Category Archives: stucco

Foundation, stucco, water barrier, water proofing

Stucco R value important mildew prevention

Prized for its weather resistance , durability , and timeless beauty , stucco has longbow one of the most popular exterior wall finishes . As a building material , stucco is essentially and exterior plastered of Portland cement, sand , and water . Other ingredients may include lime , masonry cement , and various special additives for enhancing properties like crack resistance , workability and strength . With a few exceptions , stucco is applied much as it has been for centuries a wet mix is troweled onto the wall in successive layers , with the final coat proving the finished color andy decorative surface texture desired .

The two traditional stucco systems are the three coat system for standard wood framed wall and the two coat system used for masonry walls , like brick poured concrete , and concrete block. And today , there’s a third process the one and coat system which allows you to finish standard framed walls with a single layer of stucco , saving you money and considerable time and labor over traditional three coat applications. Each of these systems is described in detail not the next page.

The following pages show you an overview of the materials and basic techniques for finished a wall with stucco . While cladding an entire house or addition is a job professionals masons, smaller projects and repair work can be much more doable for the less experienced . Fortunately , all the stucco materials you can be sure of getting the right blend of ingredients for each application . During your planning, consult with the local building department , fire ratings for walls , control joints, and other critical factors.

Stucco is one of the most durable and low maintenance wall finishes available but it requires getting watch stage of the stucco itself. For this reason , Dyers may want to limit their stucco work to small structures or to repair work only.

Three coat stucco is the traditional application for stud framed walls covered with plywood , oriented strand board OSB, rigid foam insulation sheathing . It starts with two layers of grade D building paper for a moisture barrier. the wall is then covered with self furring expanded metal lath fastened to the framing with galvanized nails .

The first layer of stucco , called the scratch coat , is pressed into the lath , then smoothed to a flat layer about 3/8 inch thick . While still wet , the stucco is scratched with a raking tool to create keys or tooth for the next layer to adhere to .

The brown coat is the layer , Its about 3/8 and brings the wall surface to with 1/4 inch of the finished thickness. Imperfections here can easily telegraph through the thin final coat, so the surface must be smooth and flat. To provide tooth for the final layer ,the brown coat is finished with wood float for a slightly roughed texture.

Basement, plumbing, stucco, water proofing

Basements : Wet Walls Water Proofing Water Damage

Basement moisture can destroy your efforts to create functional living space . Over time , even small amounts of moisture can rot framing, turn wallboard to mush, and promote the growth of mold and mildew. Before proceeding with your basement project , you must deal with any moisture issues . The good news is that moisture problems can be resolved , often very easily .

Basement moisture appears in two forms :
condensation and seepage . Condensation comes form air borne water vapor that turns to water when it contacts cold surfaces. Vapor sources include humid outdoor air, poorly ventilated appliances , damp walls , and water released from the concrete . Seepage is water that enters the basements by infiltrating cracks in the foundation or by leeching through masonry , which is naturally porous . Often caused by ineffective exterior drainage, seepage comes from rain or ground water that collects around the foundation from a rising water table.

If you have a wet basement , you will see evidence of moisture problems . Typical signs include peeling paint, white residue on masonry ( called efflorescence ) which is big determination of red flag for basement water damage needs drying, and water proofing, mildew stains , sweaty windows and pipes , rusted appliance feet , rotted wood near th floor, buckled floor tile and strong mildew odor.

To reduce condensation , run high capacity dehumidifier in the basement . Insulate cold water pipes to prevent condensate drippage, and make sure you dryer and other appliances have vents running to the outside . Extending central air conditioning service to the basement can help reduce vapor during warm , humid months .

Crawl spaces can also promote condensation , as warm moist enters through vents and meets cooler interior air. Crawlspace ventilation is a source of ongoing debate, and there’s no universal method that applies to all climates . It’s best to ask the local building department for advice on this matter.

