Stucco Installation on Block Wall

Concrete block makes an exceptional base for Portland cement-based plaster (stucco). The two materials are made from the same basic ingredients and are extremely compatible. Properly done, it’s a great combination.

Concrete block to receive stucco should have an open or coarse texture. This enables the stucco to interlock with the surface of the block providing a mechanical key bond. (Fig. 1)

In some parts of Florida the standard concrete block has a smooth texture. This type of block provides little mechanical bond for the stucco, but may still be considered an excellent base if suction bond can be developed.
Suction bond is the absorption of water and Portland cement from the mortar into the surface of the block. This bond creates a knitting effect at the interface of the stucco and block. (Fig. 2)

It is a relatively simple procedure to determine if a block wall will provide suction bond. Spray the block with water. If the water is absorbed into the block, suction bond is possible. However, if the water beads up as if on wax paper, suction bond will be negligible. If this condition occurs, the options are to use a dash bond coat, a bonding agent, or if absolutely necessary, a metal plaster base assembly.

Another consideration for suction bond is the absorption rate of the block. A block with a high absorption rate is capable of removing water too rapidly from the stucco mix. Since cement requires water for hydration, this “dry out” removes the necessary ingredient for proper strength gain in the stucco/block interface and good suction bond. This condition also can cause additional shrinkage and cracking. There is, however, a practical solution to this problem. By uniformly wetting the wall (Fig. 3) and waiting for the water to be absorbed prior to the application of stucco, the absorption rate can be controlled and the success of the suction bond can be ensured.

In a block wall that is to receive stucco, the joints are not tooled or struck; instead they are cut flush with the block.

Floating or sponging of mortar joints is prohibited as this practice reduces the mechanical keying required for good bond. The wall should be properly aligned to eliminate large variations in stucco thickness and plane tolerances as define in ACI 530 Chapter 3.

The wall should be inspected for suitability before plastering. The surface should be clean and free of form oil, loose block, efflorescence, mortar drippings, roof tar, etc. Cracks or voids in the mortar joints should be addressed prior to application of stucco.

The Bond

Bond adequacy must be determined before the scratch coat is applied. If a bond problem is suspected, don’t proceed. Consider the other options available:

1) Dash‐Bond Coat – A thick slurry of Portland cement and fine sand plus sufficient water that is dashed by hand or machine onto concrete, masonry, or older plaster surfaces to provide a mechanical bond for succeeding plaster.

2) Bonding Agents – There are several types and variations of these materials. Some are surface applied to the block prior to the application of the scratch coat, while others are integrally mixed into the stucco mortar. It is extremely important that the right bonding agent be used and that it be applied in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

3) Metal Plaster Base Assembly – A paper backed, self‐furring metal lath is recommended for this application and must be adequately anchored to the wall. The purpose for the paper is to make sure that there is a uniform un-bonded condition and that the stucco isn’t adhering to the block in some spots and not in others, a condition which promotes cracking. Where this method is chosen, control and expansion joints and there necessary plaster accessories must be included in the assembly and installed in accordance with ASTM C 1063.

Control Joints

Because stucco and concrete block are similar materials, properly applied and adequately bonded stucco need only be jointed at the control joints in the base wall. This is one of the greatest benefits of using block for a base.

If metal plaster base is used over a block wall, the same recommendations must be followed as with frame construction. Proper spacing of control joints should follow the guidelines established in ASTM C 1063, “Installation of Lathing and Furring for Portland Cement Based Plaster.”

Dissimilar Bases

In walls where block construction abuts another type of construction, the dissimilarity of the bases will cause a crack in the stucco. As a precaution, a control joint is recommended at the juncture of block and frame walls. This will pre‐align and hide the crack in a nice looking joint. (Fig. 4)

Where concrete and block abut, local experience has shown that placing strip lath over the joint and securing it to the concrete and the block, will minimize cracking. A more conservative design is to install a control joint over the juncture.

The Mix

The stucco mix is characteristic of the aggregates and materials available in each location. An experienced plasterer should know which materials work best and how to proportion them. Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations. The workability of the stucco mix is most important. It must be adhesive enough to stay on the trowel from the hawk to the wall. Plasticity also is needed for ease of troweling and manipulation and at the same time, it must have enough body cohesion to resist sagging. Above all, the mix must bond to the block.

Adequate mixing time is also very critical in achieving proper bond ‐ a minimum of five (5) minutes mixing time after introduction of the final ingredient should be allowed.

Coats And Thickness

For block wall construction, ASTM C 926, “Installation of Portland Cement Based Plaster” contains provisions for either a two‐coat or three‐coat application.

