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History1

It wasn’t until the late-1800s that builders and masons stopped using lime-based stucco in lieu of the newly popular Portland cement.This cement made stucco a harder, more durable material.Stucco gained acceptance in the United States in the 19th century and the word was commonly used at this time to describe exterior plastering.history4.2history4.1When the Spanish Colonial Revival-style building became so popular in the early 20th century.Stucco gained a permanent foothold on US architecture and is still highly popular today.Many people think of stucco as being the poor man’s brick thinking that it is only used by those who cannot afford a better building material. This simply is not true.Some of the most beautiful and luxurious homes and hotels are being built with stucco. It gives an Old World look to the building while also making it cozy.
Efficient, Durable and Beautiful Stucco Finishings
One of the most common, traditional building styles is greatly misunderstood. Stucco, a material that is similar to plastering, has become an efficient, durable process that is prevalent in the United States. Because stucco looks similar to adobe, it tends to be most popular in states that are highly-influenced by Spanish and Mexican architecture. This includes Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Florida.
What do stucco homes look like?
When most people think of stucco, they picture a home in the poorer parts of Mexico that has a crumbling look on the walls. This is considered stucco, but there are many other buildings that use it as well.Stucco can be applied to several architectural styles. It works best with the Tuscan- or Spanish Mission-styled architecture, but doesn’t have to stop there. You may have been to a French restaurant recently where it looked like half of a brick wall had fallen off. This rustic look that is so popular in restaurants and kitchens is referred to as stucco.
About Stucco-style
Stucco buildings have been around far longer than you think. They originated in ancient times with Greek and Roman cultures that created stucco surfaces to paint beautiful frescoes. These surfaces were made by combining gypsum, marble dust and glue.During the Age of Renaissance, stucco techniques were honed by the Italians and spread throughout Europe becoming one of the most common building materials. It wasn’t until the late-1800s that builders and masons stopped using lime-based stucco in lieu of the newly popular Portland cement. This cement made stucco a harder, more durable material.Stucco gained acceptance in the United States in the 19th century and the word was commonly used at this time to describe exterior plastering. When the Spanish Colonial Revival-style building became so popular in the early 20th century, stucco gained a permanent foothold on US architecture and is still highly popular today.
Historians believe that there are a couple of reasons why stucco became so popular.Stucco is a fairly inexpensive material.A good artisan could use stucco to emulate fine stonework and patterns.It is a good weather repellant, withstanding bad weather better than many other materials.If you love the look and feel of a Spanish home, then you should consider using stucco to create you next dream home. A new stucco home has many benefits to the homeowner, as well as having an Old World feel, without having antique building materials that are unstable. It truly is a “dream come true” when you walk into your new home for the very first time.Many people think of stucco as being the poor man’s brick thinking that it is only used by those who cannot afford a better building material. This simply is not true. Some of the most beautiful and luxurious homes and hotels are being built with stucco. It gives an Old World look to the building while also making it cozy.Stucco homes are prevalent in Tuscan-style designs as well as Spanish Mission architecture and some homeowners choose to use it just for one or two rooms rather than an entire structure. If you want a certain feel for your kitchen or basement, stucco can add a definite flair to your room.
What is stucco?
Stucco is not only an architectural style, but also the name of the material that is used in the creation of this style. It is made by combining Portland cement with water. Lime is sometimes added to strengthen the substance. Pigments can be added to create a wide variety of colors.
How is stucco created?
Stucco is a three-step process and is applied to a wood or stone structure. If it is a wood structure, then an additional step of applying a lath (a wire mesh) to the wall needs to happen before the stucco so that it has a way to cling to the structure.The first layer applied to the building, called a scratch coat, usually consists of cement and sand. It is applied with a brush.
The second layer, called the brown or leveling coat, usually consists of cement, sand and lime. It is leveled and scraped smooth. It needs to dry for 7-10 days before the third coat can be applied.The final layer (third coat) is referred to as the finishing coat. There are three different kinds of finishing coats:A color coat is colored sand, cement and lime finish that is applied directly to the brown coat. The builder can use a trowel to create various designs or they can spread it smooth. It can have various colors and using coarser or finer sands can change the consistencies.An acrylic finish can be applied in a traditional stucco manner and has a long-lasting quality. It also comes in a variety of colors.
Hard coating is the final style of stucco, but it is not recommended. It is very heavy and hard to repair. If you see a home from the 60s or 70s that has glass, rocks, bottles, etc. embedded in the wall, then you are looking a hard coating stucco finish.
Famous Stucco Buildings
Great Pyramid of Giza (Egypt)
The Alamo (San Antonio, TX)
Uzer (Sumerian city from 4,000 BC)
Dana House (Yale University)

EIFS Stucco

What is EIFS?

EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. A proper EIFS consists of
  • A layer of foam plastic insulation (also called simply “foam”) that comes in the form of sheets 2′ x 4′. If an adhesive is used to attach the insulation, the adhesive is applied to the foam with a trowel.EIFS Most EIFS use a type of insulation called Expanded Polystyrene, also known as EPS. EPS is 1 lb. density Expanded Polystyrene, similar to, but not the same as, the white foam that coffee cups are made of (the latter foam is Extruded Polystyrene). The usual range of thickness for EIFS insulation is 3/4″ to 4″, although thicker pieces are sometimes used for decoration accents – called foam shapes

  • A reinforced layer that is applied onto the face of the insulation with a trowel, consisting of a fiberglass reinforcing mesh (or “mesh”) embedded in a cementite’s adhesive. The mesh has an open weave, somewhat like window screening but with opening about 1/4″ square. It is made of fiberglass and can be cut with a utility knife. The mesh is available in various weights; the “heaviness” determines the impact strength of the surface (resistance to damage by being “hit”). The standard weight is 4oz, the high-impact mesh weight goes up to 15 or 20oz. This 2-part layer is called the Base Coat.

  • A final topcoat, or finish, which is a colored, textured paint-like material that is applied with a trowel or, very rarely, by spraying. A wide range of colors and textures are available as well as custom colors. Available textures include smooth surfaces, rough “stucco-like” textures, embedded stone chips, multi-color (granite-like mixtures,) and even brick-like treatments. This layer is called the finish. It is acquired by floating.

Moldings

What is molding?

Molding is a strip of material with various cross sections used to cover transitions between surfaces or for decoration.

Is molding stuccoes or painted?

Your choice, It can be painted or stuccoes but paint is preferred since it is easier to apply on the edges and corner of moldings because of the detail. A darker or lighter tone then that used for the stucco is usually applied to give a nicer look

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Will molding’s crack?

Not from temperature changes.

Are molding’s resistant to extreme temperatures and weather elements?

Yes, they are quite durable but quality depends on the manufacturer.

Finishes Texture

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Noble Stucco and Exteriors uses architectural coatings which are acrylic based and available In many colours and textures.These coatings are all manufactured locally in Toronto And are made to withstand extreme environmental conditions. They are highly flexible And literally bead water.These applications can be applied by trowel, spray or rolled On and acts as a sealant which allows breathability but will resist moisture penetration. The finishes that are used by Noble Stucco and Exteriors are tinted with the finest iron oxides Which prevents fading and also ensures colour fastness.As a customer of Noble Stucco and Exteriors you will never have to worry about the effects of Acid rain, pollution, mildew and humidity on your building. Also ultra-violet rays will Have no adverse effects on these finishes

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Finishes can be textured to your tastes and architectural moldings can be shaped without seams to all sills, doors and garages.Any color can be used and like the old style stucco it can be painted or recoated if your tastes change.On this durable system we can give the customer a 25 year warranty on product along with a 5 year warranty on workmanship
Our materials are made in Canada.

  • Many colors to choose from

  • Wash ability – can be cleaned with hot water or soap or pressure washing.

  • Our materials are chemical resistant against mineral spirits, paint thinner and muriatic acid

  • Can be applied to most construction surfaces.

  • Minimum maintenance required after installation-years later just wash walls with power washer or by hand.

  • Fade resistant-outstanding color consistency and color retention.

  • Competitively priced.

  • Unlimited textures can be achieved.

  • Building code acceptance.

We use materials that are water based.

Easy clean up while wet with soap and water.The toxicity of our materials is very low, similar to latex house paint.
Class “A” fire rated-will not propagate fire.Our materials are comprised of “Acrylic” polymers, which offer the best performance for exterior applications.Let us explain the difference between conventional stucco and the acrylic stucco system that we use.Conventional stucco is made up of multiple coats of cement, sand and lime mixture on a wire mesh. Cracking is the main problem due to the fact that settling, expansion and contraction will take place and cement has no choice but to crack under these conditions. It can be patched up but color matches will be impossible because of fading due to weather. The only option after that is to paint it. That is why nobody gives a written guarantee on this type of work.Acrylic (synthetic) stucco is the system that we use. It incorporates a 2 inch insulation affixed to the exterior of the home. Allowances are made for drainage channels and waterproofing. Fiber Glass mesh is embedded into a impact resistant base coat with an acrylic finish.

Basement Finishing

Remodeling Your Basement is Easy with Noble Stucco and Exteriors.Let Noble Stucco and Exteriors assist you! Our basement remodeling process is easy, risk-free and adds value to your home investment at nearly 50% the cost of building an addition.

  • Free design consultation and quote with no obligation
  • Fast Installation – typically installs in few weeks.
  • Transferable written product warranties
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Experienced remodeling contractors install your finishing system.Total Noble Stucco and Exteriors offers products and services to remodel your entire basement, including:


  • Basement wall panels
  • Basement floors
  • Drop ceilings

Noble Stucco and Exteriors has consulted with many of homeowners in Mississauga, Toronto, Oshawa, Barrie, Brampton, Richmond Hill, Ajax, Orangeville, Newmarket, Aurora, Caledon, and surrounding Ontario areas.Let Noble Stucco and Exteriors transform your basement into a custom living space that you’ll fall in love with!Click here if you are ready for a free design consultation and written quote!

