Hi all,
I’ve got an ICF foundation (Polysteel) and am relatively certain I am going to stucco. I searched the archives and common sense seems to verify that mesh is always used. But, has anyone applied acrylic stucco to ICFs without using mesh? The reason that I ask; I intend to sub this work out, and one bidder claims that the stucco will be less prone to cracking/blistering than if the mesh is used. His main reason; the mesh will only be firmly attached at the steel stud spacing (every 16″) and the space inbetween will be prone to bulge out or separate from the foam. Are there actually brands that claim to have a scratch/base coat that trully adheres to the foam?
Thanks for the help.
Replies
You talking acrylic stucco with fiberglass mesh or cementious stucco with expanded metal mesh?
Either mesh I guess, but the bidder I refer to plans on using an acrylic product (not sure of the brand). After some more internet digging and a discussion with the Polysteel rep today I understand that fiberglass or poly mesh is typically used with acrylic stucco. Is it problematic to use expanded steel mesh with acrylic products?
The Polysteel rep indicated that he commonly sees acrylic stucco applied to foam forms as follows; roughen and clean the foam forms, apply brown coat directly to foam, stick on the fiberglass mesh (no fasteners), apply finsih coat and color. He says the process creates a durable stucco. It seems like there is a wide range of opinion regarding acrylic vs. cementious stucco. I am tyring to determine the best option for my situation; the stucco will be in contact with snow during the winter. I thought this might be a good reason for acrylic since most products claim to be water resistant.
But I still wonder, is the bidder proposing not to use mesh (fiberglass or steel) because there is actually an acrylic product that doesn't require reinforcement or will the stucco fall off if he does the job?
Thanks much.
I see there is a good discussion going on over at the thread "what is this stucco all about?" Geesh, maybe I'll just leave the foam blocks unfinished and go for a less refined look. All that talk about big box stores, nobody's going to want stucco in 10 years.
Hangnails,I'll guess that your bidder meant "no metal mesh" when he said, "no mesh." Maybe call him to clarify that?The nonmetallic mesh sticks to the surface, rather than being fastened, so I cannot see a problem on your ICF blocks. There is no problem with using metal mesh with acrylic stucco, except for money. A much thicker coat is needed to cover diamond lath than is needed to cover Dryvit mesh, for example. I would want nonmetallic mesh on my house at grade. Gives strength, no rusting issues. Maybe there is a product that does not need mesh to perform well. Get the brand name and query the manufacturer as to installation standards.Bill
Is there a stucco product that is fiber reinforced the way flat concrete is? Seems like that would be strong and durable and less likely to develop cracks.