OUR PREMIUM MATERIALS

A GREAT Stucco Finish Begins with QUALITY Materials - This is What We Use & Why

When applying stucco, true quality is primarily derived from first class craftsmanship and premium stucco materials. At LA Stucco we believe in taking full advantage of the latest in technological advances. Over the past few years, we have witnessed a number of groundbreaking changes to the age old application that is traditional Portland cement (stucco). To maintain the highest level of stucco installation, LA Stucco uses the following premium stucco materials when applying stucco in their standard full lath application.

PHASE ONE – WEEP SCREED – Weep Screed by Flannery Trim

Galvanized Universal Weep Screed by Flannery Inc, is a formed metal product manufactured from 26 gauge Galvanized Steel. For applying stucco, it serves as a standard weep screed with the added benefit of an extended return flange. The longer return flange allows for a tight fit against concrete foundations. Standard weep screeds have a shorter return leg, which creates an issue when installed over steel or wood framed structures, utilizing wood sheathing. Normally, framing members are set at the edge of the foundation with the plywood panels fastened to the framing. This then creates a gap between a typical weep screed and the concrete foundation. By lengthening the return leg, the Universal Weep Screed rests firmly against the concrete foundation eliminating any possible gap.

In addition to Galvanized metal; Flannery also produces Copper, Stainless Steel, Zinc or Aluminum weep screed for various climatic advantages. These ultra premium metals are available at an additional price. Call our technicians for further details.

PHASE TWO - BUILDING PAPER - Weather Tex™ by Fortifiber

Ever changing construction practices demand new and innovative product solutions to aid in the protection of residential homes and commercial buildings from the damaging effects of water intrusion when applying stucco. Two-Ply Weather Tex is the stucco industry's first hybrid weather-resistive barrier - combining the water resistance of 60 minute building paper with WeatherSmart®, the award-winning polymeric house wrap.

Weather Tex™ represents the stucco industry's most formidable combination of durability, strength, breathability and moisture protection. Weather Tex combines two of Fortifiber's greatest products to deliver an outstanding water barrier of up to 2 hours, without sacrificing a balanced perm rating. The two layer design provides an ideal drainage plane, without the added labor and density of two applications.

PHASE THREE - LATH PRODUCT - Structalath by Structawire:

Structalath No. 17 1- 1/2" x 1-1/2" SF CR II is a welded wire lath engineered to enhance the performance of stucco siding. Structalath helps to reduce cracking and increases stucco embedment.

Benefits include: Structural Performance - Excellent reinforcing value and crack resistance, mobilizing all wires to provide a reinforcing truss. Welded joints provide structural integrity and superior stiffness. Square openings at 1 1/2" provide excellent crack bridging capability, whilst the unique furring pattern allows for exceptional keying when applying stucco. The Patented Cold Rolled Technology employs flattened longitudinal wires which are unique to Structalath products. The cold rolled process also increases tensile and breaking load of the wire, with the wires are aligned in the stress direction to enhance full tensile strength. Structalath also promotes superior furring, with a fur depth of 1/4" which provides for ideal embedment when applying stucco.

PHASE FOUR - SCRATCH COAT - Plastic Cement by TXI Riverside Cement Company

For applying stucco at the scratch level, we use basic plastic cement by Riverside Cement Company. This cement is manufactured through a process of inter-grinding with plasticizing agents to improve workability and pumping capabilities. For added crack resistance, we add chopped glass fibers to the mix. Riverside Plastic Cement conforms to ASTM C-1328; UBC 97 Sec. 21 & 25; And is approved by the City of Los Angeles.

PHASE FIVE - BROWN COAT - A 50/50 Combination of Plastic & Common Cement by TXI Riverside Cement Company

When applying stucco at the brown level, we use a combination of both plastic AND common cement in a 50/50 ratio. Both components manufactured by Riverside Cement Company. Again, for additional crack resistance, we add 2” chopped glass fiber strands to the mix. Riverside Plastic Cement conforms to ASTM C-150 Type I, II & V Low Alkali; And is approved by the City of Los Angeles.

PHASE SIX (if applicable) – FIBERGLASS MESH WRAP AND FOAMTEK; Crack Isolation System by Omega Products.

After applying stucco in the traditional format, we recommend this additional phase to help reduce or eliminate the common issue of stucco cracks. Cracking is especially predominant in the steel trowel application. The woven glass fiber mesh we recommend and use is Omega AkroFlex 20 oz Heavy Duty Mesh. This super-strong alkali-resistant mesh is embedded in a polymer modified cementitious base coat called FoamTek. FoamTek is manufactured by Omega Products and is available in a 20, 30 or 60 grade grain to accommodate varying degrees of available surface space; - particularly crucial in re-stucco scenarios.

PHASE SEVEN – OMEGA COLORTEK EXTERIOR STUCCO

For our textured finishes, we use Omega ColorTek, which is a premium, factory blended, portland cement-based, stucco finish manufactured from the highest-grade Portland cement, hydrated lime, graded aggregates, and specific additives. Omega ColorTek comes in various aggregate combinations to allow for a variety of finish textures. The following aggregate combinations are available.

Coarse: Used to create heavy laced, sand, or machine dash finishes.   16/20: Used to create traditional, sand, or machine dash finishes.   20/30: Used to create a fine texture or sand finishes.   30/30: Used to create a uniform fine sand finishes. For our steel trowel or smooth stucco finishes, we use Omega ColorTek SmoothCoat, which is a premium, factory blended, portland cement-based stucco finish used to create a smooth Santa Barbara or Mission type finish when applying stucco.