Good Practice Guide: STUCCO

This guide covers all aspects of stucco cladding, from design through to problem-solving. It still concentrates on plastering - backing, reinforcing, number of coats, sand quality, mixing, additives, plaster application, curing and painting - but now includes significant new sections covering:

* performance requirements - New Zealand Building Code, Standards, Alternative Solutions, movement, shrinkage tolerance
* design and specification of stucco cladding - design features to improve weathertightness, drained and vented cavities, two-coat versus three-coat, rigid versus non-rigid backing and curing options.

Stucco as a cladding gained popularity in New Zealand in the early part of the last century and has enjoyed periods of revival as a preferred cladding choice, predominantly on residential buildings.

Stucco claddings rely very heavily on good weatherproofing detailing and the application of a good quality paint system to keep out the water. To enhance the ability of stucco cladding to resist water penetration, the construction of a drained and vented cavity between the stucco and the framing is recommended by BRANZ.

This guide is an essential reference tool for designers and specifiers, building contractors, stucco applicators, building officials, tutors and students of construction-related disciplines. It is designed to be read in conjunction with Weathertight Solutions Vol 2: Stucco, a comprehensive selection of recommended detailing for critical stucco junctions.