If you’ve ever wondered how to build a stucco wall with a wood frame, you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with the same problem. While the walls themselves are a simple process, there are several things you need to know before you start. The final thickness of the wall should be 7/8 inches. This thickness should be about half the overall thickness of the wood frame. Here are some tips for building a stucco wall with a wood frame.
Expansion joints
When building a stucco wall over a wood frame, you must use expansion joints. The expansion joints must be continuous or broken to prevent water intrusion. The expansion joints must be installed at least one inch behind the metal lath. In some cases, you may need to use additional expansion joints. In either case, the expansion joints are very important to maintain a smooth finish. You should install caulk in these joints to prevent water from leaking.
The best place to install expansion joints is over existing brick mortar joints. Brick mortar joints should be raked out to a depth of 5/8″ to ensure a tight bond between the new stucco and the substrate. The spacing between expansion joints is approximately 144 square feet. Expansion joints are also necessary if you have a curved wall section, which should not exceed 144 square feet.
A building movement joint subassembly is a very important part of stucco walls and is often misunderstood by architects and building owners. This article will explain the benefits of expansion joints and how they are an important part of building a stucco wall. By preventing cracks and movement in the stucco cladding system, you will increase its popularity and value as an exterior wall cladding.
Casing beads
When building a stucco wall, a key consideration is how to install the casing beads. The beads terminate the stucco around the walls, doors, and windows. The process differs slightly for stucco over plywood, concrete, or wood frames. Over concrete, two coats are required and half-inch casing beads are used. On plywood, three layers are needed and 3/4-inch casing beads are used.
Installing the corner bead is the last accessory to be installed. Corner bead installation usually occurs before installing horizontal expansion joints. The corner’s purpose is to reinforce the framing. There are several types of corner reinforcement, including welded wire and laths with no bead. A traditional corner bead is three inches wide with seven-inch center spacing. The corners of stucco wall assemblies should be insulated.
Traditional stucco applications are typically made from all-veneer plywood and oriented strand board. Both materials are suitable substrates for stucco. If you use either material, be sure to install it horizontally. Horizontal blocking between the studs and the plywood is essential. Horizontal blocking prevents cracks in the stucco exterior at the sheathing joints. This method also prevents cracking along the sheathing joints.
The casing bead wraps around penetrations and prevents hairline cracks. The casing beads also contain drip edges that prevent water from migrating. The drip edges will allow water to run off at the corner, instead of the surface, preventing moisture from migrating. Unlike regular siding, casing beads minimize movement. As a result, they make the stucco wall weather-resistant.
Corner trim
The corner trim is attached to the framing by means of a perimetric mounting strip. Corner trim can be L-shaped or asymmetrical, with a perimetric rim or beveled edge. The mounting strip mates with the corner trim 100 through apertures that provide the proper spacing between the two pieces. The corner trim is pressed into place with its rim mating with the mounting strip’s perimetric rim. It is then attached to the framing with the use of a plurality of barbs that secure the corner trim to the mounting strip.
The Portland Cement Association recommends that expansion joints be used for exterior walls constructed of stucco. These are critical at the joints between dissimilar materials, as well as the band joist area between two stories. Unfortunately, many residential projects are constructed without expansion joints, which will eventually result in cracking. If you do not install expansion joints, your stucco will not be protected from water, and cracking may occur.
Aside from the adhesive, corner trims should be installed symmetrically and vertically. To do this, make sure you measure and mark all four corners, and use the same measurements for each corner. For best results, make sure you measure the length of the corner trim before you begin building. The perimetric mounting strip is an optional component. In some applications, the mounting strip may be made of sheet plastic.
Footing around base of wall
Before you install stucco, make sure you have a solid footing around the base of the wall. This will help to avoid any cracks, leaks, or other issues. You should check for cracks in the foundation as well, as they may indicate structural problems. If you find any, contact a structural engineer for advice. They should be able to give you professional advice on the best way to fix your stucco problems.
If you see water-soaked areas, look for the root cause of the problem. The root cause is most likely a leaking plumbing or roof. When this happens, a wall’s structural integrity is at risk. Stucco is vulnerable to moisture and should be checked annually for signs of problems. Cracks and bulging stucco are signs of foundation problems. The best way to address these problems is to get them addressed as soon as possible.
Another common cause of cracks is damage to the framing. When it comes to stucco cracking, you may notice small, tight cracks. If you notice massive cracks, however, it could be an indication of a structural problem. If you notice areas of the surface that are not flat or loose stucco, contact a structural engineer. These are just a few of the many reasons why cracking stucco is a problem.
Choosing a professional stucco installer
There are some things to keep in mind when choosing a professional stucco installer. First and foremost, you should get several quotes before hiring one. While these quotes may differ slightly, make sure to ask each contractor about their fees. Also, be sure to get a written contract, which will outline the total cost of the project, as well as the timeframe for completion. A written contract will also make the entire process easier to manage.
Another important factor when choosing a contractor is location. The closer a contractor is to your home, the easier it will be to transport materials and workers to your site. This also cuts down on overall project time. You can also choose a contractor that works in your area, as they will know specific challenges of the area and common pests. Also, consider the number of years they’ve been in business, and whether they’ve installed stucco in your neighborhood before.
You should avoid hiring the first contractor that pops up in your Google search. Instead, do your research and find several stucco contractors to choose from. Remember that a general contractor might offer stucco services, but it’s best to look for a professional stucco company that specializes in this work. This way, you can be confident that the quality of the work will be top notch.
Preparing exterior walls for stucco
To apply stucco over wood sheathing, the exterior walls must be prepared. Install two layers of waterproof building paper on the outer surface and install metal lath to support the stucco. Apply three coats of stucco to the wood sheathing. Skip the scratch coat, and apply a color coat containing a color-enhancing dye. After the stucco layer has dried, apply a second layer of building paper to protect it from moisture.
Wood structural panel wall sheathing is an alternative, but it can provide better performance under stucco exterior finishes. You can install all-veneer plywood, oriented strand board, or composite wall sheathing. Table 1 and Figure 2 provide recommendations for the selection of sheathing. While sheathing material is an important consideration, it can be difficult to determine which panels are appropriate for your project.
After determining the best materials for the project, you can proceed to the actual application. Preparing the exterior walls for stucco with wood frame is important because it affects the finish of the home’s exterior. If improper preparation isn’t done, the stucco might fail to adhere properly to the wood frame. A damaged exterior wall might lead to extensive damage to the home’s wood frame.
When it comes to the final thickness of stucco, wood-framed homes should be a minimum of 7/8″ thick. It is also recommended to use plywood or thin veneer-like ply-woods instead of OSB. Although plywood is more expensive than OSB, it is more durable and repels water better. The wood substrates should be spaced at least 1/8″ apart. Otherwise, they can buckle and cause cracks in the stucco finish.
