The REAL Facts About Stucco
HISTORICAL FACTS ARE FREQUENTLY IGNORED, OVERLOOKED, OR UNKNOWN.
Tests for stucco permeability have been performed since 1981. These tests prove beyond any doubt that stucco generally is waterproof. Only when stucco is adulterated by an applicator who may or may not know better is there passage of water through it. But just pick any stucco job at random and odds are extremely high that it will prove to be resistant to water passage unless it is severely cracked.
Here are the advantages of portland cement plaster (stucco) exterior finishes on all kinds of buildings:John Bucholtz, P.E. - Techniques & Comments
- Weatherproof. Properly mixed and applied stucco should NOT permit passage of water through it.
- Can be configured to any design requirement.
- Fireproof. Stucco provides a one-hour fire resistance rating.
- Durable. Lasts the life of the building.
- Little or no maintenance. Stucco does not need to be painted. When a stucco surfaces gets dirty, it can be cleaned with a garden hose.
- Any desired texture or finish - limited only by imagination.
- Noise resistant. The mass of stucco controls noise better than other finishes.
- Economical. Stucco buildings can be completed faster than other claddings resulting in lower costs.
- Attractive. Stucco finishes present pleasing aesthetics in any environment.
- For homes, it can be applied to keep up with production. One week from start to finish.
- Easily repaired. Damage to stucco finishes can be remedied easily at negligible cost.
- Protection. A lath and plaster assembly resists penetration in a short time, and requires tedious work to get through.
- Does not need repainting. If a new color is desired, a stucco fog coat can be applied at lost cost.
