Masterbuilder

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As any masterbuilder knows, stucco is a mixture of specific proportions of aggregate, binder, and water. When properly mixed and cured, stucco provides a durable exterior coating for buildings. However, when improperly mixed and cured, stucco becomes too porous, reducing its imperviousness and strength. The porous, weak stucco is susceptible to cracking.

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During application, adding water increases the "workability" of stucco. Workers love adding water because the extra water makes the stucco easier to apply. BUT, too much water creates BIG voids in the stucco after it cures, and the water has evaporated. Large voids reduce the strength, imperviousness, and durability of stucco.

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Weak binder or too much aggregate for the amount of binder and water have similar effects in decreasing the prescribed strength of stucco.

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Pulte's OWN EXPERT, Applied Building Sciences, found defective stucco mixes with high air void contents (too much water in the mix) and weak cement paste (binder).

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As anyone who has ever baked a cake knows, if you screw up the ingredients, then you screw up the cake. The same applies to stucco, which is pretty simple "cake". Stucco's main ingredients are aggregate, binder and water. Manufacturers add admixtures, e.g., a curing retarder for hot and dry areas (allowing stucco to dry out and cure too quickly weakens it) and a "flexibility" admixture, which increases "workability" without decreasing strength. Manufacturers mix the aggregate and binder and admixtures in appropriate proportions and put them in a bag. JUST ADD WATER--the quantity shown in the instructions on the bag. A VERY SIMPLE "CAKE".

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NICE JOB, MASTERBUILDER!

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