How to Build a Stucco House
How to Build a Stucco House
‘Warm and inviting’ is how many people describe stucco houses. The textures and colors that they offer result in some of the most beautiful structures around. Building a stucco house is no small endeavor, however - but with a little help from a licensed contractor and some elbow grease, moving into the stucco home of your dreams can be a reality.
Versatile Material
Stucco as a building material has seen resurgence in recent times - its use, however, goes back to ancient times. The material is durable and can be modified to meet many design and climate conditions. It absorbs water fairly well and dries easily. This makes its use in climates like Florida acceptable if extreme conditions like hurricanes are not an issue. Generally, warmer dry climates have found stucco to be the material of choice and the Mediterranean climate is just perfect for it.
What is Stucco?
Stucco, in its original form, is merely a cement product mixed with inert materials like water, lime, and sand. In more modern times the material has made use of additives, but the original has proven to be a bit more stable and durable.
Home Structure
As with any home, having a solid foundation is the very first step to building a stucco home. In this sense, however, the foundation can be of almost any type. Earthen homes and foundations are one such option in appropriate climates and have become popular with environmentalists. However, the standard cement foundation remains the norm.
Framing the House
The framing of the stucco home is perhaps the most critical aspect to consider. Any method can be used as long as it provides a system where a wall, insulation and a latus structure can be used. In recent times a stick frame home has been designed so a “lath” system of narrow boards can be used to accept the stucco. This system works well, but in some cases the stucco absorbs water and rots the wooden lath it was attached to. More recently a wire mesh has replaced the wooden lath. The mesh serves the same purpose as the lath but does not rot. It is also quite a bit easier to install - reducing the overall labor costs associated with a stucco project.
Demolition and Application
Using modern stucco is a bit different from using original-type stucco. It is generally made of less durable materials and needs to be applied as a system. Removing the original siding is the first step. If it is stucco siding, then go slowly as the stucco will likely come off in chunks. It is better to take it off little by little; you never know what may show up as you go. Work in sections. Make sure the attachment on the other side of the stucco is in good shape. If not, replace it with a wire mesh. Be careful not to damage the inside wall. You may need to install a solid surface for the wire mesh to attach to. Apply the stucco as directed to the wire mesh. Lastly, push in the stucco so the mesh is fully enveloped.