What do you put under stucco?

Because stucco is porous, the base—typically plywood or oriented-strand board sheathing—must have at least one layer of weather-resistant, vapor-permeable asphalt-impregnated building paper (“felt”) or plastic-based building wraps or stucco wraps.

What material is under stucco?

Sheathing is basically the “backing material” that can be found underneath the various layers of stucco that form the backing of residential and commercial buildings. They can be made out of wood, cement, gypsum, fiberglass and other materials.

How do you prep for stucco?

When working with an existing masonry or brick wall, you're going to first need to use some fresh mortar to repair any cracks that exist, then wash the wall with a power washer (or use a trisodium phosphate-water mixture and scrub it). The wall should be thoroughly wet before you apply the first coat of stucco.

Do you need plywood under stucco?

Stucco requires a rough surface that it can bond to, like the aforementioned masonry. Plywood products don't offer this, so lath needs to be applied, providing something for the stucco to bond to. But there are other parts of the preparation to do, before the lath.

What is the layer under stucco?

Three coat is the original stucco process, consisting of paper and wire, a scratch coat, a brown coat, and a finish, or “top” coat. In industry terms — lath, scratch and brown.

How to Install Stucco

What kind of paper goes under stucco?

Under stucco, you can use asphalt felt or two layers of Grade-D building paper, commonly used on the West Coast. Both asphalt felt and Grade D paper will block liquid water but allow water vapor to pass through.

Can you stucco over cement board?

One finish you can use on cement boards is stucco. Extensive preparation is necessary, but once completed, you'll have a beautiful surface, suitable for further finishing by painting or left as-is for a raw plaster look.

Is sheathing required behind stucco?

STUCCO APPLICATION OVER WOOD SHEATHING

Building paper is required where stucco is applied over wood structural sheathing. Note: The International Building Code and the International Residential Code require two layers of Grade D building paper over wood-based sheathing.

Can you put stucco over plywood?

Apply two layers of grade D building paper or asphalt felt to the plywood siding. Follow with the three-dimensional drainage mat and two more layers of paper or felt. Secure stucco mesh to your walls and then apply your layers of stucco for a watertight finish.

What is lath for stucco?

Lath is simply the first step in the stucco process. It consists of water resistant paper, (sometimes eps foam) wire and other metal components that make up the essential “framework” for the cement to be adhered to. It attaches to the substrate and is the structure for the following coats.

What is the minimum thickness of stucco?

The minimum thickness of stucco from the face of the base shall be not less than 3/4 inch at every point… Non-corrodible flashing or other expedients that will prevent penetration of moisture behind the stucco shall be used when necessary.

Does stucco stick to concrete?

Stucco needs to be applied to a sturdy, stable surface in order to ensure that it doesn't crack or crumble. If you apply stucco to a wooden surface, you must first install a metal netting to hold the stucco, but it can be applied directly onto a concrete surface.

What kind of cement do I use for stucco?

Portland cement-based plaster is such a material that uses portland cement as the binder. It is sometimes called “traditional stucco.” Stucco is a somewhat colloquial term for portland cement plaster, and some people consider it to refer to an exterior, not interior, finish.

What is stucco screed?

Weep screed is a special piece of metal flashing that runs along the bottom of walls that wicks moisture out of holes that are located at the bottom of the flashing.

What is the main problem with stucco?

There are several stucco problems that you can encounter. The most common ones are staining and discoloration, stucco cracking, and moisture intrusion. Other problems include stucco extending below grade and caulking. Some of these issues will need either repair or remediation.

Can you stucco over Tyvek?

The short answer is, yes you can apply stucco over Tyvek but it is not recommended, a grade D paper (two ply preferrably) is better suited for stucco and is more compatible with the material. Tyvek is slicker and cement will have a harder time staying in place when applying the base coat.

Does stucco stick to wood?

Stucco can be applied over almost any surface. Applying stucco over your existing wood siding is a great way to cover up wood that is looking old and worn, or simply to give your home a new look.

Does stucco keep water out?

Since stucco is a masonry product, it is often believed to be waterproof already. However, this isn't totally true — stucco is indeed permeable and will let some water through.

How do you attach stucco?

What kind of wire is used for stucco?

17 Gauge Wire (Three Coat Stucco Wire):

This particular wire is commonly used in the three coat stucco system and is a fairly strong kind of wire. It is furred, which means that it sticks off of the wall a little bit (about a quarter inch or so) so that the stucco mix can "key" in behind it.

What is the black paper under stucco?

The paper is a line of defense against moisture and is also referred to as the water resistive barrier in a three coat stucco system. Simple hand tools and attention to minor details are all it takes to install it.

Can I use tar paper instead of house wrap?

That's one of the reasons it doesn't work as well as an exterior house covering as it does an interior vapor retarder. Also, if the tar paper rips, it will create problems. Water will be allowed to get in, making the material less effective. Finally, tar paper cannot be installed using tape.