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Applying the basecoat cement to your exterior wall after your EPS installation adds to the primary aim of EIFS insulation. It strengthens the wall, reinforces it to make it enduring. This article contains a step-by-step guide for cementing your EPS insulated wall with a basecoat. It will all depend on how it’s being applied… Let’s leave some of this for later!

Primer and plastering the finished wall is the last stage in this process before painting your exterior home.

Primer and plastering the finished wall is the last stage in this process before painting your exterior home.

What is Basecoat?

Basecoat is a grey cement-based adhesive produced from a mixture of Portland cement, mineral fillers, texturing aggregate, and hydrated lime.

DuRock B2000 is an acrylic-modified cementitious dry mix base coat designed for use over Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). B2000 forms a strong yet flexible, crack-resistant base coat that is intended for use on the exterior, above-grade portion of ICF foundation walls. B2000 has high flexural and bond strength, is water vapor permeable, and has excellent freeze/thaw stability with low water absorption and low shrinkage.

Basecoat serves as a bedding adhesive to attach EPS boards to a substrate. The cement-based basecoat is also used to embed in the fiberglass mesh on polystyrene (EPS) thermal insulation systems as an additional layer for reinforcement or endurance.

It contains polymer-modified binders to make for strong adhesion, increased flexibility, improved crack resistance, and durability. Therefore, the basecoat is highly durable, elastic, quick-drying, and possesses outstanding frost resistance properties.

When using a basecoat for reinforcement, the fiberglass mesh should be placed on top of the EPS thermal insulation system to form the reinforcement layer. Very importantly, the underlying insulation has to be leveled and without any gaps or external debris. Neglect of this may lead to a compromise on the quality of the reinforcement installation process.

Also, you have to store the basecoat correctly to ensure the product does not exhibit any form of inconsistency throughout the application process.

Cementing Basecoat for Endurance

When cementing basecoat for endurance or as part of the reinforcement layer, you should ensure that there are no uneven parts on the insulation boards. Check for uneven parts and level them before you proceed with the application of the basecoat.

You can level the EPS insulation by rasping the entire surface of the EPS-covered wall. Check out Exterior Stucco Home From Scratch: Leveling Insulation EPS detailed information on how to level your EPS insulation.

Also,o check for holes on the wall and cover them up. You can use the basecoat to fill the holes in the wall.

If you are working on a painted substrate, you must remove the paint using methods that ensure that no more than 10% of the remaining surface has been painted.

Mixing the Basecoat

The basecoat comes in the form of dry cement, you have to mix it with water just like the cement used for a building before applying it.

For mixing the basecoat, which is the first thing you should do, you may have to carefully follow a guideline. The reason is that there is a required consistency of the basecoat mixture that achieves the desired result. 

If the consistency is not appropriate for cementing, the basecoat may end up dropping down from your wall or take more days to set. In general, you will not have the best experience working with it and this might result in total waste. You should follow these steps to mix the basecoat

• Use clean equipment for mixing and preparation.

• Thoroughly mix one 55 lb. (25 kg) EPS Basecoat pail with up to 1 gallon (3.8L) of water.

• Use a heavy-duty 1/2 inches (13mm) drill with a rust-free paddle at 400-500 rpm.

• Divide the mixture equally into two buckets.

• Pre-measure 55 lb. (25 kg) of portland cement. Add half of the portland cement, 27.5 lb (5.67 kg) to each bucket.

• Stir. While stirring the Basecoat, regularly add small amounts of cement in increments to obtain a final weight (ratio of 1:1)

• You may need to add a little amount of clean water (maximum 16 oz. (0.47 L) if need be to adjust workability.

Not that you should allow the mixture to stand for five minutes after the first mixing, then stir again (re-tempering). However, you should do the re-tempering only once as required for workability.

Also, endeavor to use the mixture immediately after tempering and ensure to keep the container closed when not in use. You may mix the basecoat in batches, probably two for convenience.

Applying the Basecoat to EPS Insulated Wall

First off, you should measure out the fiberglass mesh you will be using. The fiberglass Mesh is made of neatly woven fiberglass thread. This mesh is used in most cases for plastering and rendering for wall reinforcement, external wall insulation, and roof waterproofing. Fiberglass mesh comes in various sizes, For the window screen, you will need an 18-by-16 mesh.

To cut the mesh, use a 6-inch taping knife to poke fiberglass tape into inside corners, then press down both sides firmly. For maximum joint strength, keep the mesh centered in the corner. Run this layer of tape over the pieces that you applied to the tapered seams.

In all, you should not cut the mesh in such a way that leaves it with a jagged edge. Cut through the little rows of squares to get a straight edge. After you’ve measured out your mesh, then:

• Pour a little portion of the already mixed basecoat into a flat board, hold on one hand.

• Take your notched trowel, on the other hand, use it to take the basecoat from the board in bits.

You should not just try to scoop it carelessly to avoid messing up the whole process, scoop and cut the basecoat off on the board.

• Apply the mixture in your trowel unto the wall in an upward movement direction (start from the bottom and swipe up).

