Stucco is a form of plaster made by mixing an aggregate, a bonding compound, and water. Used by the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Arabs, this surface adornment and protection is still popular today in many areas of the world. Its composition and the methods used to apply it have not even changed all that much.
Whether made with the traditional ingredients of sand, lime, and water or composed partly of Portland cement or entirely of acrylics, stucco is a popular materials used on interior and exterior walls as well as ceilings of residential and commercial buildings. It is mixed at the construction site and applied wet, and then it hardens to a durable covering. It is also used as a medium for decorative detail, just as it was centuries ago.
This rough plastering material is used to coat walls of both residential and commercial buildings. It goes on wet, and will adhere to concrete, cinder block, brick, and other masonry. It can be applied to wooden framing with supporting mesh, lattice, or lath. The finish can be as smooth as true plaster, uniformly textured by floating sand to the surface of the mix, or hand-finished to a rougher look.
Today Portland cement is used to hold the sand and water together. It gives a far greater degree of hardness and weather resistance than the original lime. Lime is soluble in water, and buildings made of the traditional mixture eventually crumble away. However, lime has what is called 'self-healing properties.' A small portion of the lime will soften in wet weather, seal tiny cracks caused by structural settling or weather extremes, and then harden again. That is one reason why lime is often added to mixtures that also contain cement.
Traditional stucco is best suited to hot, dry climates, where its components are not subjected to frequent rains and where the coolness of thick walls is appreciated. It is the most popular exterior finish in the American southwest. Today, with cement added to the mix, it is now suitable for all regions. Its affordability, durability, and relatively easy application makes it an attractive option for residences and commercial buildings.
Stucco is also used inside. Either smooth or swirled, it was quite the fashion as a ceiling treatment in the 1950s and still is a good choice to reclaim areas with damage or discoloration. Decorative features are still made in this medium, as well. However, most of it goes on the outside of homes and businesses. It is especially suited to the hot and dry American southwest, where it is used more than any other exterior finish.
There are also synthetic forms of this versatile material. There are even prefabricated panels that are finished in a factory and shipped to the site. This is a radical departure from the regular methods, which include mixing and applying the covering at the construction site, allowing the first coat to dry before the next is spread on top.
Stucco is a great do-it-yourself material, because it can be mixed in a wheelbarrow and is easy to apply. There are also many professional contractors who can do the job well and quickly. It is always one of the more affordable options, since it is relatively inexpensive and extremely durable. Its appearance can be absolutely first class when properly done, and maintenance is minimal.
Whether made with the traditional ingredients of sand, lime, and water or composed partly of Portland cement or entirely of acrylics, stucco is a popular materials used on interior and exterior walls as well as ceilings of residential and commercial buildings. It is mixed at the construction site and applied wet, and then it hardens to a durable covering. It is also used as a medium for decorative detail, just as it was centuries ago.
This rough plastering material is used to coat walls of both residential and commercial buildings. It goes on wet, and will adhere to concrete, cinder block, brick, and other masonry. It can be applied to wooden framing with supporting mesh, lattice, or lath. The finish can be as smooth as true plaster, uniformly textured by floating sand to the surface of the mix, or hand-finished to a rougher look.
Today Portland cement is used to hold the sand and water together. It gives a far greater degree of hardness and weather resistance than the original lime. Lime is soluble in water, and buildings made of the traditional mixture eventually crumble away. However, lime has what is called 'self-healing properties.' A small portion of the lime will soften in wet weather, seal tiny cracks caused by structural settling or weather extremes, and then harden again. That is one reason why lime is often added to mixtures that also contain cement.
Traditional stucco is best suited to hot, dry climates, where its components are not subjected to frequent rains and where the coolness of thick walls is appreciated. It is the most popular exterior finish in the American southwest. Today, with cement added to the mix, it is now suitable for all regions. Its affordability, durability, and relatively easy application makes it an attractive option for residences and commercial buildings.
Stucco is also used inside. Either smooth or swirled, it was quite the fashion as a ceiling treatment in the 1950s and still is a good choice to reclaim areas with damage or discoloration. Decorative features are still made in this medium, as well. However, most of it goes on the outside of homes and businesses. It is especially suited to the hot and dry American southwest, where it is used more than any other exterior finish.
There are also synthetic forms of this versatile material. There are even prefabricated panels that are finished in a factory and shipped to the site. This is a radical departure from the regular methods, which include mixing and applying the covering at the construction site, allowing the first coat to dry before the next is spread on top.
Stucco is a great do-it-yourself material, because it can be mixed in a wheelbarrow and is easy to apply. There are also many professional contractors who can do the job well and quickly. It is always one of the more affordable options, since it is relatively inexpensive and extremely durable. Its appearance can be absolutely first class when properly done, and maintenance is minimal.
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