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Masonry is the laying of bricks or stone. Masons construct exterior walls, chimneys, retaining walls, and foundations. Brick or natural store are laid and joined using mortar. Synthetic stone that can give the appearance of natural stone, yet is easier to install, is available on the market a lower price. Stucco is a type of masonry usually composed of sand, cement, and lime laid atop mesh backing. It is applied wet, molded, and left to dry into a hard surface. In the past, synthetic stucco has been used, but it usually had issues with moisture control leading to rot, mildew, and mold. Traditional hard stucco is much proffered, and can be used on the exterior or interior of the home. Always hire professional contractors to install stucco and masonry to ensure structural integrity and present issues with moisture.

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Painting Stucco

By Hal Major

Repair any damage first:
Before you clean and paint the stucco on your home you want make certain it is in good condition. A high quality paint applied correctly will fill in hairline cracks. Any cracks that are the width of the thickness of a credit card up to 1/8" inch require you to use a elastomeric sealant that can be brushed on.

Cracks that are wider than one-eighth of an inch or cracks caused by movement of the structure or the foundation may need what is called raking the crack and filling it with a urethane sealant system or another permanent material. You cannot fix movement cracks, loose framing behind the stucco and other serious issues with paint or a patch. Contact your local building and siding contractor for assistance in fixing these problems.

If you repair the stucco by patching it, please make sure it doesn't dry too quickly. You should provide shade or cover the repair with a tarp in hot weather. Don't let the tarp touch the patch, though. If it is really hot outside and sunny, try to keep the stucco damp for 48 hours to 72 hours. You may have to lightly mist the patch to keep it moist. Don't mist until water runs down the surface of the patch.

If the weather forecast calls for temperatures to drop below 400 F within the next few days do not make the patch. Make certain the patch is thoroughly dry and cured before cleaning and painting. Make sure all the repairs are completed before you start cleaning so water doesn't get behind the stucco or into your home.

Clean the stucco thoroughly:
The easiest way to clean the stucco prior to painting is with a light pressure washing and siding cleaner/detergent. Persistent stains may need to be covered with a latex exterior primer before applying the finish paint coat.

Check the surface after cleaning to see that it isn't chalky or gritty. If it is, get a masonry surface conditioner to seal the stucco. Make sure all the flashing over doors and windows is in place and in good condition. Then caulk around the doors and windows, flashing and any exterior electrical outlets and lights. fixtures and other protrusions.

Time to paint:
You want to get a high quality acrylic latex paint made for stucco. The alternative is an elastomeric paint. Acrylic latex for most regions in the country gives excellent protection. If there are substrate problems or your in a region where wind-driven rain is common (hurricane prone) use an elastomeric coating. Elastomeric are becoming popular in all areas of the country because of their thicker film and elasticity that gives the highest degree of protection against extreme weather conditions.