When you see houses with stucco walls, they are usually old and made of brick or cement. These walls have been traditionally used in the past to protect people from extreme weather conditions and keep their homes warm during winters. Stucco walls are usually thick, rough, and unappealing to look at. But it serves a great purpose as an external wall and protects your home from the elements. It’s a mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water that is applied to give a smooth finish on the outside of buildings for protection against rain and wind. If you love your home but hate your stucco walls, we get you. Some people think that stucco walls are ugly because of their unappealing texture. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make them more appealing again! Keep reading to learn more about stucco walls and how you can accentuate their beauty rather than covering them up with paint or other materials.
What is Stucco?
Stucco is a mixture that is used to coat the walls of the exterior of a building. This mixture consists of sand, cement, lime, and water. Stucco’s original purpose is to protect the walls from weather conditions. It also has the ability to make a wall look thicker and heavier than it really is. Stucco walls are also known as “plaster bandages” due to their ability to cover up cracks in the walls. It is also a building material used as a coating for exterior an interior walls. It is applied thickly and is a mixture of Portland cement, sand, lime, and water. Stucco is the most popular exterior wall finish in the United States which is also use for interior wall finishes. Stucco finishes are gaining in popularity in recent years not only in United States but across the globe.
Why Have Stucco Walls?
Stucco walls have been traditionally used as a protective barrier for a building’s exterior for decades. It is a thick and rough mixture of cement, sand, lime, and water that is applied on the exterior walls of a building to protect it from rain, wind, and snow. Stucco walls are usually one of the cheapest ways to cover the exterior walls of a building since they can be made out of recycled materials that are easily accessible. Stucco walls are very durable and can last for decades or even centuries. In addition to being very durable, stucco’s rough texture also helps to insulate the building from extreme temperature changes by keeping the warm air inside. The thick texture of stucco is also helpful in controlling noise pollution since the walls absorb the sound. Stucco walls are usually grey in color since they are made out of cement. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add color and make the walls more appealing to the eye.
Pros and Cons of Having Stucco Walls
Pros - Stucco walls are very durable and can last for decades or even centuries. In addition to being very durable, stucco’s rough texture also helps to insulate the building from extreme temperature changes. - Stucco walls are made from recycled materials which cost less than other construction materials. Stucco is also available in different textures and colors. - Stucco walls are thick and heavy and thus are great noise barriers. Cons - There are not many cons to stucco walls except for high application cost and time to apply stucco. Skilled labor is also required to apply stucco on walls as it requires a lot of skill and experience.
Identifying Different Types of Stucco
- Traditional Stucco: This is the most common type of stucco. Traditional stucco is generally made out of Portland cement, sand, lime, and water. - Modified Stucco: In areas where there is a significant amount of rain, this type of stucco is ideal because it is made to withstand moisture. - Eco Stucco: Eco stucco is eco-friendly and made from materials such as natural limestone plasters and waxes. Organic stucco is more expensive than traditional stucco. - Stucco Paint: Stucco paint is generally applied on top of traditional stucco to give it a smoother texture. This type of stucco is also known as a “stucco finish coat.”
How to Repair Stucco Walls
- You can repair minor cracks in the stucco wall by applying a special epoxy resin directly to the cracks. This epoxy resin will get hard and no longer allow water to seep through the cracks. - For larger cracks in the walls, you can apply a stucco patch to fill up the large holes and cracks. Stucco patches are easy to apply and are available in different sizes and colors. - If you want to repaint the stucco wall, you’ll need a few things. First, you’ll need a paintbrush. Next, you’ll need a roller, paint tray, and a paint container. You will also need drop cloths and paint mask.
Conclusion
Stucco walls are usually grey in color since they are made out of cement. But that doesn’t mean you can’t add color and make the walls more appealing to the eye. You can paint the stucco wall any color you want, or you can also add décor items to make the stucco wall look more appealing. You can use items such as plants, trees, and stones to decorate your stucco wall. You can also choose to use lights to add a different flair to your stucco wall. Stucco walls can be made more appealing with the use of different décor items.