Solutions for prevent seepage range from the simple do0 it your self projects to expensive, professional jobs requiring excavation and foundation work. Since it’s often difficult to determine the source of seeping water, it makes sense to try some common cures before calling in professional help. If the simple measures outlined here don’t correct your moistures problems , you must consider more extensive action. Serious Water problems are typically handled by installing footing drains or sump pump systems. Footing drains are installed around the foundation’s perimeter , near the footing and they drain out to a distant area of the yard. These usually work in conjunction with waterproofing coatings on the exterior side of the foundations walls. Sump systems use an interior under slab drain pipe to collect water is ejected outside by an electric sump pump .

Installing a new drainage system is expensive and must be done properly . Adding a sump pump system involves breaking up the concrete floor along the basement’s perimeter , digging a trench , and laying a perforated drain pipe in a bed of gravel. After the sump pit is installed , the floor is patched with new concrete . Installing a footing drain is far more more complicated . This involves digging out the foundation , installing gravel and drainpipe and water proofing the foundation walls . A footing is considered a last resort measure . next blog will show preventions of water going away from house and drains properly placed .

drywall, pavers, plumbing, roof, stucco

Basement Floors Water Proofing

Basement Floors and cracks and how to repair if dried and/or wet also use dehumidifications .

Preparing concrete floor for carpet , laminate and water proofing from a crack fixed. Use leveler mix or mixture to fill in small dips in the concrete floor . Level out floors are important and pitch off if you need a sump pump or/and water reservoir table and dry lock walls . Lot of other things need done to water proof all areas of your basement to be completely water proof dried .

Prepare the crack for the repair materials by knocking away any loose or deteriorating material and beveling the edges down and outward with a cold chisel. Sweep or vacuum the debris and throughly dampen the repair area. Do not allow any water to pool, however.

Mix the repair to fill the crack according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. Here, a fast setting cement repair product with acrylic fortifier is being used. Trowel the product into the crack , overfilling slightly. With the edge of the trowel , trim the excess material and feather it so to is smooth and the texture matches the surrounding surface.

How to patch a large hole which can be linked to floor leaks that will flood your entire basements , how to fix properly.
Use a hammer and chisel or a heavy floor scraper to remove all material that is loose or shoes any deterioration . Throughly clean the area with a hose very important and presuure washer if needed.

Option make bevel cuts around the perimeter to in a slant pattern keep ” key ” for the repair material .

Mix concrete concrete patching compound according to the manufacturer’ s instructions , and then trowel it neatly into the damage area, which should be dampened before the patching material is placed . Overfill the damage area slightly .

Smooth out and feather the repair with a steel trowel so it is even with the surrounding concrete surface . Finish the surface
of the repair material to blend with the existing surface. For example , use a whisk broom to recreate a groomed finish . Protect the repair from foot traffic for at least one day and from vehicle traffic for three days .

It very important to have a company water damage restoration services or free estimate and to test the wood floors walls and make sure the company is legitimate. Companies such Top Job Restoration have a seal for website and are part of the better business bureau and IICRC companies who back up their work and are contractors and have proper insurance. Might need insurance claim experts which we are and some buildings need to be historical insurance. Pack out furniture dehumidifiers may be needed to and really important to remediate the source , so it will not happened again!

stucco

Stucco:Repairs and Build New

Although stucco is very durable , it can be damaged , and overtime if can crumble of crack . The directions given below work well for patching small areas less than 2 square feet. For more extensive damage, the repairs is done in layers.

Tools you may need for Do it yourselfers .

Caulk gun , Disposable paint brush, Putty knife, Mason ‘s Trowel, Square-end trowel, Hammer, Whisk broom, Wire brush, Masonry chisel, Aviations snips, Pry bar, Drill with masonry bit, Scratching tool, metal lath, metal primer, stucco patching or bags of stucco and brown scratch stucco, bonding adhesive, masonry paint, 1 1/2 , 15 # building paper , Self furring metal lath, masonry caulk, Tint, Metal stop bead , particle or respirator, protective equipment .

How to pack small areas the brush to clean away rust any exposed metal lath , then apply a coat of metal prime .

