- Plaster was the original term for lathering concrete products over interior walls. Builders differentiated interior applications from the exterior materials by calling the exterior products stucco. Stucco was formulated to withstand the elements for decades, although builders accepted the fact that stucco cracked over time.
- Stucco stands up well to the temperature changes in winter unless there is a damp climate. Since stucco is a porous material, the cement mixture will absorb water and become heavier. In addition, trying to keep melting snow from getting between the house and the layer of stucco is challenging. Stucco is a better finish for homes in dry climates with little to no snow.
- Stucco is a combination of Portland cement, sand and lime mixed with water to form a hard concrete surface that undulates over a wire lath. When masons apply the same type of material to sidewalks, they leave expansion joints and apply the cement mixture very thickly to create a material that's impervious to the weather. Since the weight of the concrete would not be practical to hang on the side of a home at the same thickness, they use a relatively thin layer that will crack slightly over time even in drier climates.
- There is a new product that builders still refer to as stucco although the composition is acrylic-based instead of cement. This product contains ceramic and aggregate compounds to give the same texture as the original stucco. However, the acrylic product doesn’t weather the same as the cement version. Acrylic stucco is perfect for areas where damp weather and heavy snow hinders the application of normal stucco, as well as in warmer climates.
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