What is stucco made of?
Traditional masonry stucco is a cement-based plaster that is applied over walls and other surfaces inside and outside of buildings. It is made from cement, sand, and lime and hardens into a highly durable material that requires little maintenance. Like traditional decorative plaster, stucco can be troweled, brushed, or otherwise textured to create a variety of finish effects. Stucco typically is applied over a galvanized wire mesh called lath, which helps the stucco adhere to the supporting structure and strengthens the entire assembly. Stucco usually is mixed on-site and is applied in three coats.
Durability
Stucco is made from a mix of cement, lime, sand, and water. It is spread over a wire framework on the exterior of your commercial building while it is still wet. Several layers are applied and then hardens into a long-lasting and durable protective siding.
The durability and breathability are the major sustainability benefits of stucco. Stucco is a water-shedding, ultra-hard, and impact resistant. Because of the “breathability”, water that may get behind it, will not be trapped. This means that once your building is protected by stucco, it will never rot or grow fungus which protects the overall air quality inside the building. This is especially good news if you own a commercial residential property. Your tenants will be safe and protected from the dangers of poor air quality.
Here in Denver, Colorado, we experience major climate changes throughout the year. We experience extreme heat and cold, and the occasional hailstorm. Stucco is simply a no-brainer here. Did you know that stucco is able to expand and contract with temperature changes? This eliminates the worry of cracks forming in the exterior coating of your building. This will save you in the long-term on repair costs and updates that would normally be needed with a simple vinyl siding.
Stucco Siding is Fire-Resistant
While you certainly cannot prevent every hazard within your commercial building, you can make it as fire-resistant as possible by investing in stucco siding. Stucco has been used for centuries for structures. It can cover any structural material, such as brick or wood, and can even be applied over cement. That versatility makes stucco a great protective option or many different types of commercial structures.
Stucco achieves what is called a one-hour fire rating when tested against flames. What does this mean for you? It means that buildings with a stucco exterior could burn for one hour before the interior material is affected. Stucco is a smart choice if you operate a manufacturing business in your building where flame is used and the risk for fire is higher. Same for commercial residential properties. With residents cooking and utilizing hot surfaces, the risk for fire is significantly higher.
Curb Appeal
The layered application of stucco creates a highly textured surface, ideal for modern commercial businesses. There are several texture options you can choose from as business owners. You can choose between smooth or rough textures, sweeping or swirling designs, or even a pebbled look depending on the desired styling of your building.
With stucco siding, you are also given a wide range of choices when it comes to the color selection. Our specialists at Denver Stucco and Stone can mix colors directly into the stucco mixture, allowing you to choose the perfect custom color you visualize. And remember, stucco does not need to be repainted over time, unless you want to change the color. If that’s the case, then you can paint directly over the stucco whenever you want.
Increase your commercial property value
Once applied by our professional stucco contractors, stucco provides a concrete shell around your building. This hard, durable exterior will save you time and money on maintenance over time, and will ultimately increase the value of your property. Since stucco is energy efficient in the elements, provides low maintenance needs, and is resistant to water damage, your property’s market value is sure to increase.
Get the job done quickly and efficiently
Investing in siding for your commercial building is a huge renovation project. Luckily, if you choose stucco, the process is quick and easy. Most applications take only a few days to complete with a very fast drying time. This minimizes the disruption to your business routines during the renovation process.
Should you take on a stucco project yourself?
In short, the answer is “no”. Although the application of stucco may appear to be a simple procedure, the incorrect application of it can lead to serious problems such as bulging, separating, and cracking. Your building’s wood frames run the risk of rotting if moisture seeps in through the stucco.
It is ALWAYS recommended that you call in a professional to handle your stucco projects. We can ensure that the stucco is correctly applied according to regulated standards. Correctly applied stucco will last many years allowing you to concentrate on other upgrades as you need them. It always pays off to hire well-trained experts, like us at Denver Stucco and Stone. A bad stucco job can cost you thousands of dollars to repair down the road.