• Apply the coat again, from top to bottom this time.

You should mix a sufficient amount of basecoat before you begin the application process. The application starts setting all.ost immediately you leave it and when you work it up again you might not have the best results.

Also, the basecoat should not be too thick nor too thin on the wall, the thickness of the basecoat on the wall should be ⅙ thickness. So, ensure to put the right amount of from the start because the general rule of thumb is, a minimal amount of movement.

Applying the Fiberglass Mesh

• Place the edge of the mesh at the edge of your wall and roll gradually roll out the mesh
• In the process, use your trowel to embed the mesh (smoothen it out as you roll to avoid wrinkles).

You check again to ensure that the basecoat is not too thick or too thin after you’ve embedded the mesh. This is how to check: as you smoother the mesh over the coated wall, it should feel and sound smooth. If the trowel against the wall produces a rough sound or you can see the lines of the mesh, then the coating is too thin.

Points to Note in Cementing with Basecoat for Endurance

• The ambient, as well as surface temperature, must be or higher, preferably 40°F (4°C) during application and curing time.
• Make room for supplemental heat and protection from moisture.
• The surfaces of your wall must be leveled, dry, clean, unpainted, and free from any residue for utmost results.
• Don’t apply a basecoat in direct sunlight or hot weather.
• Do not use basecoat as a leveler for EPS, rasp EPS for leveling.

Conclusion

Cementing your EPS-covered wall is necessary for endurance (to increase the strength of the wall). You could follow the above procedure to achieve the best results.

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A storm in these winter conditions can take the country back by a billion dollars in damages. So, to avoid expensive repairs, make sure your house is ready for winter.  

We understand how overwhelming it may seem, that is why we will help you prepare and protect your house from the harsh winter. Take out a pen and paper and be ready to make your home maintenance checklist for this winter. Here is what you need to do: 

Plumbing

It goes without saying how important it is to maintain sump pumps. They are essentially the last line of defense against floods and drain water. For this purpose, test the pump before winter arrives. Often people ignore this and end up having a flooded basement thereby damaging the foundation of the building. 

To check if it is working well, locate the exit pipe first. Check for any debris residue or dirt. In case it is clogged, clean it well. To put things into perspective, you need to direct the water away from your house’s foundation. 

If this work is proving too much for you, let the professionals handle it. A lot of people undervalue the importance of plumbing. Before winter arrives, it is best you make the necessary repairs and replacements. Wrap the pipes that are exposed to walls using heating tape and pipe insulation. Investigate the condition of sprinkles, faucets and get them repaired if required. It is vital that you understand one of the most essential things you need to ensure before winters is that your plumbing is in place. So, hire a professional plumbing service and let them take care of these tasks for you. 

Stucco

Before the clock hits winter, get your stucco repaired. Winters are not the best time to repair things. And something like stucco does not usually require constant maintenance but you must so as to increase the life of the wall. In other words, if you have installed stucco in your home, clean it and check for any cracks. 

Most times people keep prolonging repair work but that is not wise. If there is any crack and you leave it exposed before winters, the damage will only increase. Before you know it, the situation will worsen and you’ll end up spending hundreds of extra dollars. Stucco repair is not something that you can do yourself. While you can clean the dirt and check for any damage, having professionals investigate the condition of your stucco has a lot of benefits. 

Putting things into perspective, stucco is rigid, durable, and pretty simple to maintain. Being a porous material, it absorbs a lot of stains. So, before you welcome winters, seek help from professionals and get your stucco clean and fixed. 

Windows

Winter is around the corner and you need to make sure your house is well insulated. It can get really cold really fast. And windows are a great way to let the natural light of the Sun warm your house. Especially in areas in the house that have no ventilation like a basement, maintaining window wells is vital. 

If it is not maintained well, you are putting your basement at risk. So, before winter sets in, do a close inspection of the window wells. It is the time of the year when the problem can only get worse. 

Window well flooding is very common. One of its major contributors is liner failure. That is why you must ensure that the liner is not detached from the foundation wall otherwise the soil pressure can increase the gap between the liner and the wall causing flooding. So, inspect the liner and in case it is loose, replace it without any delay. 

Electrical System 

The weather is changing. It is starting to stay darker for a longer time. The last thing you want at this hour is a power failure. Isn’t that really annoying? 

You do not want the electrical system failing during these months. So, before the winter kicks in completely, make sure you do complete electrical system maintenance. Inspect the main panel for any breakage of wires, sparking, bad insulation, or discoloration of the wires. This is something you cannot ignore. 

Head to your nearest hardware store and get yourself a multimeter to test power flow through the circuits. Do not forget to check all the wall sockets and most importantly the heating system. Imagine your heating system breaking down during peak winters. Not ideal, right? 

So, to avoid such a situation, make sure you have listed electricity system maintenance in your checklist. 

Prepare for Storms

Winter is harsh. Often it brings sleet, blizzards, and rain. So, it is only wise to be prepared ahead of time. This way, next time a storm hits, it won’t leave you in trouble. If you have a generator, make sure it is working properly. It is always best to store flashlights and batteries in case there is any blackout or power outages. 

