Render / Stucco

This category is for rendering walls and other surfaces in exteriors. A lot of the traditional renders are cement-based products so I wanted to cover them here as well.

Lath Fastener Spacing: Recommended Patterns for Welded, Expanded, and Paper-Backed Lath

Lath Fastener Spacing: Recommended Patterns for Welded, Expanded, and Paper-Backed Lath

Introduction Lath fastener spacing should follow specific, pattern-based guidelines for welded, expanded, and paper-backed lath to ensure secure attachment and structural performance. You’ll learn how the recommended spacings differ by lath type, plus practical tips for implementing them during installation and verification. The guide walks through common patterns, typical spacing ranges, and quick checks to […]

Lath Fastener Spacing: Recommended Patterns for Welded, Expanded, and Paper-Backed Lath Read More »

Painting Stucco: Breathable Coatings That Won’t Trap Water

Painting Stucco: Breathable Coatings That Won’t Trap Water

Introduction Breathable coatings on stucco let moisture escape while still protecting the surface. This matters because trapping water can lead to peeling, cracking, and mold, so you’ll learn how to evaluate breathable finishes and what to look for in performance and compatibility. The guide walks through practical steps for preparation, choosing the right breathable coating,

Painting Stucco: Breathable Coatings That Won’t Trap Water Read More »

Pin Vs Pinless: Choosing the Right Moisture Meter for Stucco Inspections

Table of Contents Why moisture measurement matters for stucco-clad buildings How pin moisture meters work (technical deep dive) How pinless moisture meters work (technical deep dive) Head-to-head comparison: pros, cons, and performance factors Stucco-specific inspection protocols and best practices Troubleshooting false positives and ambiguous readings on stucco Calibration, maintenance, and meter settings for accurate results

Pin Vs Pinless: Choosing the Right Moisture Meter for Stucco Inspections Read More »

How to Spot Hidden Moisture in Stucco with a Simple Meter

How to Spot Hidden Moisture in Stucco with a Simple Meter

Table of Contents Why hidden moisture in stucco and EIFS matters Quick overview of moisture meters: pin, pinless, and combo Choosing a single, affordable meter for DIY stucco checks When to test: timing and triggers Where to test on stucco and EIFS — high-risk zones Pre-inspection visual checklist Step-by-step scanning workflow using one simple meter

How to Spot Hidden Moisture in Stucco with a Simple Meter Read More »

How to Patch Small Wrb Punctures with Liquid Flash Before Re-Stucco

How to Patch Small Wrb Punctures with Liquid Flash Before Re-Stucco

Table of Contents Why WRB Integrity Matters Before Stucco When to Use Liquid Flash vs. Tape or Full Panel Repair Recommended Liquid Flash Products and Compatibility Matrix Tools, PPE, and Materials Checklist Step‑by‑Step Repair Method for Small Punctures (Exact Technique) Curing, Environmental Limits, and Inspection Criteria Integration with Stucco Lath and Finish Work Troubleshooting, Common

How to Patch Small Wrb Punctures with Liquid Flash Before Re-Stucco Read More »

Patching Small WRB (Weather-Resistive Barrier) Punctures Before Re-Stucco

Patching Small WRB (Weather-Resistive Barrier) Punctures Before Re-Stucco

Table of Contents Why WRBs Matter for Stucco Cladding Types of WRB Materials Compatible with Stucco How to Inspect a WRB Before Re‑Stucco Diagnosing Punctures vs. Underlying Damage Approved Repair Materials and When to Use Them Step‑by‑Step: Patching Small Punctures in Housewrap Step‑by‑Step: Patching Punctures in Self‑Adhered Membranes Sealing Fastener Penetrations and Nail Holes Flashing

Patching Small WRB (Weather-Resistive Barrier) Punctures Before Re-Stucco Read More »

Using Butyl Tape Behind Exterior Fixtures in Stucco

Using Butyl Tape Behind Exterior Fixtures in Stucco

Table of Contents What is Butyl Tape and Why Use It on Stucco Types, Sizes, and Product Selection When to Use Butyl Tape vs. Caulk, Flashing, or Mechanical Seals Materials, Tools, and Safety Considerations Preparing Stucco and Fixture Surfaces Step-by-Step Installation for Common Exterior Fixtures Sealing Techniques for Wires, Conduits, and Small Penetrations Common Mistakes,

Using Butyl Tape Behind Exterior Fixtures in Stucco Read More »

Mounting Hose Bibs and Taps on Stucco Without Leaks

Mounting Hose Bibs and Taps on Stucco Without Leaks

Table of Contents Quick overview: why stucco needs special care Types of hose bibs, taps, and quick-connect adapters Tools, materials and parts checklist Locating the substrate and planning the penetration Preparing the wall: cut, brace, and flash correctly Installing the hose bib/tap: mounting and sealing steps Waterproofing finishes: exterior seal and interior protection Pressure testing

Mounting Hose Bibs and Taps on Stucco Without Leaks Read More »

Testing Painted Cmu for Adhesion Before Re-Stucco

Testing Painted Cmu for Adhesion Before Re-Stucco

Table of Contents Introduction Importance of Adhesion Testing Before Re-Stuccoing Methods for Testing Paint Adhesion on CMU Tools and Materials Needed for Adhesion Testing Steps to Prepare CMU Surfaces for Re-Stucco Choosing the Right Stucco Material for Your Project Understanding the Results of Adhesion Tests Common Issues with Painted CMU Surfaces Steps to Take When

Testing Painted Cmu for Adhesion Before Re-Stucco Read More »

Mid-Wall Control Joints on Stucco: Layout and Spacing Basics

Mid-Wall Control Joints on Stucco: Layout and Spacing Basics

Table of Contents Introduction Introduction to Mid-Wall Control Joints The Journey of Stucco and Control Joints: From Past to Present Understanding Stucco and Its Properties Mastering the Complexity of Installing Mid-Wall Control Joints Guidelines for Layout and Spacing of Control Joints Installation Techniques for Control Joints Choosing the Right Materials for Your Stucco Control Joints

Mid-Wall Control Joints on Stucco: Layout and Spacing Basics Read More »