Traditional Portland cement plaster (stucco) is a time-tested exterior finish. It consists of Portland cement-based materials and sand, mixed with water to form a workable plaster. Portland cement, the same material that is the basis for the hardened properties of concrete used to build super-highways, bridges, and skyscrapers provides strength, durability, and toughness in Portland cement plaster.

From Florida to Minnesota, traditional stucco is a proven system that works in all climates.

Portland cement plaster is applied either by hand or machine to exterior and interior wall surfaces in two or three coats. It may be applied directly to a solid base such as masonry or concrete walls, or it can be applied to a metal lath attached to frame construction, solid masonry, or concrete construction. Applied directly to concrete masonry, Portland cement plaster provides a tough 1/2-inch thick facing that is integrally bonded with the masonry substrate. When applied to metal lath, three coats of plaster form a 7/8-inch total thickness. A vapor-permeable, water-resistant building paper separates the plaster and lath from water sensitive sheathing or framing. Portland cement plaster has high impact resistance, sheds water, but breaths, allowing water vapor to escape. It’s a proven system that works in all climates.

Traditional Stucco Is Strong And Beautiful
Traditional Portland cement stucco provides a tough exterior that resists attack from woodpeckers to weed whackers. That inherent toughness is beautifully complemented by the variety of colors and textures available. Appearance is an important consideration in selecting a wall cladding. You can select a color and texture consistent with the message and image you wish to convey.

Traditional stucco provides a strong, beautiful, low maintenance finish.

Color is determined by selecting cement and aggregate color, and quite often modified by adding mineral oxide pigments to the plaster mix. In many areas, factory-prepared finish-coat products are available. Pre-pigmented packaged cements also can be used to achieve the desired stucco color or pre-weighed mineral oxide pigments can be added to the finish coat stucco during mixing.

Texture is achieved by selecting aggregate size, controlling finish mix consistency, and using special treatment techniques during and after application of the finish coat plaster. Texture gives substance and character to the plaster surface. It can be used to provide highlights, depth, continuity, segmentation, and even achieve the look of a completely different construction material such as wood timbers, brick, or stone masonry construction. To confirm the suitability of a desired color and texture, be sure to ask your plasterer to provide a sample panel for evaluation prior to starting work.

Portland cement plaster has a well documented history of proven performance in extreme climates from the desert southwest of Arizona, to the severe winters of Minnesota, to the hot-humid Florida summers. It performs in all climates.

That durability is complemented by its versatility. Portland cement plaster provides an ideal finish or cladding for any building construction system including concrete, concrete masonry, brick masonry, wood frame, or steel frame. Portland cement stucco can be applied to any flat or curved surface either inside or outside.

Don't Mistake Traditional Stucco For "EIFS"
Portland cement plaster (sometimes called traditional stucco) should not be confused with the exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) or synthetic stucco systems that have become popular but more recently have been the subject of controversy as a result of performance problems, including water leakage and low impact resistance.

Synthetic stucco consists of a polymer based laminate that is wet-applied, usually in two coats, to rigid insulation board that is fastened to the wall with adhesive, mechanical fasteners, or both. Polymer based (PB) systems, sometimes known as thin coat, soft coat, or flexible finishes, are the most common. The base coat for PB systems is usually only 1/16 in. thick and finish coat thickness is typically no thicker than the maximum sand particle size in the finish coat.

While the PB skin repels water very effectively, problems arise when moisture gets behind the synthetic stucco and is trapped inside the wall. Trapped moisture eventually rots insulation, sheathing, and wood framing. It also corrodes metal framing and metal attachments. There have been fewer problems with EIFS used over solid bases such as concrete or masonry because these substrates are very stable and are not subject to rot or corrosion.

Polymer modified mineral based (PM) exterior insulation and finish systems are sometimes known as thick coat, hard coat, or rigid finishes. The mineral base is Portland cement, while the polymer is usually an acrylic. PM systems have greater impact resistance than the PB systems, but are typically less than 1/3 the thickness of traditional three-coat stucco.

Traditional Stucco is Ideal For Concrete Wall Systems
The durability and versatility of traditional Portland cement stucco provide a great finish for other concrete building systems including concrete panels, insulating concrete forms (ICFs), and autoclaved aerated concrete. Depending on the condition of the concrete surface, Portland cement plaster may be directly bonded to the concrete or applied to metal lath attached to the wall.

When directly bonded to the concrete a dash bond coat or surface applied bonding agent is typically needed to enhance the bond between the plaster and the concrete. When concrete surfaces are extremely smooth or contaminated with excessive form oil metal lath is used as a plaster base. Metal lath can be mechanically attached to concrete, ICF, or to autoclaved aerated concrete walls to provide a base for durable, traditional three-coat Portland cement plaster exterior.

Concrete masonry provides an excellent base for direct application of Portland cement plaster in 2 or 3 coats, consisting of base coat(s) and a finish coat. The use of open-textured concrete masonry units promotes mechanical keying between the plaster and base masonry wall. Because plaster and concrete masonry undergo similar volume changes, they are inherently compatible.

Traditional Stucco Works Great On Frame Construction
Portland cement plaster has been used over frame construction in the United States since before the turn of the century, long enough to develop proven procedures for installation. When Portland cement plaster is selected as the exterior surface for frame construction, metal lath is attached to framing members. Vapor permeable, water-resistant paper is applied over sheathing before attachment of the lath. The paper protects the sheathing and interior of the wall from outside moisture intrusion without trapping moisture vapor in the wall.

