insulating old plaster and lath exterior wall

That inherent toughness is beautifully complemented by the variety of colors and textures available. Traditional portland cement stucco provides a tough exterior that resists attack from hazards ranging from woodpeckers to weed whackers. Traditional Stucco is Strong and Beautiful

It’s a proven system that works in all climates. Portland cement plaster has high impact resistance, sheds water, but breaths, allowing water vapor to escape. A vapor-permeable, water-resistant building paper separates the plaster and lath from water sensitive sheathing or framing. When applied to metal lath, three coats of plaster form a 7/8-inch total thickness. It may be applied directly to a solid base such as masonry or concrete walls, or it can be applied to a metal lath attached to frame construction, solid masonry, or concrete construction.Īpplied directly to concrete masonry, Portland cement plaster provides a tough 1/2-inch thick facing that is integrally bonded with the masonry substrate. Portland cement plaster is applied either by hand or machine to exterior and interior wall surfaces in two or three coats. The final appearance of the finish coat can be varied by changing the size and shape of the aggregate, using colored cement, adding pigments, changing the consistency of the finish mix, the method or equipment used for plastering, and the plasterer's skill in manipulating the finish coat. Plaster has proved to be a durable wall cover in all climates, whether wet, dry, hot, or cold. That makes it resistant to rot and fungus. Because plaster is also breathable, or able to transmit moisture vapor, water that gets behind it does not become trapped.

In its hardened state, plaster is a desirable facing material: hard, strong, fire-resistant, and color-retentive. Stucco has great appeal as a surface finish because of its utility, low first cost, and minimum need for maintenance. Stucco, or portland cement plaster, is a versatile facing material that can be applied to flat or curved surfaces either inside or outside any building or structure. Portland cement, the same material that is the basis for the hardened properties of concrete used to build super-highways, bridges, and skyscrapers, provides strength, durability, and toughness in portland cement plaster. It consists of portland cement-based materials and sand, mixed with water to form a workable plaster. Traditional portland cement plaster (stucco) is a time-tested exterior finish. From Florida to Minnesota, traditional stucco is a proven system that works in all climates.

Insulating old plaster and lath exterior wall