Should i stucco over brick

However, it will still depend on how you take care of it and the common climate in your area. It is highly beneficial to stucco your brick as a 1-inch stucco coating can incredibly resist fire for 1 hour. Read more about stucco house design on this page. Read more about the cost to stucco a house on this page. Are you planning to cover your brick with stucco? Well, here are some of the important steps and reminders you have to follow:.

Prior to starting the process of installing the stucco, you have to ascertain that the flaws, cracks, or holes on the brick are concealed first using hydraulic cement. This type of cement is normally stored in a bag.

It must be mixed with water to form a thick cement and become concrete after a few hours. However, it is still important to look at the instructions on the product you will buy. To fill the holes or cracks with hydraulic cement, you can use a trowel. Make sure to conceal all the blemishes you can see on the brick. You have to wait for the cement to completely dry and harden. Incorporating metal flashing on stucco is a requirement.

It is very crucial to reinforce and fasten the metal siding first to the base of the brick with masonry fasteners. This will help in preventing moisture from flowing down the stucco. This step is highly important. Skipping this could cause a lot of problems as the moisture can easily damage the brick and the stucco as well. For more alternatives read about stucco vs siding on this page. The stucco itself can cohere very well with the brick as they are both masonry products.

But remember, several kinds of dirt, contaminants or some paint substances can diminish the adherence of the stucco to the brick. Metal flashing around doors and windows should be in good condition and repaired if needed before applying stucco to prevent moisture from seeping between the stucco and brick, which can cause damage to both.

Applying stucco is a specialized skill and labor-intensive job as it is applied in layers and often requires trained professionals to ensure proper installation. Thus, the cost of labor associated with stucco as opposed to other alternatives such as siding can be more expensive. If you are taking on the project yourself, you first want to ensure the proper climate.

Avoid freezing or hot temperatures. When purchasing materials, determine how much stucco mixture you will need. Since color and texture may vary, purchasing all materials together will ensure a seamless match. Before starting the application process, ensure all cracks and holes in the brick are repaired using hydraulic cement and that all metal flashing around doors and windows are in good condition.

Mixing stucco is one of the biggest challenges, and we recommend having at least one assistant to focus on mixing to allow you to focus on the application process. Click here to see pre-mixed stucco patch on Amazon. You do not need to worry about applying texture to the bottom layer. Allow the first layer to dry and bond overnight. Click here to see a trowel on Amazon. Mist the wall every few hours as the stucco dries to allow the stucco to dry more slowly, which will reduce flaws and cracking.

By far the most common source of water penetration is via damaged roofs, windows and doors, so there is little point in employing a stucco contractor until these structural issues are corrected. Coastal properties should research acrylic finish coat systems, which completely prevent moisture from penetrating the stucco cement, or metal alternatives, to prolong the life of their cladding.

Check that your contractor is reputable by running his name through the California Contractors State License Board. If stucco is not for you, there are other ways to protect your brickwork. Replace crumbling bricks, then treat your home's exterior with a waterproof brick sealant, which stops moisture intrusion.

Home Guides Home Home Improvement. By Jayne Thompson. Related Articles. Advantages Stucco sits on the exterior of your home as a cladding envelope, adding a layer of durability to your brick.