Stucco is one of the oldest building materials available, tracing its roots as far back as 2500 B.C. A mixture of sand, lime and cement that is moist cured for three days to achieve proper strength and reduce cracking, stucco has evolved into a popular cladding choice for renovation and new construction projects. Stucco is an attractive and durable cladding for any type of construction and will last for many years if properly installed and maintained.
A stucco assembly consists of the following components: Weather-resistive barrier, lath, trim accessories, fiber-reinforced stucco, primer and a decorative finish. The weather protection/weather-resistive barrier has two key functions: Provides secondary moisture protection in the event of a crack or breach in the stucco, and prevents the stucco from attaching to the substrate, thus minimizing the risk of cracks in the stucco caused by substrate movement (particularly important for wood-based substrates).