When it comes to choosing exterior siding for a home or building, proprietors have numerous options. One popular material in many parts of the globe is stucco. That said, however, this product presents certain special challenges in terms of creation.

Therefore, this substance’s installation is often performed by a skilled worker known as a stucco contractor. Read on to learn about the product and four reasons property owners should consider retaining these professional’s services.

Stucco Overview

In actuality, stucco is a form of cement usually composed of sand, lime and water. However, occasionally, the substance is also made from acrylic, strengthening its consistency and renders said product more flexible when applied.

 Benefits

Stucco looks like the common binding product plaster. Both substances enjoy the same favourable texture and are easy to place on various surfaces. That said, stucco, unlike plaster, is quite resistant to potentially damaging elements such as water and temperature extremes. Property owners and contracting professionals also offer good reviews of the product because it is resistant to glare, a better-than-average insulator, insect and rot-resistant and considered more affordable than certain other exterior siding materials.

Arguably, however, the material is most favoured for its appearance. Stucco can be applied in a smooth, patterned or rough style. Decorative features can add to the product, and the material can be a variety of colours.

The Application Process

There are three types of stucco applications, traditional, two coats and one coat. A home or building’s specific contours will determine which process is applied.

Traditional

During the traditional stucco application, three layers of the material are placed. The first is applied to the metal lath on the structure in question’s exterior regions. One this coat dries, a second layer is applied for adhesive purposes. Finally, the third application or finish coat is often hand troweled to enhance the final product’s texture and appearance. Typically, the traditional offering is performed on wood exteriors.

Two Coat

Usually, the two coat process is reserved for concrete and brick exteriors. These surfaces do not require an initial coating. Applicants place a bonding adhesive substance on the receiving areas and two coats of stucco are then applied.

One Coat

This process is relatively new to the construction industry. During this procedure, stucco and fiberglass are mixed and set down atop metal lath.

Four Reasons To Hire A Stucco Contractor

Stucco provides numerous benefits, in addition to an aesthetic quality that could increase the resale value of a home or commercial structure. That said, stucco application is a time-consuming, labour-intensive process that should never be a do it yourself effort. In truth, the task should only be performed by professionals with a dearth of experience placing the said product for the following four reasons:

 Achieving A Proper Mixture

Since stucco is a combination of several products, a proper mixture must be achieved to ensure the application material will be as durable and applicable as possible. Experienced contractors know the proper amount of each ingredient to add to ensure the finished product can be applied, dry adequately, and perform long after the application process is over.

 Aesthetic Quality

Professional applicants understand just how much stucco should be applied during each coating phase. Inexperienced subjects are more apt to place either too little or too much. Such errors will likely lead to an unevenly appearing eyesore of a finished product.

 A Job Done Right The First Time

Properly installed stucco will not need to be reapplied in short order. Ensuring that the job is appropriately executed the first time will prevent the home or building owner from having to reinvest time and money to correct previous mistakes.

 Limited Maintenance

Properly performed applications often translate into fewer maintenance issues for the residential or commercial property owner. Problematic events such as cracks or breakages must not only be remediated but could pose other problems. Water leaks could seep into the structure in question’s interior, leading to property damage and fostering hazardous materials. Moreover, cracks enable increased air penetration, which may result in heightened utility costs.