Another thing you can do is to get yourself a battery-operated radio in your house in case your cell phone reception runs into any trouble. However, this is highly unlikely in urban areas but not impossible. It is always best to be prepared and practice home improvement than lament afterward. 

Conclusion

So, you see there are loads of things you need to do before winter arrives. The list above is only a few things that you need to do. There are several other essential points that you need to add to your list like sealing leaking doors, weatherproofing exterior pipes, cleaning vents, and a lot more. So, start by these but do not limit your maintenance checklist with the above points. Weatherproof your house by performing all the preventive maintenance. This way the cold and wet stay outside. 

It is understandable to feel overwhelmed by all this work. In case you feel the same, hire professionals to help you with these tasks. While they are not too complicated, it is always best to have experts work and carry out proper maintenance activities. 

The post A Great Home Maintenance Checklist for Winter appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

Modern contemporary designs include several layered finishes of synthetic stucco, brick, wood, vinyl, stone, etc.

Whether you decide to build or remodel your beloved home, choosing the suitable exterior side material can make a tremendous difference in the sensation of your property. 

Synthetic stucco and brick are several of the most prestigious selections on the market. Well, for a long time, both can make your home exterior outstanding. It is excellent for building a new home or for upgrading an existing one. 

Now let’s consider the tips to deciding the best material for your dream home. Ensure your decision is guided by each product’s present, future adaptability, flexibility, and construction styles.

Synthetic Stucco or Brick: What better? 

Although they both offer many benefits, they have significant downsides. Stucco’s many qualities distinguish it from bricks. Brick maintains the same color throughout its life span but can paint stucco surfaces with any color. Brick is also rigid and more consistent than stucco. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing

Uniqueness: Synthetic stucco can be bent and curved without influencing the structure of the Stucco while Brick can not be bent, but only modeled for the suitable task

Stucco is also a durable product in diverse climates capable of withstanding rain, snow, and heat. However, Bricks is also a sustainable product, but their repair costs can exceed the actual plan. 

Cost: Although stucco may initially be more expensive, its features allow it to stand than brick and develop architectural designs that brick would not have done. Each of these materials has different pricing properties. 

Energy Efficiency: Brick’s and synthetic stucco’s energy efficiency varies in a little way. Both have an R-value of about 0.4, half that of a woodside, so the material is resistant to heat flow. 

Maintenance: Honestly, both item has a good maintenance culture. Brick is a fantastic choice if you want to have lasting and low maintenance on your exterior. No need for painting, screening, rotting or denting. 

In another way, stucco needs a lot more care over the years. Since it is porous, objects such as tree sap may discolor, and cracks can occur much more often because of the texture. 

Durability: When it comes to lifespan, Brick and Stucco have the same durability. Both siding materials include a professional installation of mortar and grout. 

Brick is a longer-lasting choice. Stucco sides are sensitive to rot and mold growth in places of high humidity, such as the Pacific to the northwest. Brick can also better withstand the unavoidable freeze-thaw cycle, while severe winter circumstances affect stucco siding. 

Installation: Stucco or brick installation is not an easy operation for DIY. It is far better to contract these jobs to specialists. Labor costs for the Stucco system are, however, considerably lower than those for facing bricks. So Stucco is usually cheaper. Stucco is installed in several phases, and numerous changes depend on how you use it or want it. 

Appearance: You can’t go wrong with the brick siding if you want a traditional and eco-friendly timeless appeal. It is also ideal for historical and contemporary houses. 

However, the color range is limited instead of Stucco. Clever look and a wide range of colors, whether tinting a stucco blend or painting once healed, make Stucco more popular. It is best used in contemporary designs or houses in the country. 

Flexibility: While it may be tough to choose between the two, it depends on individual desire and several circumstances. Stucco can be more flexible than its counterpart.

Due to this flexibility, repairs and upkeep can surpass expectations. Stucco lasts but can also offer a chance to be innovative in building and finally, in all its aspects, will become less expensive than Brick. 

Choosing The Best Exterior

Although choosing between the two may be difficult, the decision is dependent on individual preference and a range of factors:

• Flexibility
• Durability
• Contruction style, 
• Future adaptability
• And repair and maintenance costs 

After considering the above factors, make your decision and swing to action. It is very confident with the opportunity ahead, and both will provide an imaginative construction. Let us now consider its external ability.

Exterior Brick styles 

External bricks are fantastic and appealing. It requires little upkeep and improves the value of resale. They also prevent noise and are fireproof. 

However, if the Brick gets damaged, it will be more costly and difficult to adjust the old or weathered Brick to the new color. Brick is less expensive and easier to lay than Stucco. Brick appears giant and has identical thicknesses. 

External Stucco Style 

The exterior Stucco is quite popular with freshly built structures, particularly on the south and west coasts. Stucco is a cement substance, so it is fire-resistant as well. 

Stucco, like a brick, is relatively maintenance-free. However, it might be incredibly pricey to install this kind of exterior. Over time, Stucco can crack; however, cracking is frequently easy to amend, and the owner can save money. 

