Stucco Repair
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Corner > Field Note: Stucco Repair Appearance
 Before
beginning any repair, you should make sure that the walls are structurally
sound and that there are no hidden problems. You don’t want
to mask something major by addressing the cosmetics. Plaster repair
is a straightforward procedure that is capable of bringing many
stucco surfaces back to good condition.
Older plaster surfaces can become worn or faded upon exposure to
weather, such as rain, snow, and sunshine. Today’s pigments
are compatible with cement-based materials and are durable over
the long term. Pigments should meet the requirements of ASTM C 979,
Standard Specification for Pigments for Integrally Colored Concrete.
 A
wall that was poorly cured following installation may exhibit minor
cracks on the surface. Even minor cracking can detract from the
look of an otherwise good quality wall. As long as cracks are not
too wide so that water passes through them, a new finish treatment
can be a quick fix. That could be a portland cement-based paint
or a slurry of cement and pigments, sometimes call a fog coat. Another
reason to recoat a plaster wall is that your building may need a
new look, which can be accomplished simply by updating the color.
At worst, the walls may be damaged due to moisture infiltration,
building settlement, or other environmental factors. When this is
the case, it’s best to consult professionals because a poorly
executed repair won’t last and might mask the problem until
even more damage is done.
The American Society
for Testing and Materials (ASTM) generates consensus documents
with the input of many people, including contractors, engineers,
architects, and material producers/suppliers. They agree on what
constitutes “best practice” and develop standards to
reflect that.
ASTM standards www.astm.org
ASTM C 926, Standard Specification for Application of Portland Cement-Based
Plaster
ASTM C 1063, Standard Specification for Installation of Lathing
and Furring to Receive Interior and Exterior Portland Cement-Based
Plaster
For more information on repair or proper installation of stucco,
see:
(Click on title)
Repair of Portland
Cement Plaster (Stucco), IS526
Portland Cement Plaster/Stucco
Manual, EB049
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