Stucco 101

The Basics

• Stucco -- also known as Portland cement plaster -- can be applied to both the interior and exterior of a home, building or structure. Cement materials, water and sand mixed together form stucco. Stucco is used to cover a variety of building materials, including cinder block, masonry, clay brick, concrete and adobe. The purpose of stucco is to replace the look of these building materials with something more appealing to the eye. Stucco is available in a variety of colors and can even duplicate the look of wood.

Applying

• Stucco can be applied by hand using a hawk -- which allows the stucco to be transported from its holding container to the wall it's being applied to -- and a trowel. A trowel is a hand-held tool used to apply the stucco to a surface. You can also apply stucco using a stucco sprayer, which eliminates the need of a trowel. Using a stucco sprayer is generally quicker than applying stucco by hand. Stucco can be applied to both flat and curved surfaces.

Durability

• One of the main advantages of stucco is its durability. Once applied, stucco has the ability to transmit moisture vapor. This will prevent water from being trapped behind it. Since water cannot be trapped, stucco is resistant to both fungus and rot. Stucco's durability can withstand various conditions, including dry weather, heat, cold and moisture. Stucco is also fire-resistant and color-retentive, meaning it will not fade in sunlight over time. Due to its durability, stucco is often used as a finishing for both residential and commercial facilities.

Consideration

• If you opt to apply stucco yourself, make sure you know the proper procedure. Stucco that is not properly applied will bulge. Once dried, it will begin to crack or separate. If it is applied unevenly, water will seep underneath it, which can lead to rot. Hire a professional to apply stucco if you are not comfortable doing it yourself. Professionals must adhere to stucco applying standards crafted by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) to ensure the job is done correctly.