Properties of Bricks and Stucco

Many people compare Stucco to Brick or vice versa because both are attractive and pragmatic materials, yet the two materials are different. 

Bricks: Pros and cons 

When investigating these possibilities, there are numerous factors to mind. Below are the pros and cons of Brick. 

Pros 

1. Brick is extraordinarily durable, over a century. 
2. Can be able to resist several elements, like fire, insects, and damaging winds. 
3. Brick preserves your home’s façade. 
4. You may paint Brick for a new aesthetic. 
5. Brick is highly valued and can provide significant rewards. 

Cons 

1. Brick can be pricey and can be expensive. 
2. Installation may take up to several weeks. 
3. The placement of bricks is complex and requires abilities in masonry. 
4. DIY might not be possible; the work of specialists is better. 

Synthetic Stucco: pros and Cons

Stucco may be a better choice, but it has drawbacks for the exterior of your home. Here are several things to consider when it comes to Stucco. 

Pros 

1. Stucco is versatile. Smooth swirls and gallstones can be created. 
2. Stucco is fire resistant. It can slow down the spread of flames, making it perfect for areas where houses are closer by. 
3. Stucco siding can be tightened and repainted to provide soft, subtle colours or bright eyes to modernize the look. 
4. It takes only days to install stucco. 
5. Stucco is also perfect for dry, moderate locations. 

Cons 

1. If your base settles, stucco siding may be slippery and break down. 
2. Stucco provides no sound isolation. 
3. Stucco siding expenses can be high, especially for wood-frame homes. 
4. Recommendable for installation by qualified specialists and is not appropriate for DIYers. 

Stucco Design Flexibility 

Synthetic stucco provides a range of design flexibility specific to the neighborhood and home. Because of the texture! Regardless of your aesthetics, stucco texture options are always glamorous for your desired look.

The versatility of colors and various stucco constructions can produce a spectacular appearance that will make you proud. Stucco is appealing, long-lasting material featured in homes throughout the country. Expect the best result when you build your home with stucco. 

Combination of Both

Do you know stucco and brick could go well together? They make a very eloquent combination during construction, and you could get some of this great innovation and build lovely and astonishing new designs for your next project. Ask us how?

The choice of siding can be challenging to overcome. Let us help you to identify the best option, as you consider either brick or stucco. See our siding & cost guide to start your new project.

The post Pros And Cons Of Synthetic Stucco That You Should Know appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

Stucco is among the earliest known materials for building brilliant homes and still receiving attention for positive reasons. Sometimes, when you glance around various communities, you will notice stucco homes have appealingly flawless houses and subtle colors. Stucco houses have interesting advantages, numerous designs, and merits that are sufficient to make your house project more sophisticated. This is just because their wonderful and seamless attraction and subtle hues will grab attention.

Therefore, after construction, siding installation, and painting, both the interior and exterior will surely meet your tastes. While enabling your house to breathe, avoid air barriers, and moisture barriers. To become a stucco homeowner while building your home on a budget? Follow the below steps.

Steps in Building a Budgeted Stucco Home

There are three most important steps you should consider when planning your proposed stucco home with other construction steps. Let’s dive in: 

Step 1 – Set Your Budget.

Building just a house is always worth it, in most cases is considered as an investment. One of the things you should do when looking into building a home is to figure out what you can reasonably afford. One good way to do this is to source more funds and set a budget.

Step 2 – Set Your Stucco Luxury

Generally speaking Getting a stucco design in your budget is most likely feasible, but what luxury means to you will be a priority. Most people do not build a house without changing their minds about their current situation. So ask yourself what you think about your next stucco home.

Step 3 – Ask Your Constructor

Pick the best brain once you find the builder you want to use. A person who has the experience and probably had done a similar stucco project is better. This can help with some of the decisions. You should be happy when it is all over and let your contractor know your priorities and budget. Contact us now for help

Follow the below construction steps to build your dream stucco home.

Ground Construction

A stucco foundation and erection can be constructed in numerous economical ways, in the form of an aggregate or a mix, and you can use a wide selection of stucco textures, including flat, pebbled, and laced textures. Mostly by signing a series of construction projects that incorporate stucco masonry building materials like coatings, 

Façade elements, using various building materials to make modern and contemporary residences with: 

• Brick,
• Timber
• Concrete block, 
• Polished concrete 
• And coating and masonry. 

Siding Installation 

For any siding installation, you should make sure there are no obstacles to trip over or barriers to work around, and you should also clean the area well. 

Getting the Substrate Ready 

When applying stucco over an existing brick or masonry wall, you must fill any cracks with new mortar and power wash or scrub the wall with disodium phosphate and water solution. Before applying the first coat of stucco, thoroughly wet the wall, then:

1: Place a double layer of construction paper on the wall. 