Furring dimples in self-furring lath, furring nails, or other furring attachments hold the lath about 1/4 inch away from the sheathing, frame, or solid base wall. This permits the Portland cement to penetrate lath openings and surround the metal strands, embedding them. As the scratch coat plaster hardens, the lath and plaster become rigidly interlocked with the lath, essentially performing as reinforcement. Encasement of the metal also protects the metal lath against corrosion.

Lath may be expanded-metal lath, woven-wire lath, or welded-wire lath. A variety of accessories are also available for use in different plaster installations. Movement joint accessories isolate plaster panels from building movement and accommodate thermal- and moisture-induced volume changes in the finished plaster. Flashing redirects moisture to building exteriors. Foundation weep screeds serve as a plaster stop and directs moisture to wall exterior. The availability of different types of metal lath and accessories increases the versatility of Portland cement plaster and contributes to its serviceability in many applications.

Get It Right With PCA's Stucco Manual
For the right planning and preparation of Portland cement plaster over frame, concrete or block, the first step is to follow the guidelines given in PCA’s Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual. The result will be an attractive stucco finish having the toughness and durability of concrete. For unlimited design possibilities in a tough, durable, and beautiful exterior cladding, use traditional Portland cement plaster. Click Here to order the Portland Cement Plaster (Stucco) Manual or call PCA toll-free at (800) 868-6733.

Click here to visit PCA's Stucco website.

> Return to top

Partial List of Producers/Suppliers of Stucco Systems

Bauer Building Materials Co.
P.O. Box 870
San Bernardino, CA 92402

California Stucco Products Corp.
85 Zabriskie St.
Hackensack, NJ 07601
(201) 457-1900
www.californiastucco.net

C-Cure Chemical Co., Inc.
305 Garden Oaks Blvd.
Houston, TX 77018

BASF Wall Systems
3550 St. Johns Bluff Road S.
Jacksonville, FL 32224
(800) 221-9255
www.wallsystems.basf.com

Dowman Products, Inc.
P.O. Box 2847
San Bernardino, CA 92406

European Stucco
2054 Red Oak Rd.
Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 652-3811
www.europeanstucco.com

Expo Industries, Inc.
7465 Carroll Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

Florida Stucco Corp.
21195 Boca Rio Rd.
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(800) 334-5134 or (561) 487-1301

Incide Technologies Inc.
50 N. 41st Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85009-4618
(800) 777-4569 or (602) 233-0756 / Fax: (602)272-4864
www.stuccohelp.com

La Habra Products, Inc.
240 S. Loara St.
P.O. Box 3700
Anaheim, CA, USA 92803
(714) 778-2266
www.lahabrastucco.com

Parex, Inc.
1870 Stone Mountain-Lithonia Rd.
P.O. Box 189
Redan, GA 30074
(800) 537-2739 / Fax: (770) 482-6878
www.parex.com

Perma-crete
501 Metroplex Dr.
Suite 115
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 331-9200 / Fax: (615) 834-1335
www.permacrete.com

Premix Marbletite Mfg. Co.
3009 NW 75th Ave.
Miami, FL 33122
(800) 432-5097

Progressive Foam Building Systems, Inc.
315 Blossom Valley Dr.
Los Gatos, CA 95032-9310
(408) 358-4010 / Fax: (408) 358-3910

Sider-Oxydro Inc.
3945 Regur Rd.
Hawkinsville, GA 31036
(888) 743-3750 / Fax: (478) 892-9820
www.sider-oxydro.com

Silpro Masonry Systems Inc.
2 New England Way
Ayer, MA 01432

Sto Corporation
3800 Camp Creek Parkway
Building 1400, Suite 120
Atlanta, GA 30331
(800) 221-2397
www.stocorp.com

Strong-lite Products Corporation
P.O. Box 8029
Pine Bluff, AR 71611
(870) 536-3453 / Fax: (870) 536-1033
www.strong-lite.com

Tamms Industries
7405 Production Dr.
Mentor, OH 44060
(216) 974-2399 or (800) 21-TAMMS
www.roancorp.com/tamms.html

Universal Masonry Coating, Inc.
24 Torrice Dr.
Woburn, MA 01801

> Return to top

Stucco Manufacturer's Association

SMA is comprised of the major manufacturers of stucco in North America and their related suppliers. Since 1957, SMA has actively engaged in promoting the products manufactured by our members, while holding high standards. Our members, the leaders in the industry, are committed to maintaining the highest levels of product quality, business ethics and professionalism among the membership and the building industry.

Stucco Manufacturer's Association
2402 Vista Nobleza
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 640-9902 / Fax: (949) 640-9910
www.stuccomfgassoc.com

> Return to top

Disclaimer

Listing constitutes neither an endorsement nor recommendation by the Portland Cement Association (PCA). PCA disclaims any and all responsibility for the firms listed, products they supply, work performed by them or performance of their products. This is titled a "PARTIAL LIST" because even though PCA has made reasonable effort to include all known producer/suppliers we cannot be certain that we have included all producer/suppliers of stucco finish coat materials. This list is in alphabetical order and is not in order of industry rank or rating. PCA also assumes no responsibility for errors and omissions in the list.