Since a half inch of stucco thickness is sufficient for most block work, the two‐coat, “double‐back” application is recommended. With this method, the scratch coat is allowed to stiffen sufficiently to support the second coat which is then applied. The little or no delay between coats promotes complete curing, less shrinkage and improved bond. (Fig. 5)

In the three‐coat system the bond of the scratch coat to the block must carry the additional thickness and weight of the third coat. This system also has greater potential for shrinkage and cracking. If a three‐coat system is required and there is a question about the bond, or if extra thickness is required, use one of the methods prescribed in the section on Bond above.

The Application

Stucco should be applied with enough pressure to force the material into the surface of the block to ensure a mechanical key and section bond. Just spreading it on the wall may not be sufficient. A slicker should not be used to apply a base coat.

Also, enough material must be applied to obtain the specified thickness of the coat. It may take more than one pass to accomplish this. Adequate thickness is extremely important especially with the scratch coat – since a thin scratch coat is more susceptible to “dry out” and subsequent bond failure.

Curing

Proper curing is essential for the success of a good stucco job. The codes and standards are not very clear about what constitutes good curing. “Sufficient moisture and time between coats” is too vague to be very helpful. In most instances, moist curing such as a fog mist applied several times a day for the first two or three days should be adequate. The stucco should not be allowed to dry out during this period. Additional measures may be required during certain dry or windy seasons in Florida when weather conditions can have a greater impact upon the success of any stucco installation or even stucco repair job.

A Winning Combination

The outcome of a stucco job is dependent on the ability of the construction team to resolve potential problems. A discussion on bond potential and location of control joints between the architect and stucco contractor should be conducted before the job begins. The probability of a successful job will be greatly improved if the stucco contractor is consulted prior to the application of Portland cement plaster.

References
1. ASTM C 926, “Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based Plaster”, ASTM, 1916 Race St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
2. ASTM C 1063, “Standard Specification for Installation of Lathing and furring for Portland Cement-Based Plaster”, ASTM, 1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
3. Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual, EB-049 Portland Cement Association, 5420 Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, IL 60077.
4. “Guide Specifications for Metal Lathing and Furring” Metal Lath/Steel Framing Association, 600 S. Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60605.

NOTE:
Original document was published on www.FLAPB.com and can be read in its entirety here.

Check out this informative video about stucco on block:

If you are looking for stucco installation contractors in Jacksonville FL are contact Stucco Repair Pros for a free stucco installation quote. Call our office at (904) 606-5353 to schedule your appointment. Or just fill out our stucco quote request form on this page.

This article was republished from http://www.StuccoRepairJacksonvilleFL.com via RSS.

8 Benefits of Finishing Your Home’s Exterior with Stucco

Your home is your castle. Its exterior is one of the first things you see, even if you are simply enjoying the sun in the backyard. As a visitor, or potential buyer, the exterior of your house or commercial building makes the first impression. The choice of your exterior siding is more than just first impressions. Your siding choice also affects your energy bills, the life of your residential or commercial property, its looks, resale potential and more.

Many homeowners choose a stucco finish for a distinct look and energy efficiency. After consultation with you, dedicated stucco contractors lay the Exterior Insulation and Finishing System (EIFS) Moisture Managed Stucco in multiple-layers over a wood framework, called a lath. This mixture of cement, lime and sand and water – known as stucco – is applied in a carefully calculated manner by your stucco contractor. This solution withstands the test of time on commercial or residential properties during intense summer or winter. In fact, stucco is one of the most common exterior finishing choices due to its low maintenance and high efficiency.

There are many reasons why people use stucco. Here we discuss a few:

1. Stucco Gives an Incredible Look

Stucco’s layered application creates a heavily textured surface, ideal for modern homes and businesses. There are many texture options that you can choose as homeowners or business-owners. Some of them include:

• Coarse
• Pebbled
• Raked
• Smooth
• Swirled

You can choose between concentrated, rough texture, sweeping, or smooth application to best complement the style of your property. Call us today at to discuss your requirements.

2. You Have Many Custom Options With Stucco

With any type of siding, you do not have very many color options. With stucco, however, specialized contractors can mix colors directly into the solution, allowing you to choose the perfect custom shade. And, while stucco doesn’t require painting over time, you can repaint it, should you ever want to.

Some people choose synthetic siding instead of the traditional stucco. This synthetic, known as EIFS, retains paint color even better than traditional stucco.

3. Stucco Offers Great Durability

Stucco is one of the most durable siding choices available in the market. With the right application that professional stucco contractors excel in, stucco can last over fifty years.

This is due in part to the fact that stucco expands and contracts as the temperature changes, which reduces the risk of cracking or crumbling.

4. Increase The Value Of Your Home

Once applied professional by your stucco contractors, stucco provides a concrete shell around your home. This hard, durable exterior has great appeal as well as these other value-increasing characteristics, such as:

• Energy Efficient
• Low maintenance
• Resistant to water damage

When you have your home appraised, these characteristics can add thousands of dollars to its market value.