2: Install Trim Accessories 

3: Install Galvanized Lath

Apply Synthetic Stucco 

Installation of synthetic stucco is the greatest task to achieve your dream home. Hire professional and certificated stucco contractors and avoid unauthorized contractors who will give present and future problems to you as a homeowner. Whether you’re using a two-coat or three-coat system. Undercoats should use the base coat formulation, while topcoats should use a lighter finish coat formulation. The final consistency of the stucco is critical; it should be just moist enough to stay on your trowel without sagging when held sideways, then:

1: Apply the scratch coat

2: Put on the brown coat. 

3: Apply the color coat. 

Apply a Base Coat Paint

Use the entire surface of the area you are siding as the base coat. Use as much as a 12-inch-thick coating for complete coverage. Allow the paint to cure for a day, and then apply the final coat using:

1. Two Coat Stucco layer
2. Or three coats of stucco layer 

Settle On the Popouts 

Popouts are accents that are placed around windows or around corners to give the house a look of depth. Depending on the project and homeowner, there are numerous styles and products to integrate popouts into the owner-builder project. 

Conduct a Review of Your Contractor 

Interact with your contractor to learn more about the strategies and tactics they’re willing to use. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of each item before giving it the green light. 

Add charm

The strongest appeal to any home is to add bits of charm that welcome you from the street. Make your home uniquely different from your neighbors by using individualized features. A window box filled with artificial or real flowers, and a unique lighting system would help provide an elegant charm. 

Completing the Project 

Give the final touch, like wetting down the walls with a hose is the next step, like cement-based stucco needs to be wet for durability. Only after 3 complete watering on different days, then paint. In this way, other stucco models have a unique final touch. 

Stucco Home Maintenance

Stucco can be simple and inexpensive, but it needs to be taken care of. A proper maintenance culture keeps stucco homes very active. If you don’t take care of it, it will wear out quickly, which could result in you having to pay for repairs, and may even reduce the value of your property. To avoid this, ensure you: 

• eliminate mold
• Caulk and seal imperfections 
• Reduce stucco paint deterioration
• Make Repairs As Soon As Possible 
• Stucco tends to get dirty easily, so keep it clean. 
• If you apply an elastomeric coating, please do so. 
• Select the appropriate cleaning product to clean your walls.
• Do a visual inspection of the paint for cracking, bubbling, and peeling. 
• Examine outside walls while they are wet and in other diverse conditions. 
• Regularly seal it. Before applying stucco to your property, the outer surface should be sealed.

Complete your stucco building project with SSS. Sky Stucco Systems is a reputable synthetic stucco installer. For any inquiries? Check-in now.

The post Extremely easy Step by step guide to Build a stucco home on a budget appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

Warmer, drier climates favor the usage of stucco for exterior walls. You may be asking if stucco installation in Canada is possible if you reside in a location with snow and low temperatures throughout the winter.

Stucco has several significant advantages for homes in areas that get a lot of snow and ice in the winter. The most critical factor is, as always, hiring a contractor that consistently delivers excellent results.

Before we explain stucco in winter, have a look at its process for more understanding.

Step-by-Step Process of Stucco

Sky Stucco System is doing a great job by introducing the latest and most reliable process of stucco.

Barriers that keep out water, or WRBs:

They are often installed as part of a “premium system” that provides the wall with increased water resistance. However, an EIFS cladding does not necessarily need to include these as a required component.

Moisture Proofing and air Proofing

The surface is properly treated with moisture-proof materials and air proofing by manufacturer specification, Some products are Rolled on the surface, and some products are Troweled.

Adhesive Layer

The foam is fastened with an adhesive troweled on with a notched trowel, the notches of which typically run in a vertical orientation (up and down). Some adhesives are spray foam based which will bond perfectly with the previously stated steps of moisture proofing.

Insulating Panels Made of Foam

Foam is typically utilized as a primary insulator for walls, and it is available in a variety of thicknesses (the standard is 2 inches). Polymer-modified cement is used to attach the typical 2-inch-thick foam to the exterior walls.

Rasping

We use this special cement to cover the entire home with styrofoam, and then we rasp the styrofoam until it is perfectly flat.

Mesh and Finishing

Fiberglass mesh (not wire mesh) is placed with the same cement used for the stucco, and the resulting surface is primed, painted, and plastered using a trowel.

Can You Apply Stucco in the Winters

As long as you have a protected space and a way to generate heat, stucco can be obtained even in the winter month.  If it’s cold outside, the installation procedure could be complicated by the mixture freezing and hardening before it’s ready.

While cold weather can have an impact on how well stucco is put, it has little effect once it has been applied. Stucco can withstand a broad range of temperatures and weather conditions, so it’s not only for Arizona and New Mexico individuals. Stucco exteriors may be an excellent choice for people across Canada.

Can you do EIFS Stucco in Winters?

You are well aware that stucco is an exceptionally long-lasting material that can be used to finish the exterior of your home.

It does pretty well in both hot and cold weather, especially in dry settings. Which is one of the primary reasons why it is such a popular option across the entirety of the United States. In contrast to other vinyl siding options, stucco does not deteriorate when exposed to wind. Even though changes in temperature can cause stucco to contract and expand. This popular choice competes favorably with materials such as metal and wood for the role of finish.

