then contact a professional contractor for assistance.
Is Synthetic Stucco Better Than Regular Stucco?
When it comes to stucco repairs, there are two main types of stucco: synthetic and regular. So which one is better?
Synthetic stucco is made with acrylic polymer cement and glass fiber reinforcement. It is more water resistant than regular stucco, making it a good choice for climates that experience a lot of rain. Synthetic stucco also has a smoother, more uniform finish than regular stucco and can be applied over flatter surfaces without the need for extensive toweling.
Regular stucco is made with Portland cement mixed with sand, water, lime or gravel aggregate. It is naturally porous which allows it to breathe, preventing the formation of moisture-related problems. It is also less expensive than synthetic stucco.
Which type of stucco is best for your home depends on a variety of factors, including climate and budget. Contact a Philadelphia stucco repair stucco specialist to discuss your options and find the right solution for you.
Round Off!
There are many types of stucco. In this article, we have read about the different types and how to use them in your home or business project. If you want a detailed understanding of each type’s benefits, limitations, and design applications; then be sure to keep reading!