Stucco Siding 101

Malanda Exterior's Guide to Stucco Siding

Stucco House Exteriors | Stucco Colors | Stucco Contractors

Stucco has been around for centuries! It is no wonder why; stucco is durable, sturdy, aesthetically pleasing, and a classic option for exterior siding. In fact, it became especially popular for homes in the 1950’s. More over, to properly apply stucco takes a trained hand, much like an artist! Malanda Exteriors specializes in stucco siding for residential and commercial properties. Our team of roofing & siding contractors have been creating beautiful stucco exteriors for over 20 years! Thus, today we will go over some stucco 101s! This guide is perfect for the home owner or business owner considering stucco for their building’s exterior. Additionally, we will be answering all the questions you may have about stucco siding such as….

What is Stucco Siding?

Stucco is a kind of textured siding that can be applied to both interiors and exteriors of buildings. It is created with cement plaster and has been widely used as siding since ancient Greece! No two stucco exteriors are alike. In fact, it can come in a variety of colors and textures.

Stucco siding has come back in popularity due to its many positive features such as…

Types Of Stucco?

There are two main systems of stucco that can be applied to your building exterior. The difference is really in the process sequence rather than the choice of materials. Both types use the same materials to make: cement, lime, sand, and water. The base coat is really where the two system differ. Thus, there is the three coat system and the one coat system.

One Coat Stucco

While called the “one coat” system, in reality the application is at least two coats. In this stucco system a thinner base coat is used to the cement mix is a little bit different than in the three coat system. The base coat contains additives that make it more water resistant and reduces potential cracking. One coat is the faster process and thus has grown in popularity over the years.

Three Coat Stucco

Also known as the “traditional” stucco, the three coat system has three layers: scratch coat, brown coat and the finish coat. This system tends to be thicker than the one coat variety and is known for being very sturdy. Underneath the three coats is a layer of paper and wire. Three coat stucco takes a lot longer but ultimately results in a beautiful and long-lasting siding.

What Stucco Colors Are There?

There are a lot of stucco colors you can choose from! Classic stucco has a neutral tan color but white is very popular in places like the coastal Mediterranean. You can also go bold with colors such as pink, black and even blue. For even more natural and earthy options you can go with green or grey.

Can you Paint Stucco?

The short answer is yes. Stucco, like any other surface can be painted. Now if it is a good idea to paint it or not can vary depending on several factors. The best option is to ask a stucco expert before deciding to paint your stucco siding. You can always contact Malanda Exteriors for a FREE consultation!

How to Stucco?

Keep in mind that stucco is a long and laborious process that really takes a professional to accomplish properly. Thus, we strongly recommend you don’t DIY your stucco siding. Anyways, we will go over the steps it takes to create stucco exteriors.

When scheduling your service it is important to make sure the weather is optimal. Ideally the forecast should be overcast, low winds and the temperature relatively cool.
We then put up the sheathing materials, as well as the paper and wire layer. This is important to creating a strong, long lasting stucco siding.
Next we mix the scratch coat which is part cement, part plaster sand and part portable water. From there we apply the scratch coat.
Then we score the scratch coat. This is important because it’ll ensure a strong bond with the next coat which we will apply once the scratch coat is dry.
From there we mix the brown coat. This layer is composed of cement and more sand. This layer will take up to 7 days to dry and cure.
Finally we can mix and apply the finish coat. This is also mad with a combination of cement and sand. Moreover this coat will determine the texture and color of your stucco siding.

Stucco Repair vs Stucco Remediation

When it comes to stucco, there are two main types of services: stucco repair and stucco remediation. Stucco repair is a relatively straightforward process that involves patching up cracks and holes in the stucco. This can be done with a simple repair kit, and the goal is simply to make the stucco look as good as new. Stucco remediation, on the other hand, is a more complex process that involves removing and replacing damaged stucco. This is usually necessary when the stucco has been significantly damaged by weathering or structural problems. As a result, stucco remediation can be a more expensive and time-consuming process than stucco repair.

Stucco Repair

Stucco is a popular exterior finish for houses, but it can be expensive to repair if it becomes damaged. The good news is that stucco is actually a very durable material, so most damage can be repaired relatively easily. The first step is to identify the source of the damage. If the stucco is cracked or chipped, then the problem is likely cosmetic and can be fixed with patching compound. However, if the stucco has begun to delaminate or peel away from the surface, then the problem is more serious and will require more extensive repairs. Once the source of the damage has been identified, the next step is to clean the area and remove any loose or damaged stucco. Next, a new layer of stucco should be applied, using a trowel to smooth it into place. Finally, the area should be allowed to dry completely before painting or staining. With proper care and maintenance, stucco can last for many years. However, if it does become damaged, Repairing stucco is not difficult as long as you take the time to do it correctly.

Stucco Remediation

When it comes to stucco remediation, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, stucco is a very porous material. This means that it can easily absorb water, which can then lead to mold and mildew growth. If you suspect that your stucco has been damaged by water, it’s important to have it professionally inspected as soon as possible. Left unchecked, water damage can quickly spread, causing extensive damage to your home.

There are a few different methods that can be used for stucco remediation. The most common method is to simply remove the damaged stucco and replace it with new stucco. However, this can be a time-consuming and expensive process. In some cases, it may be possible to simply repair the damaged stucco rather than replacing it. This can be done by filling in cracks and holes with new stucco mix. Once the repairs are complete, the area will need to be sanded smooth and painted to match the rest of the stucco surface.

While stucco remediation can be a bit of a challenge, it’s important to remember that prompt action is always key. Water damage can spread quickly and cause extensive damage to your home if left unchecked. By taking action as soon as you suspect that your stucco may be damaged, you’ll help to minimize the amount of damage and make the remediation process much simpler.

Ready to get Stucco Siding?

With that you now know the basics to stucco siding and the difference between stucco repair and stucco remediation! As you can see stucco is a classic method that takes a lot of work to create. Installing stucco can be a great way to beautify your home or office. Are you ready to get stucco siding for your residential or commercial building, or are you looking to replace the existing siding for stucco? If you’re tired of searching for stucco remediation near me, call Malanda Exteriors today for a free consultation!