In point of fact, because of the multilayered application process, not only is EIFS capable of protecting from the weather. It may also assist in reducing the expenses associated with heating your home.

Can you Repair Damaged Stucco in Winter?

Even though stucco is most typically seen in the Southwest and warmer climes, it is not unusual to come across EIFS systems in combination with stucco. When put correctly and kept in good condition, stucco can outlast other types of siding in colder areas for as long as those other materials do.

Stucco that has been damaged should be restored as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the siding and the sublayers. However, is it possible for a contractor to carry out the essential repairs during the winter?

The answer to that question is affirmative, but we do need to proceed with caution when completing the necessary repairs. Everything you need to know about fixing stucco during the winter is included in this article.

The rule of -40 degrees

The water that is contained within the cement might cause the stucco to break if the cement abruptly freezes. The building standards require that a stucco application be shielded from temperatures below freezing for a minimum of twenty-four hours after it has been completed. However, if you heat the walls enough to dry out the water from the finish coat or cement coat then that will be safe from freezing. 

Stucco contractors may often work at temperatures at least 40 degrees than the ambient temperature. This is due to the composition of stucco. Which is cement, a material that cannot create a paste without the addition of water.

This water content is the component that has the potential to freeze. If the temperatures throughout the installation, drying, and setting processes are too low. If the temperature is low enough, the water will freeze before the cement plaster has had a chance to completely harden. This is what causes cracks and other kinds of deterioration in the external stucco of a building.

The contractors from Sky Stucco System will warm the water that is used to manufacture. The stucco cement pastes in order to mitigate the effects of the cold weather. As long as the temperature of the water does not rise over 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is considered to be a perfectly acceptable procedure.

So, how about stucco that has been frozen solid?

In spite of daytime highs of 40 degrees or more, overnight lows may struggle to reach even freezing. The bright side is that it may not be the end of the road for those working in the stucco industry.

In the event that the newly put stucco freezes overnight, your contractor can remove the stucco safely. Damaged stucco can be removed, rehydrated, and reapplied by an expert. There shouldn’t be any noticeable changes to the appearance or durability of this recently frozen stucco.

Utilizing additional sources of heat

If there are no days expected with temperatures of at least 40 degrees, your contractor may use tarps and a heating device to keep the area warm. In order to complete the stucco repair that has to be done immediately. Warming the wall with heaters called “salamanders” may be done by positioning them at an angle along the base of the wall. This will allow stucco work to be finished on the wall. As long as the water is dry from the cement or the finish coat then is safe from freezing.  Even though the cement won’t be fully hard will be safe from freezing.

It is essential to be aware that salamanders use a significant amount of costly fuel. Hence, contractors strive to avoid utilizing salamanders for stucco or EIFS applications if it is at all feasible.

How to Prevent Damage to Stucco During the Winter

It is not too late to get your stucco ready for the winter season. In spite of the fact that freezing temperatures are just around the horizon.

1. Put on some new paint designed for masonry: Masonry paint has the ability to penetrate your finishes, which assists in the sealing of microscopic gaps.
2. Stucco that has not been soiled: When you clean your finish, it will have a gleaming, brand-new appearance, and it will also help prevent mold development. You may give it a power wash using warm water and bleach that has been diluted, although you might need to use a scrub brush on spots that are very persistent. 
3. To have cracks and gaps repaired, you should get in touch with a professional: The present moment is ideal for making an appointment with a cleaning or maintenance crew so that small issues may be addressed.
4. Stucco Remediation: In the event that your stucco has sustained significant damage, the repair is likely to be your best choice. The installation of drainage screens, the repair of huge gaps and cracks, and the construction of a drainage plane over the walls are all examples of services that may be provided.

FAQs

What is the minimum temperature for applying stucco?

40° Fahrenheit

The typical temperature recommendations depend on a minimum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit to a maximum of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is too low, there is a possibility that the water in the new plaster will freeze. Because this is an expanding operation, there is a possibility of cracking occurring. The hydration process of cement can also be stopped.

How long does it take for the stucco to cure before freezing?

24 hour

Ideally, the cement is mixed with water. The water is what makes the material freeze at a cold temperature of -10. As long as you heat the wall enough for the water of the cement to dry you are safe from freezing. The International Building Code addresses the application of stucco. Often known as cement plastering, in environments where the temperature is below freezing. “Plaster coats should be safeguarded from freezing for a period of at least twenty-four hours after the set has taken place,” the rule states.

Which types of weather are ideal for stucco?

Stucco contractors may often work at temperatures that are at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit higher than the ambient temperature. This is due to the composition of stucco. Which is cement, a material that cannot create a paste without the addition of water.

This water content is the component that has the potential to freeze. If the temperatures throughout the installation, drying, and setting processes are too low.

How long does stucco take to completely dry?

90 days

Stucco has a curing time of one hundred and twenty days! You can pressure wash it or clean it after 90 days have passed. But you shouldn’t perform any of those things before the 90-day mark.

After the installation of the external stucco has been completed for a few days. The top surface may have a solid texture when it is touched. That, however, does not mean that the stucco is dry, as it is not yet in that state.

