FAQ

Conventional – or three-coat – stucco will have a mechanically fastened weather barrier, or sprayed or rolled-on air and moisture barriers. Over the weather barrier will be expanded or woven wire lath, and then a portland cement scratch and brown coat. The finish can be a variety of products used individually – or in combination – to provide color and texture to the surface.

One-coat stucco is a proprietary blend of cements and fibers. It is typically applied over a rigid foam board and lath to provide an Energy Code required Continuous Insulated durable cladding. One-coat stucco is Building Code compliant, tested and proven since the 1970s.

No, one-coat refers to the fact that the conventional basecoat that is applied in two coats (scratch & brown) to a nominal 3/4 inch thickness, can be applied in one coat to a nominal 1/2 inch thickness over foam or other rigid sheathings. All other items, building paper, trims and the finish coat are the essentially the same as a conventional stucco.

First there are broad national specifications to consider. EIFS and conventional stucco applications are part of the International Building Code (IBC). One-coat stucco systems have a third-party report from a model code agency as an application guideline. Manufacturers’ reports can be found on their websites or on the ICC website at www.icc-es.org.