Whether you’re replacing the stucco on your home’s exterior or going with stucco for the first time, it’s important to understand the sophisticated system underneath that fantastic finish coat. Acrylic stucco must be installed properly and in accordance with each individual manufacturer’s guidelines if it is going to control airflow, moisture flow, insulation, and noise.
Benefits of Stucco
Acrylic stucco comes in a variety of finishes, textures, and colours, giving you a lot of room to express yourself when designing your home’s exterior. It can even be tinted to the exact colour you’re looking for so you aren’t limited by a manufacturer’s colour choices. Stucco is also engineered to withstand extreme weather and to breathe without allowing moisture to penetrate.
Layers of an acrylic stucco form a kind of concrete shell around your house, keeping it warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Non-combustible, it can last more than 50 years, and it’s very resistant to rot and mold. Perhaps one of the biggest advantages is that stucco can be applied on any surface, including concrete, brick, wood, and metal.
It’s interesting to note that stucco has been used throughout history for siding, art, and architecture. It has been found all over the world.
Stucco Installation
Stucco is applied in a three-step process. First, a tar and paper envelope is covered in a wire mesh to hold the stucco in place, otherwise known as paper and wire. This is followed by the base and scratch coats. Finally the acrylic finish with colour is applied.
Weather can affect the installation. Stucco should not be applied when it is too hot or too cold outside as it will not set properly. You’ll want one to two weeks of good weather ahead of you so the stucco has time to set completely.
Stucco Repair
Over time, stucco can develop cracks and holes. These should be repaired immediately to ensure water doesn’t get in and damage the remaining stucco or even the building envelope. It is usually possible to match the colour and texture of the surrounding stucco so the repair is not noticeable, but it is difficult to get an exact match.
Talk to Us
The Exteriors Group is experienced with stucco siding and repairs and can help you with your home renovation project. Our team understands acrylic stucco and its importance in terms of making your home attractive and protecting the building envelope beneath it. We look forward to working with you.