5. Increased Home Efficiency

Stucco finishing can also save you money month to month on your energy bills. Stucco acts as an excellent insulation, with noticeable efficiency. This makes it easier to maintain a desired temperature in a stucco home or business, compared to properties with another kind of exterior, no matter what the weather looks like.

Stucco reduces your heating bills in the winter by reducing heat transfer through the walls. The expert stucco company will work with you to define the type of stucco you want in order to reach the best efficiency levels.

6. Quick Installation

Siding is one of the biggest home or commercial renovation project you can do. Fortunately, if you choose stucco siding, the process is fairly quick, efficient and very pleasing. Most applications take a few days—and that includes the drying time. This minimizes the disruption to your home or business routine during the renovation process.

7. Resistance To Decay

Once a stucco contractor performs the proper waterproofing, stucco is resistant to most kinds of decay. These include:

• Mildew
• Mold

Unlike many other kinds of siding, with correct installation, stucco also does not flake or crumble over time, and stucco experts will make sure of this. This makes it ideal for Canadian winter, spring, summer or autumn.

8. Stucco Offers Versatility

If you are renovating an existing house or upgrading your commercial property, stucco is the most efficient choice. This is because professional contractors can apply stucco over the concrete masonry or wood framing. If you are replacing siding, it is a fairly simple matter to put a lath in place and apply stucco over it. This versatile application, in addition to the visually pleasing options, makes stucco a wise choice for residential and commercial properties.

Whether you are building a new home from the ground up or looking to renovate your existing home, stucco finishing is a smart siding choice. Talk to your stucco experts, about the advantages of installing stucco on your property’s exterior.

This article was reposted from OntarioModernStucco.com and can be found here.

Check out this informative video from Portland Cement Association:

As always, if you need any stucco repair, stucco chimney repair, stucco crack repair or just notice any stucco damage on your home or place of business, please contact Stucco Repair Pros to schedule Free, No-Obligation stucco quote. You can call our local office at (904) 606-5353 and speak with our friendly staff.

This article was republished from http://www.StuccoRepairJacksonvilleFL.com via RSS.

Year of Home Improvement Splurge Spending

2018 - Year of Home Improvement Splurge Spending

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Data from around the industry indicates a gangbusters year for home improvement.

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All signs point to high(er) home improvement spending in 2018, with much of the money going to outdoor living enhancements and hiring professionals.

Indicator one: Americans have more disposable income.

In January, real disposable income increased 0.6 percent from the same time last year – the biggest rise in nearly three years, according to the National Association of Homebuilders. It should come as no surprise that personal consumption also rose in January: 2.7 percent year over year, to be exact.

One historical constant in the remodeling industry is that when disposable income rises, so do the amount of home improvement projects homeowners are willing to take on. We saw it clear as day between 2011 and 2013, when the economy was rapidly improving and home improvement spending increased by about $6 billion in two years.

Indicator two: Homeowners admit they’re going to spend more.

Fifty-eight percent of homeowners, in fact, admit to increased budgets for home improvement projects this year, with 45 percent of those planning to spend at least $5,000, and the number of homeowners planning to spend more than $35,000 doubling since last year, according to LightStream’s fifth annual Home Improvement Survey.

So what are they spending on?

By a double-digit margin, outdoor living projects (43 percent) were the most popular among the surveyed homeowners, with decks, patios, and landscaping ranking at the top of the popular projects list for the fifth year in a row. Bathroom and kitchen remodels, at 31 and 26%, respectively, were also common responses, as was home repairs, which 28% of homeowners are planning. Since 2017, repairs was the only of those four project types that saw a decrease in the number of homeowners planning to take them on.

Image courtesy LightStream

Another big finding from LightStream’s survey was that two-thirds of homeowners are planning to hire a professional for their projects. However, about half of those say that some of the work they’ll do themselves: all but the framing and structural work. The final third is the DIY group, which is largely made up of Millennials. Seventy percent of homeowners 18 to 34 do not plan to hire a professional. In the survey, young respondents explained their DIY inclinations, saying things like: “it’s more cost effective”; “(the work) gives me a sense of personal satisfaction”; and “I’ve done it before.”

The large number of DIYers does pose a problem for home improvement professionals, but it’s one likely not to be felt for a few years yet. For now, most homeowners are older. According to the National Multifamily Housing Council, the median homeowner age is currently 52, and 64 percent of homeowners are 45 or older.

2018 is the Year of Home Improvement Splurge Spending was originally posted on www.ProRemodeler.com and was written by James McClister who is managing editor for Professional Remodeler.

This article was originally posted on www.StuccoRepairJacksonvilleFL.com