FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
Find the most common questions regarding stucco, system assemblies and other topics. Feel free to give us a call and we'll gladly help you if the answer to your question isn't listed on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between conventional stucco and one-coat stucco?
Conventional Stucco is the traditional stucco system. Conventional Stucco (or scratch & brown) consists of two-coats of portland cement plaster and one coat of finish coat over wire or metal lath. Scratch & brown coats are installed at 3/8" thick layers each, while the finish coat is typically installed at 1/8" thick.
If One-Coat systems use insulating foam, how does Western 1-Kote differ from Exterior Insulating Finish Systems (EIFS)?
There are some differences between the two systems, but both systems also share some similarities as well. Some of these are listed below:
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Exterior Insulating finish Systems (EIFS) use lower density foam than One-Coat systems. -
EIFS does not use metal reinforcing to hold the material in place, while One-Coat systems do. -
One-Coat system basecoats products are installed in thicker layers, and are portland cement based, while EIFS are not. -
Traditionally, One-Coat systems are more durable and impact resistant than EIFS. -
Both systems may be used in commercial and residential projects. -
EIFS is substantially superior on R-Values and overall energy efficiency. -
EIFS can contribute greatly towards LEED certifications than One-Coat systems. -
One-Coat systems mey be finished with portland cement based and acrylic based products, while EIFS may be finished only with acrylic based products.
Is it normal for Stucco to crack?
To a certain degree, yes! Stucco naturally cracks. As mentioned in a Technical Bulletin issued by the Stucco Manufacturers Association: "There are two fundamental types of stresses that cause stucco cracks—internal and external. Internal stresses are due to the natural curing and drying process of stucco. Stucco shrinks as it hardens and gains strength. This shrinkage, when restrained, may create hairline cracks. External stresses are due to the transfer of outside forces into the stucco assembly. Common examples are at the corners of windows and doors. These stresses can cause movement within the stucco, which can result in wider cracks than internally generated cracks."
How to deal with Efflorescence in stucco and what causes it?
Could any color be macthed for either Exterior Stucco Finish or Acrylic Finish applications?
Not really, but we could get really close! Although our Color Lab department does their best, there may be some instances in which some colors may be too dark or too bright to be replicated in Stucco or Acrylic finishes. Not every color can be replicated, but we can certainly give you close options. Contact the WBP Color Lab department near you to inquire about color matching.
What's the difference between Exterior Stucco Finish and Premium Acrylic Finishes (PAF) ?
Exterior Stucco Finishes are portland cement based with lime and aggregates and may be mixed with color pigments added for color. It is available in a wide variety of textures and colors; although light and muted colors work better with this product, Exterior Stucco Finishes are traditionally used for adding depth and dimension to walls. It is the only product that combines the effects of texture, color and light. It is an excellent choice for southwest stucco designs due to the interaction of texture, color and light. it is not consistent in color like paint and can be unpredictable in terms of the finished 'color.' Exterior Stucco Finish is very poor at bridging cracks. So tolerance of hairline (or sometimes larger) cracks are required, especially in fine and super fine textured finishes.