Apply premixed or cheaper make your batch which is cheaper.
Repair compound to the repair area, slightly over filling the hole using putty knife or trowel . Read manufacture’s directions or drying time is consistent with mixture which is very important for larger patches or working on entire new areas built.

Smooth the repair with a putty knife or trowel, feathering the edges to blend into the surrounding surface . Use a the original texture. :et the patch dry for several days, then touch it up with masonry paint .

Make a starter hole with a drill and masonry bit , then use a masonry chisel and hammer to chip away stucco in the respirator when cutting stucco . Cut sell furring metal lath to size and attach it to the sheath using roofing nails . Overlap pieces by two inches . If the patch extends to the base of the wall, attach a metal stop bead at the bottom .

To mix consistency is so important . Combine three parts sand , two parts portland cement , one part masonry cement. Add enough water so the mixture holds it in one hour . Tip; Premixed stucco works well for small jobs obviously not large jobs. Thats why mix for bigger jobs and requires skilled masonry and mixed laborer .

Apply 3/8 thick layer of stucco directly to the metal lath which called scratch coat . Push the the stucco into the mesh until it fills the gap between the mesh and the sheathing . Score the horizontal grooves into the wet surface using a scratching tool . Let the stucco dry two days, misting it with water every 2 to 4 hours .

Apply second of the stucco . Build up the stucco to within 1/4 of the original surface . Let the patch dry for two days , misting every 2 to 4 hours .

Combine finish coat stucco mix just enough water for the mixture to hold its shape . Dampen the patch area the patch area, then apply the finish coat to match original surface . Dampen the patch periodically for a week . Let it dry for several more days before painting .

Attics, Basement, decks, drywall, Foundation, HVAc, Kitchens and Bathrooms New, pavers, plumbing, Remodeling Kitchens and Bathrooms, roof, roof contractors, stucco, stuuco

Home Remodeling

Home Renovations

Tackling a large scale home remodeling project can be a daunting task. Although remodeling is often very rewarding , it is often very rewarding , it is usual a long , expensive process with many details to keep in mind , and having to coordinate the plans of several different contractors can be confusing and tiresome . Hiring a total home remodeling company can help alleviate some of the stress because all communications and planning is done with one company .

Keep an eye to detail of you want help move the process such pins is a good online ideas and cheap way out than an interior decorator , helps smooth process preparing for the remodel and save time .

Getting real budget
Before hiring a company , decide what kind of remodeling you want to have done and calculate whether or not you will have the funds readily available ( estimate locked in a proposal ) pay for it. Don’t become too attached to an idea prior to determining how much it will cost to implement ; it will be much harder to stay on budget if you refuse to compromise on design details. As long as you have a good general idea of what you would like done and how much you are willing to spend, many contractors will help you create a design that fails within your budget constraints .

Cleaning Preparation
Remodling can be an extensive ordeal , lasting from several days to several months, and properly preparations will save time. Many contractors will be able to move some larger items for you, but homeowners are typically responsible for cleaning out small things can get in the way or be damaged . Many room remodels include new cabinets or storage space, so remove everything from your your current cabinets before any work begins. If everything has been thoroughly cleaned and moved out of the way , the contractor will be able to get straight tow work .

Temporary Adjustments
With major renovations taking place in your home , it may not be ideal to spend a lot of time around the house.

Planning meals . If you are planning to remain in your home while your kitchen is being remodeled , you will have to find alternate place to eat and prepare food . For this reason , you may want to consider scheduling the remodel during a time when the weather is nice enough to eat outside if you own a grill and have an outdoor seating area . It can be also be helpful to set up a small , temporary food station in an unaffected room of the house with things like a coffee maker , some nonperishables, a mini refrigerators , and a toaster or min microwave . Also be sure to have plenty of paper plates and disposable cups and utensils on hand if you will not have access to a dishwasher .

Dealing with safety issues and pets and kids is safety contractors who are osha and IICRC certified is seal of protection of your kids and property .