I need to have a concrete block wall with struck joints stuccoed
over. Would like to have a sand finish. Wall base is often
wet (even though in AZ). First question: What’s the best procedure
in terms of material and number of coats. Second: I’d like to use
colored stucco but remember from past experience that it is more
difficult to apply (appearance-wise) and that white stains leach
through in the areas that are frequently wet. What’s the vote:
Is it better to use uncolored and paint or go with the colored
mix?
thx
glenn
Replies
I don't see how color coat vs paint comes into play here. You say that you're going to stucco the block...if you can make the first coat look good you should be able to make the color coat look good also.
On block, the procedure is one brown coat with no wire...then the color coat. Sand finish is accomplished with a sponge float.
But first, attack the moisture problem. Get the drainage fixed b4 you do anything.
ShelleyinNM
thx for your response. My only reservation about color was the
staining caused by water which seems to leach up if the stucco
goes to ground level. appreciate your comments.
glenn
Glenn,
Since no one else has added to the thread, want to make sure that you know how important I think the moisture problem is. We seem to be the only desert rats around here. You need to do whatever you can to slope, get the dirt away, french drain, whatever so that this is not a problem.
I have no effloresence anywhere on my stuccoed adobe house or my garden walls. But, I grew up in KY and know the evils of water.
If you don't, it'll eat at the block, regardless of whether it's stuccoed. Get that straightened out and stucco away.
ShelleyinNM
Thanks to both of you for your comments. My problem with the
moisture is that I can't figure out where it's coming from
on the long stretch of wall. On the other, the neighbor's
land is higher (built up along the wall) and the wall gets wet
in the lower area when they water their citrus trees. But the
long stretch is a mystery. The only water on the other side
are sprinklers and they spray outward AFTER a 3' gravel zone
(to prevent wall damage from moisture). My side of that wall
has NO water.
glenn
i would have to suggest that you dig out along the bottom of your side of the wall, cut away the stucco and install sill screed flashing. you will want the height of the 90 degree bend at about 2" above the soil.
on your neighbor's side, same thing plus the wall would have to be damproofed below the screed.
It's not structural work, but maybe it's time to ftalk to your neighbor, then the two of you may be able to work together with your separate insurance companies. Double coverage (split costs) may allow for you both to eliminate the deductible.
brian
Hi Brian,
Thx for your reply. My side of the wall is still bare concrete
block. Is there anything I can treat the block with before stucco
is applied? Is the screed that you're talking about the same as
the type you would apply to the area around the foundation of ####house that you were going to stucco? I've seen those with varying
amounts of protrusion (I think dependent on if you would be adding
styrofoam insulation).
Glenn
On the citrus side the built up dirt on their side is a problem. The simplest solution would be to cut away the dirt and slope it away from the wall....if that's possible. Maybe you could make them a gift of some drip irrigation if they're not using it already.
On the long side. Possible leak? Ground sloped back towards the wall? Dirt up too high? Wind drift from the heads? Is drip irrigation possible for what they're watering? How often do they water? Are they using drought tolerant plants?
I'm out of ideas. Maybe you could just gravel fill a trench to get the water away from the wall. Neighbors can be pissey when the problem doesn't bother them.
ShelleyinNM
Thanks. I'll try the techniques you pointed out and see how
she flys.
Mucho,
glenn
In case SBPERKI wasn't clear enough, allow me to add:
Be sure to take care of the moisture problem first!!!
If you don't, every effort spent is wasted because you'll have to pull it out and do it over again.
BTW, by taking care of the moisture problem, your concern about the color becomes moot. Furthermore, have the color put into the color coat mix. It's a better product, better result, less time and money.