Best Way to Inspect your Stucco

It’s a good idea to take a closer look, around the perimeter of your building to check for cracks in the stucco or EIFS. Contact Sky Stucco System if you see any cracks. If it has been a while since your stucco was inspected by a professional. 

The post Can You Stucco In Winter? ( Solved) appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

Some time is better to have more daylight, better views, or a little extra headroom. Or, well-designed dormers might just add some character to the house.

When the primary goal is simply to add usable floor area while preserving the lines of the main roof, a shed dormer is often the most practical solution. Large shed dormers can significantly alter the look of the house, however, so sometimes they’re best placed in the back. Gable dormers are another solution, but when they get too large, they quickly overwhelm the lower floors of the house and make it look top-heavy. That said, should a dormer become large enough to be considered a cross gable, it will Pretty much hold its own as a major design element. Combining dormer designs can solve some difficult design decisions even while complicating roof framing.

Appropriately scaled gable dormers bring in light while adding charm and interest to a large or plain roof. If designed well, they don’t compete with the lines of the main house; instead, they reinforce, complement, and enrich the house’s personality.

Show restraint

By far, the most common mistake is making dormers too big. It’s understandable to maximize the bang for your buck, but big dormers quickly compromise the design, especially on smaller houses that have low eaves. Think of the window as the main reason the dormer exists, and provide the minimum framework necessary around the window for structure and insulation.

Here, I’ve designed gable dormers for a 1940s Cape—a style of home that often calls for dormers. The upper floor is to be finished as living space, so light, views, and egress are important factors driving the redesign. It’s important to factor in egress when designing dormers to make sure the dormers will meet code requirements.

The house has low eaves, simple trim, and an asymmetrical front facade. It’s in a historic district, so the dormer additions need to be done carefully to enhance, not detract from, the home’s character.

Gable dormers for a 1940s Cape

A) Spacing

There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to dormer spacing, but start with geometric patterns. For example, these three dormers happen to look best if evenly spread across the roof, but often the end dormers can be cheated a bit to the outside.

B) Roof slope

The most conventional approach is to match the house’s roof slope. Here, that slope is 10-in-12. However, certain designs can support various slopes. When the dormer gable is inspired by a classical pediment, the pitch can be lower than the house roof, down to about 5-in-12.

C) Height

When the house’s facade is tall, the dormers can be tall. Similarly, when the facade is short, the dormers can be short. However, height shouldn’t be a control in itself; rather, dormer height should always be driven by the size and scale of the windows to be used in the dormer.

D) Width

In her book Get Your House Right, Marianne Cusato suggests that the total width of a dormer be the same as that of the windows, including trim, on the main house below. This is a noble goal on straightforward, classical architecture. When adding a dormer to a house that does not already have perfect classical details, you have to use the house as a reference. For example, on a bungalow, the dormer may look best with a little extra width to create more horizontal proportions.

E) Main-house reference

On many houses, you can ignore the base of the house and focus simply on how well the dormers look on the roof. Because the dormers are in a different plane from the main-house wall, and because the roof eave provides a strong horizontal break, alignment with elements below is less important than the massing—that is, how the dormers “feel” on the roof.

Dormer placement

F) Placement

Dormer placement is driven by many factors. Ideally, the window heads would align with any gable windows on each end of the house, and the ceiling in the dormer would be in plane with the other ceilings on the interior. From an exterior point of view, it’s amassing decision, and one best viewed in three dimensions. The “center of gravity” of the dormer—generally about two-thirds of the height of the cheek wall or half the overall height of the dormer—should land near the center of the roof. It’s OK to move it down a bit, but don’t move it higher.

G) Rake overhang

When there is little or no rake overhang on the main house, detail the dormer to match. When the house has a larger rake overhang, reduce the overhang depth on the dormer by 25% to 50%, unless your intention is to draw attention to the dormer roof.

H) Trim size

As a rule, I scale the trim down by 10% to 25% compared to the roof trim on the main house.

I) Trim profiles

This house has simple eave trim: a vertical 1×8 with a gutter that creates a basic cornice. It doesn’t make sense to use gutters on dormers because any rain is directed into the gutters below. To create a different yet still appropriate cornice molding, use a flat fascia board set on a 40° to 45° angle.

Window size

J) Window size

When sizing windows, choose units that reflect the first-floor windows but are scaled-down by 10% to 25%. Keep the aspect ratio—the proportion of a window’s height to its width— the same, or make the windows slightly squat

K) Egress

If any dormers are in a bedroom, remember that at least one window in each bedroom must meet code for egress. An egressable window has a distance from the floor no greater than 44 in., a minimum net-clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft., minimum width of 20 in., and a minimum height of 24 in. This does not mean that an opening of 20 in. by 24 in. meets code. For example, a 20 in.-wide window has to be at least 42 in. high to meet the 5.7-sq.-ft. requirement. Also, because only half of a double-hung unit can be opened at a time, the net-clear opening is drastically diminished—down to 4.2 sq. ft. for the window in the drawing. Fortunately, manufacturers make casement windows that look like double-hung units for this purpose. For this project, such a casement window would have a net-clear opening of 8.4 sq. ft.

