Stucco Characteristics

• Stucco exteriors form a thick, masonry covering on both wood-framed and masonry buildings. Modern stucco mixtures consist of varying amounts of cement, sand, lime and additives. Typically available as a dry, powdery mixture, stucco combines with water to form a plaster-like paste, which masons apply either by hand with trowels or with mechanical sprayers. Suitable for both wood-framed and masonry exteriors, stucco masons apply a variety of surface textures or patterns to a stucco exterior's final coat. Although installing a stucco exterior requires substantial time and labor, stucco is impervious to rot and insect damage. However, the natural movement of wall framing materials, both wood and masonry, often causes stucco exteriors to develop cracks.