STUCCO NEWS.NET

Mr. Bullard,I live in Gold Canyon, Arizona. My house is less than 2 years old and found out that we have cracking and crumbling stucco. The builder is willing to correct the problem. The builder has submitted some samples to a laboratory, Micro-Chem in California for analysis. Then it was sent to an independent consultant that has submitted this conclusion to the builder. "The results of the laboratory evaluation indicate the stucco was slightly over sanded and the thickness did not meet the 3/8 inch requirement. The report noted the amount of unhydrated cement observed in the samples indicates inadequate curing of the stucco. The overall strength properties of the stucco were very weak. Removal of the existing stucco in NOT recommended. It is recommended that new stucco be applied to the exterior walls to provide required thickness". (the warranty that applies to this method is 2 years). This is their recommendation for my house. My question is: Is this the correct way of dealing with this problem. There are several homes in my neighborhood that has the same problem and one across the street from me had their stucco removed (the whole house) and replaced with a new one. I hope you can give me some advice on this matter.

I say when in doubt, tear it out, or why put good on bad ?

We have gone over bad stucco installations, using bonding admixtures in the mortar. I regret not talking the owner into tearing it all off.

It makes more sense to do it once, or once more, but to do it right.

I have published about crumbling stucco in the past, but I needed to say more, because I have run into this condition a lot lately.

3/8 inch is too thin, even though though this is done a lot these days. Thin mortar will dry out before it sets, particularly in hot weather. Thicker mortar will usually set up before it dries out.

In hot weather, work should be planned to work in the shady side in the afternoon. If necessary, the wall can be shaded with tyvek or dropclothes. It is important to always shade the mortar box in hot weather, and keep it covered at all times.

If the surface is real powdery, you probably won't be able to get a good bond.

Another reason for tearing it all out is the work probably was done by inexperienced people. Probably the lath and everything is bad.