L) Gable material
If the house details are simple, as they are here, matching the house siding is the conventional approach. If the house has more elaborate trim, or the dormers are particularly small, or if you want to add some visual interest, the gable and cheek walls can be finished and painted to match the trim. This makes the entire dormer a trim element.

M) Sill height
Visually, less is best. Holding the sill at least 2 in. off the roof keeps the sill above snow and ice and creates a vertical dam against blowing rain.

For more on dormers:
Four Steps to Flash a Dormer – Veteran remodeler Mike Guertin shows hot to flash a dormer with details that will keep water out.

Framing a Dramatic Dormer – If doghouse dormers or shed dormers aren’t dressy enough, A-dormers can add an exciting design note, and they’re easier to seal against the elements.

Raising an Eyebrow – Adding a gracefully curved eyebrow window to a roof takes precise planning, some unusual framing, and curved templates for roof sheathing. Here’s how to add this stylist detail of the late 19th century.

The post Top Exterior Dormers design Guide in Toronto GTA 2020 appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

If so, then now is a good time to consider what type of look that you want for your home. The first question that you need to ask is whether or not you would prefer your home to be covered with siding or stucco.

While the former has a very traditional look, the latter offers several benefits that will make any homeowner happy. It provides a more aesthetically pleasing look, it is easier to paint and repair. It offers more protection from exterior conditions.

The first reason that it is often better to choose a stucco exterior for your home is that it offers a very aesthetically pleasing look. Definitely can give your home a smooth looking exterior yet it also provides a bit of texture.

It is a departure from the traditional look of siding or brick. Aditional will offer a unique look that any homeowner would be thrilled to have for his or her home. Having this look will also help your home to maintain some of its retail value, and this is welcome news to any homeowner.

It Looks Great

It Is Easy to Repair

Another benefit that stucco has over siding or brick is that it is easy to repair. If it starts to crack or chip, it can be easily filled. Most cases without having any adverse effects on the look of your home’s exterior. Some times you may start to see cracks in siding or brick. Often these will require a much more involved repair job. It is also very easy to paint on. A paint sprayer is all you will need as there are no large grooves that need to be detailed by hand. Whereas this is surely the case when it comes to siding and brick.

It Keeps a Steady Temperature

Finally, stucco helps to maintain a steady temperature in your home as it acts as a type of insulation. Brick exteriors tend to transfer temperature quickly, and siding often leads to heat or cold escaping through your walls. This is unwelcome news in the extreme months as it can lead to increased discomfort from the heat or cold as well as increased utility costs.

All in all, stucco is an excellent choice for your home’s exterior. It offers all of the beauty that one could ask, it’s easy to repair, and it helps protect you from extreme outdoor temperatures. You will be glad that you had it installed in your home.

Sky Stucco Systems, will handle the process from the beginning to the end if this is something you are considering for your house. Contact us today for a free estimate.

The post Top 3 Reasons to Choose Stucco Over Siding in Canada appeared first on Sky Stucco Systems Contractor.

Are generally found as interior or exterior design elements on residential and commercial buildings.

This particular product is available in different styles and arrays and they are generally designed to improve the aesthetic appeal of a room or building. Due to its popularity, many people use it for commercial construction and home design for a number of reasons.

Other reasons like customizability and durability also make it special against its counterparts like EIFS. Generally, when you look for EIFS Vs. Stucco, you will find that the latter would be the best.

Best stucco moldings are useful in home design and home construction projects as it can keep up its longevity even in extreme climatic conditions. It is possible to modify the mouldings to make it suitable for a number of tastes and indoor and outdoor home applications. The important reason behind its popularity is the color-retentive properties that gives it an appealing appearance for people, who look to get a tailor-made look to their dream home.

Along with traditional moulding styles like decorative baseboards and crown moulding, the best stucco mouldings can take different looks from elaborately carved delicate designs to simple, but elegant designs.

When comparing EIFS Vs. The stucco, the latter, which is natural is useful in creating pilasters, columns, keystones, cornices, window sills, etc… In addition to these many other artistic and architectural elements can be created with stucco. The great thing about natural stucco is that it makes any design possible, which can even be done with other materials like stone or wood, but only at a higher cost.

Traditionally, stucco is made by bringing together different ratios of water, lime, cement and sand to create a plaster and pasty like substance. Natural stucco is known for its versatility and it can be modified for creating different products like exterior window trim bands. Also, its texture makes it breathable and this in turn prevents the moisture from getting collected and chance of mold creation is also minimized.

Synthetic stucco, which is otherwise called as exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS) is used only as an alternative to the natural counterpart. Here, EIFS is stated as the best because it is less expensive and quicker.

Even though it is long-lasting, the natural alternative is stated as the best and even some suppliers are selling synthetic-based moldings. The exterior window trim bands in different shapes are available with some dealers and the homeowners or construction companies can get in touch with the best company.

Choosing stucco as the exterior of home is the best idea to enhance beauty of your home.

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