IIBEC So Cal Technical Dinner Meeting - The Details that Matter for Stucco Installation

Portland cement plaster (stucco) supported by metal lath relies on a weather-resistive barrier and drainage plane, and through wall flashings to manage water and prevent water intrusion from occurring into the wall assembly and the building interior. While all details matter in a stucco assembly, some details have a more significant effect on the health and safety of building occupants. Details that prevent water leakage, enhance durability and decrease maintenance requirements are particularly critical since they prevent potential structural damage and biological growth, both of which can pose a risk to the people using the building.

A successful stucco installation depends on adequate design, the use of appropriate materials, and good construction practices. This presentation, which is based on the authors’ experience investigating stucco failures in real-world installations, will focus on how the selection of materials and development of appropriate design details can reduce the potential for water intrusion in buildings.

Learning Objectives: 

• Which stucco characteristics are most critical in preventing water leakage.
• How the drainage plane and weather resistive barrier control water and prevent leakage into the building.
• What kinds of installation details commonly contribute to water leaks.
• When leaks occur, what are the options for mitigating leakage.
• How can a design minimize the reliance on maintenance for long term durability and preventing water leakage.

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