Stucco is a material that is primarily composed of gypsum and cement. It is a hard, waterproof material that can be used as a building material or siding material. There are several different kinds of stucco, but the most commonly applied ones are either Portland cement or gypsum. If you want to know more about stucco finished products, read this article about Stucco Siding, a Review of Its Benefits and Uses and A Guide to Applying Stucco Finishes.
Stucco Applications
While stucco siding can be used for external applications like on the exterior walls of your home or business, its stucco applications will not last long if it is not properly maintained. The first step is to apply a thin coat of Portland cement. This layer is called the base coat or binder, as it is the fundamental layer that is applied before other coats are applied. This type of coating is used to give the stucco siding material the natural look that is available. To learn more about stucco siding products and their uses, it would be better if you go through this article to find out more about Portland Cement and Gypsum.
Stucco Installation
Once the base coat has been applied, the stucco installation must be allowed to dry up to around 24 hours. This will ensure that the stucco installation material has cured completely and there are no air pockets where moisture can accumulate. If the drying up of moisture takes longer than usual, then homeowners can opt for the use of a high-pressure washer to remove excess moisture from the surface. Before homeowners start using the stucco installation materials, they must make sure that the surface is clean, smooth and completely dry. If a homeowner intends to use stucco installation materials on stucco masonry walls, then they must check whether these walls are dampened or not.
Stucco Lifespan & Durability
While stucco siding is very durable and long-lasting, it cannot be compared with some other synthetic stucco products that have a shorter life span. EIFs, for example, are known to be about 10 times as durable as vinyl stucco. The reason behind this fact is that EIFs contain a water-repelling resin, while vinyl stucco does not. This difference in the resilience of EIFs can be seen from the appearance and the feel of each of the two materials.
Hiring A Contractor For Stucco Siding
It is very important for homeowners to hire a stucco siding contractor who uses the best bonding agents and Portland cement that is available. A good bond is essential because this will help the stucco siding to last much longer. However, just like any other kind of product, bonding agents also have side effects. For instance, when the homeowner applies the wrong type of bonding agent, it might lead to different kinds of rash and allergies. On the other hand, if the bonding agent used by the contractor is too strong, it might just end up peeling off from the wall faster than natural wearing off.
If there is a problem with the stucco surface, then the best way to repair it is through stucco repairs. However, there are some homeowners who prefer to have their stucco surfaces finish stucco. This is also a good choice, especially for those who want to get a very natural look without spending too much. However, before the finish stucco is applied on the wall, it is necessary to discuss the plan with a stucco contractor so that he/she can assess the material’s compatibility with the portland cement. This is because the surface finishes are different and the mixture might just prove to be fatal if the combination turns out to be wrong.