Stucco Repair | Beverly Hills, CA | Stucco, Plastering & EIFS

Stucco is a highly durable material that offers excellent insulation for homes. Typically applied in layers three to four millimeters thick, stucco helps keep homes cool by reducing energy use and also minimizes noise transmission, making it a popular choice for exterior finishes. Additionally, stucco dampens outdoor sounds like traffic, providing a quieter indoor environment. However, stucco can be brittle and may develop cracks or shift, especially in areas with frequent ground movement.

Before applying stucco, it’s essential to thoroughly clean the walls using water and detergent to remove dirt and debris that could impact adhesion. Proper preparation ensures a strong bond and restores the wall’s original durability and appearance after application.

A critical part of any stucco system is the lath material. Historically, lath was made of wooden strips installed horizontally to support the plaster. Today, lath is installed over a moisture-resistant barrier such as felt or paper to protect the framing from water damage. This method, known as “open-loop stucco,” prevents moisture from seeping into the masonry.

Stucco has long been favored for its aesthetic appeal, and its use can be seen in both commercial and residential buildings. Early examples of stucco construction often followed European architectural styles. Benjamin Henry Latrobe, appointed by Thomas Jefferson in 1803 as Surveyor of Public Buildings, was responsible for several iconic stucco structures, including St. John’s Church in Washington, D.C., and the marbleized stucco finish on Arlington House in the 1840s.

Traditionally, stucco is applied in multiple layers. The first layer, known as the “scratch coat” or “brown coat,” is followed by a finishing layer. The base coat is roughened to provide a strong bond for the final finish, resulting in a durable and attractive surface once the top layers are applied.

One of stucco’s main advantages is its ability to absorb moisture and regulate indoor temperatures, making it a highly energy-efficient option. Although stucco is not entirely waterproof, it can be applied over masonry to protect buildings from harsh weather conditions. Its weather resistance and durability make stucco a popular choice for both homes and commercial structures.

Stucco is also breathable, allowing water vapor to escape through small pores, which helps prevent moisture build-up. While it may not be the best choice for extremely wet or high-impact environments, in most climates, stucco remains a flexible and visually appealing option for homeowners looking to add both value and durability to their property.

The application process begins by cleaning and preparing the walls thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion. After the surface is clean, the walls are ready for the stucco to be applied, restoring the wall to its original profile and strength.

The lath material used in stucco is crucial for supporting the layers. Traditionally, lath was made of wooden strips, but today it is typically installed over a moisture-resistant barrier to protect the wall’s framing. This technique, known as “open-loop stucco,” prevents water from seeping into the structure.

Because stucco is such an attractive material, it is widely used on both residential and commercial buildings. Early stucco constructions imitated European architectural styles, and Benjamin Henry Latrobe played a key role in designing many notable stucco buildings, including St. John’s Church in Washington, D.C., and the marbleized stucco finish at Arlington House in the 1840s.

Stucco is applied in multiple layers, beginning with a scratch or brown coat and followed by a finishing layer. The base coat is often roughened to ensure a solid key for the final layer, creating a durable, textured finish once complete.

Stucco offers several benefits, including its ability to absorb moisture and help maintain stable indoor temperatures. Although it is not entirely waterproof, stucco is an effective barrier when applied over masonry, helping to protect buildings from extreme weather and making homes more energy-efficient.

In addition to its durability and resistance to weather, stucco is also a breathable material, allowing moisture to pass through while protecting the underlying structure. This makes it an attractive, flexible option for homeowners looking for a material that can withstand a range of climates. While it may not be suitable for high-impact environments, stucco remains a popular choice for its combination of aesthetic appeal, flexibility, and durability.