Stucco Jacksonville FL, a hand-troweled plaster containing crushed lime, sand, and water, is an attractive characteristic of Spanish and Italian architecture. The earliest stucco used had lime in its composition instead of lime cement, which is hard lime extracted from rocks. Lime is obtained by boiling limestone in the water. The resulting paste is then used for cementing, among other applications. Lime is a natural product, so no harmful chemicals or stabilizers are used, unlike stucco manufactured from other natural products.
When stucco dries, it forms a rough surface. This is called scumbling. Other characteristics of this material include high compressive strength and high resistance to weathering, both of which make it highly suitable for stucco applications where weight and size play a role. Another common problem with stucco is that it expands after drying, creating spaces between the seams and reducing their aesthetic qualities. A problem common to many different kinds of materials as well, expansion may be caused by water seeping into the material or, less commonly, by rust forming in the surface. As expansion is a natural process in most materials, it is exacerbated by other factors such as weathering and exposure to heat or cold, which can cause the pores to close.
To prevent this expansion from occurring, stucco should be adequately applied before it dries. This is often accomplished by using a wet layer or a slow-setting aggregate, followed by a dry layer that makes up at least 60 per cent of the total volume of the material. An alternative to wet or dry applications of stucco is the use of a water-based mixture, which is mixed with the stucco and allowed to dry, resulting in a thicker consistency that is capable of resisting expansion. This stucco paste can be combined with traditional stucco to create new textures that can be used as decorative accents on structures.
With respect to the durability of stucco, it is considered to be relatively durable compared to other building materials. Even though it is made of a durable ceramic compound, stucco is still susceptible to chipping and cracking, especially if the structure in which it is applied is not properly protected. However, because this material is not water-resistant, it can be protected against extremes of temperature by using a waterproof mixture that consists of water-base resins or an epoxy resin, among others. The exterior finish applied to stucco buildings will protect the surface from dust, sun, stains, snow and rain, although these elements are less likely to diminish the aesthetic qualities than what is found with traditional stucco. It is worth noting that the durability of stucco is dependent on the formulation used in its manufacturing and therefore varies from one manufacturer to another.
One of the most important things to consider when using stucco is its texture, which is termed as the texture or the sheen of the material. If there are any cracks or gaps, the appearance of the masonry stucco system will be compromised. The use of a professional stucco installer will ensure that all defects are covered and that the entire surface of the structure is well protected. On the other hand, with the DIY method, even the slightest defect in the texture can create the appearance of unsightly cracks that can be a source of discomfort and danger.
In addition, stucco that is made of a moisture-resistant ceramic compound may prove to be more resistant to heat damage than stucco composed of a less resistant material. The same holds true for stucco with a fine to medium grain structure, as it does not experience any major changes in moisture content during the years that it is exposed to the outside air. However, when stucco is made of clay or sand particles that are smaller than the size of water molecules, then it becomes susceptible to cracking under the influence of high humidity. Cracks may appear as soon as two to six months after the exterior surface has been exposed to moisture.
When stucco is used to build masonry facades or walls, then a stucco finish known as lime plaster is preferred to provide the stucco surface with the necessary protection from weather. This kind of stucco finish is commonly employed on both the exterior and the interior side of the construction to protect masonry surfaces from excessive moisture. Lime plaster is comprised of an epoxy resin and either sand or water that is applied to the masonry surface with a roller or brush. A mixture of plaster and a binder can also be added to the mixture in order to enhance the hardening properties of the stucco. As the preparation of the stucco is carried out, the stucco will become tough and durable, thus making it ideal for use on masonry facades and walls. In addition to stucco facades and walls, stucco is also used on sidewalks and driveways, in the lining of basements and crawl spaces, as decorative materials for masonry projects, for countertops, tiles and floors and as natural insulating materials.
Although stucco is extremely durable, it is also susceptible to damage from water and weather and therefore must be treated accordingly. Cracks may appear anywhere on the stucco and if these are not repaired immediately, then they can result in peeling off the surface. If the outer layer of the stucco starts to peel off, the stucco base will also start to crack and the entire stucco home system will have to be replaced. For the exterior layer of the stucco, a maintenance-only product called stucco sealer may be used to protect the surface against moisture and sun damage. However, repairing internal and external cracks must be performed by a professional if at all possible since these types of repairs require more advanced skills and equipment.