What is 3 coat stucco?

What is Three Coat 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 thick is a 3 coat stucco system?

The third coat, the finish coat, is often pigmented for color and applied by smooth trowel, hand-textured, floated to a sand finish, or sprayed. The three-coat stucco system total thickness is approximately ⅞ in. (22 mm), and weighs 10-12 lb.

What are the different types of stucco?

How many coats of stucco do you need?

Stucco application typically requires three coats. The initial “scratch coat” provides adhesion to the building. The “brown coat”, which comes second, is responsible for creating an even surface. Finally, the “finish coat” determines the stucco's outward appearance.

Does 3 coat stucco require a moisture barrier?

Yes, 3 coat stucco systems require a moisture barrier, referred to in building codes as a water-resistive barrier (WRB).

Overview Of The 3 Coat Stucco Process

Can water leak through stucco?

Despite what many people think about stucco walls, stucco walls are not water-resistant. As a matter of fact water actually absorbs into the stucco. In most cases, the problem with water leaking through stucco is that the building envelope has been breached.

What is a 2 coat stucco system?

Two-Coat Stuccoing

In a two-coat application, the brown coat is eliminated and the finish coat is applied directly to the scratch coat. As shown in the illustration, the scratch coat of QUIKRETE® Base Coat Stucco is applied to a 3/8" thickness, grooved, and cured as in a three-coat system.

How thick is stucco coat?

“One Coat” Stucco Systems – The stucco is usually 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch thick.

Why you should not paint stucco?

Stucco needs to breath – One of the main reasons you shouldn't coat your stucco with paint is because stucco is porous. This allows moisture that hits the surface to easily evaporate away. A coat of paint can harm that breathability.

Which stucco finish is best?

Lace finish, also known as lace and skip or skip and trowel, is one of the most popular types of stucco finishes as it's a great solution for hiding imperfections.

Which type of stucco is best?

If weather is a concern and you have enough money in your budget, acrylic stucco might be the best choice for you. Synthetic stucco material is also called an exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), and it is a polymer-based laminate that is applied in two coats over a rigid insulation board secured to a wall.

What is the difference between base coat and finish coat stucco?

The brown coat covers the first base coat and creates a plane surface, leading to the best possible results for the finish coat. The finish coat is the thinnest of the coats, and its purpose is to impart a decorative surface to the plaster. Scratch, brown, and finish coats all have slightly different proportions.

What is better EIFS or stucco?

The fiberglass layer provides more durability, even against hard blows from weather. EIFS is notably lighter than traditional stucco, however. It is 80-percent less heavy than stucco, but it has a higher R-value, coming in between 4 and 5.6, which is notably higher than the 0.20 R-value of regular stucco.

Is stucco as strong as concrete?

Stucco will typically be used in vertical applications, such as for walls and borders. Concrete, on the other hand, is much tougher and heavier, and will typically be used to fill in cracks or act as a horizontal support.

What are the different coats of stucco called?

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.

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.

Can I put new stucco over old stucco?

Loose or chipping paint can reduce the bonding power of a new coat of stucco, so it should be removed by sandblasting. If the painted surface is in very good condition, you can apply stucco directly over it, as long as you use a bonder.

What is hard coat stucco?

Also called “Hard Coat Stucco” and “Exterior Plaster” Definition: “An exterior finish composed of some combination of Portland cement, lime, and sand, which are mixed with water, which dries to a very hard textured finish” [1]

How long should stucco last?

Stucco is a very durable finish material with a typical life span of 50-80 years or more. Although it is one of the most durable surfaces available, it also features the lowest annual maintenance cost when compared to other siding materials. Stucco is a natural material consisting of an aggregate, a binder, and water.

What is the brown coat in stucco?

The Brown Coat

Ingredients: A very simple recipe for a stucco scratch coat consists of 3 parts sand to 1 part cement. Lime and other things can also be added but aren't usually needed.

Is stucco over brick a good idea?

Because stucco and brick are both masonry products, stucco can be applied directly to brick in most cases. This makes stucco an excellent finish for covering damaged brick, or for dressing up a boring brick wall.

What happens if water gets behind stucco?

Water leakage is a common issue with stucco in areas where seasonal rain is the norm. If water gets behind stucco it will soften the areas it comes in contact with, eventually causing the stucco to break away and fall off in sheets.

What goes behind stucco walls?

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 often should stucco be sealed?

If new, stucco can be sealed with a clear concrete/ masonry sealer, which will penetrate into the stucco and stop moisture entrance. These are typically silicone type sealers. While effective, these finishes will usually need to be redone every 4-5 years.