Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Stucco color coat alone or with elastomeric paint coat

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Painting and Wallcoverings
Remote Name: 207.82.209.114
Date: 13 Feb 2001
Time: 07:22 PM

Comments

We're sorry to hear about your house fire and wish you the best in your rebuilding process.

With respect to your question, there are various approaches, each with their merits.

First, was your original stucco painted or was it a straight color coat? If you original stucco was painted, your insurance should cover the added cost of repainting the exterior. If it wasn't painted, then you may have to pitch in for this added expense. I would discuss this with your insurer to make sure you're getting covered for everything you deserve.

While we have nothing against color coats, we have always preferred a painted stucco surface. A quality exterior paint, whether latex or one of the new stretchy elastomerics, helps to provide both moisture protection as well as concealment of hairline cracks. This may be particularly important where the new and old stucco join together, which is a naturally weak spot in the exterior surface.

Unpainted stucco turns dark when exposed to water...and can sometimes leave stains. A proper stucco paint job consists of a basecoat stucco primer, followed typically by two coats of latex paint (or elastomeric). Always "backroll" at least the first coat to ensure deep penetration and adhesion to the surface. Spraying only is a shortcut that many painters use, but it provides inferior longevity compared to sprayed and backrolled paint.

So, our vote is to paint it. And as to whether or not your insurance will pay is a different matter...as they will only pay for "in kind" replacement of what existed originally.

As to sealing your brick, this is also a good idea. It's even something you can do yourself. Get a few gallons of Thomson's water seal or other quality masonry sealer and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. While it's not necessary, it will provide better moisture resistance compared to unsealed masonry. Reapplications may be required from time to time.

We hope these tips help.

Builders Websource

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