Synthetic Stucco

Stucco is one of those siding materials that have been used by humans for a very long time. The use of stucco has been traced back to the time of ancient Romans and Greeks. Earlier, stucco was made with lime water and sand. Even plant and animal fibers were added to it, so as to reinforce it as a siding material. Stucco was also used for making artworks. However, with time, the composition of stucco changed. During the 1850s, Portland cement was invented and people started using this cement along with lime water and sand, to prepare stucco. Today, this type of stucco is called traditional stucco, as a new entrant called synthetic stucco is also being introduced.

What is Synthetic Stucco

So, traditional stucco is made of cement, sand, lime and water. It is applied in three coats, over a stucco lath (a narrow thin strip of wood used as backing for plaster) base. Even mesh is used as a base of this type of stucco application, which is mostly found to have an expansive acrylic-polymer finish. On the other hand, synthetic stucco consists of multiple layers and is referred to as a type of Exterior Insulation Finishing System (EIFS). It is easy to install, as compared to the traditional form. This type of stucco can be applied on the substrate under the supervision of professionals. Even ready-made synthetic stucco panels may be attached to the substrate with the help of adhesives. It is commonly used on substrates like brick, plywood, concrete (new or existing) and cinder block.

After World War II, synthetic stucco was developed by building contractors and this material was mainly used for repair work. But, as it was found to have insulating properties, this stucco gained popularity as a siding material. It consists of three layers. A foam insulation board is attached to the substrate with the help of adhesives. The next layer consists of a mixture of polymer and cement reinforced with fiberglass mesh. Over this base coat, a textured finish coat is applied. This top coat may be applied with a trowel or can also be sprayed to the base coat. This helps in creating a wide range of textures, that may resemble a traditional stucco, brick siding or even a granite finish.

Synthetic Stucco Pros and Cons

If you take a look at the various aspects of synthetic vs traditional stucco, the former is more energy-efficient, as it is a good insulator. Another advantage of synthetic stucco siding is that, it is easy to install, as compared to the traditional form. While, the traditional stucco may not hold cornerstones and other accents, this problem is not faced in case of synthetic stucco. However, traditional stucco being tough, is stronger, when exposed to rains and hailstorms. Synthetic variant is also said to absorb moisture. One of the common synthetic stucco problems is retention of moisture between the foam base and the substrate, thereby causing mold and mildew on both interiors and exteriors. If the substrate and other structures (like windows and doors) are made of wood, such moisture retention may cause damage to the wood, which is found to get swollen. You may also find blistered or peeling pain and sealants. Nowadays, this problem is said to have been fixed with advanced technology.

In short, synthetic stucco can be beneficial, if maintained properly. Even synthetic stucco repairs have to be done on a regular basis. It has also been noted that some people prefer traditional stucco to synthetic one, as the former is said to be more hardy and strong. You may choose between the two, as per your requirement.