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How do brick veneer and stucco (synthetic or cement plaster) compare relative to cost and durability? Are control joints necessary on the stucco? I don’t see joints on the older homes, but at least one contractor has said that the manufacturer won’t warranty the synthetic stucco w/o. the joints. I would prefer to use stucco for a residential addition in the Washington, D.C. area.
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>Are control joints necessary on the stucco?
I don't know the distances, but yes, it's my understanding that a properly done synthetic stucco job will include control joints. I got this from a contractor who's done commercial and residential jobs. In fact, we were driving around one day, saw a house w/o control joints, and said, "That homeowner oughta sue the contractor for the way he did the stucco."
*Most of the residental construction here in Los Angeles is stucco, and I don't think I can remember ever seeing a control joint. I'll have to look now.... I do remember seeing in a book from a stucco manufacurer that a control joint should be used every 12 feet.-- J.S.
*John-My book recommends a control joint ever 18ft. max but I still don't understand why I don't see a single joint on those beautiful older buildings. They seem to be holding up nicely for the past 60+years.
*DS,I've been looking into the same question for an addition. One thing that concerns me, and maybe should concern you, is that so much stucco technology is centred around southern and often dry climates. Out in Vancouver there was a real nightmare of problems a few years ago due in part to failed stucco technology.I see a lot of stucco structures up here in Toronto, but I'm not totally convinced they are right for our climate. I would love to hear more from installers as to issues of breathability (is that a word?), thermal tolerance and even tolerance to the high salt content in the winter spray up here.Any input from the pros?
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How do brick veneer and stucco (synthetic or cement plaster) compare relative to cost and durability? Are control joints necessary on the stucco? I don't see joints on the older homes, but at least one contractor has said that the manufacturer won't warranty the synthetic stucco w/o. the joints. I would prefer to use stucco for a residential addition in the Washington, D.C. area.