Renovations

Noble Stucco and Exteriors., takes pride in its excellent record of honesty and integrity. Our attention to detail and our high quality of workmanship has earned us an excellent reputation in the community.As a reputable contractor with a high degree of confidence in our product we offer an above industry standard warranty on our workmanship.We are fully equipped to handle all of your renovations from basement floor up to and including the roof. As general contractors, we can redesign your kitchen, your bathroom, install oak stairs and railings, finish the basement, build additions onto your home, install hardwood or laminate flooring, or ceramic tiles as well as many other tasks.

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  • Kitchen

  • Additions

  • Bathroom

  • Basements

  • Floors & Stairs

  • Roofs

  • Fuondations

  • Decks & Doors

We are happy to meet with you in your home at your convenience to discuss your project and supply a free estimate. Noble Stucco and Exteriors carries $2,000,000 liability insurance policy and all of our employees are covered under WSIB to protect our customers.

Maintenance

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Maintenance Program

Because knowing where damage will happen gives us the opportunity to prevent it from happening.Noble Stucco and Exteriors has mastered the process of monitoring Repairing and maintaining stucco properties on houses and commercial buildings. We even maintain the wood trim, preventing expensive damage to windows, doors, and facia boards.We know what causes damage and can guarantee that we will prevent it from happening. Our maintenance procedures reduce costs by preventing damage that regularly happens on stucco properties.

At Noble Stucco and Exteriors we maintain color information in our files on the properties we maintain, making the process of matching the color of your stucco and wood trim easier and more predictable. Once we have worked on your home, we know the proper color formulas and use this information each time we do any maintenance work on your property.We also keep track of what maintenance work was done and where that work was performed so that we can ensure a lasting high quality repair
maintain2Our maintenance procedures include checking the caulking around all penetrations to verify that it is performing as needed, checking the paint to see if there are any cracks or de-lamination that has developed which can allow moisture into the wood, and checking the gutters for any leaks.We also check for any damage to the stucco including settlement issues, bulges, ripples, cracks, de-lamination, and erosion. Our expert inspectors also look for any signs of moisture intrusion, and if we find any, use a moisture meter to check that area.
Customers can select from 3 different maintenance programs offered by Noble Stucco and Exteriors.Under these programs, Noble Stucco and Exteriors will not only inspect your property, but will also do the necessary repairs if we find a problem, all for a low monthly service fee.You can even get reports that you can keep for your records that detail exactly what we did and why the repair was required. At Noble Stucco and Exteriors, we want to take the worry out of owning a stucco property.

FAQ’S

What is stucco?
Stucco or render is a material made of an aggregate, a binder, and water. Stucco is applied wet and hardens to a very dense solid. It is used as a coating for walls and ceilings and for decoration. Stucco may be used to cover less visually appealing construction materials such as concrete, cinder block, or clay brick and adobe.

How long does stucco last?

While the service life of stucco can’t be quantified as a specific number of years, properly applied and maintained Portland cement plaster, or stucco, is as durable as any commonly used cladding material. It’s hard surface resists abrasion and can take a lot of physical abuse. It stands up to all sorts of climates, from cold to hot and wet to dry. Many older homes built in the early 1900s have had very little maintenance and remain in good shape today.

How do I clean dirty stucco?

Though stucco can last a long time, it can get dirty. The easiest way to fix this is to power wash the stucco. But if this does not work then the surface can be painted or re-stuccoed.

Will stucco save energy?

Yes. Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory concluded that EIFS is 84% more energy efficient than any other wall system. This means you’ll save a little money and reduce your carbon footprint.

What is EIFS?

EIFS stands for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. A proper EIFS consists of:
A layer of foam plastic insulation (also called simply “foam”) that comes in the form of sheets 2′ x 4′. If an adhesive is used to attach the insulation, the adhesive is applied to the foam with a trowel. Most EIFS use a type of insulation called Expanded Polystyrene, also known as EPS. EPS is 1 lb. density Expanded Polystyrene, similar to, but not the same as, the white foam that coffee cups are made of (the latter foam is Extruded Polystyrene). The usual range of thickness for EIFS insulation is 3/4″ to 4″, although thicker pieces are sometimes used for decoration accents – called foam shapes.A reinforced layer that is applied onto the face of the insulation with a trowel, consisting of a fiberglass reinforcing mesh (or “mesh”) embedded in a cementite’s adhesive. The mesh has an open weave, somewhat like window screening but with opening about 1/4″ square. It is made of fiberglass and can be cut with a utility knife. The mesh is available in various weights; the “heaviness” determines the impact strength of the surface (resistance to damage by being “hit”). The standard weight is 4oz, the high-impact mesh weight goes up to 15 or 20oz. This 2-part layer is called the Base Coat.A final topcoat, or finish, which is a colored, textured paint-like material that is applied with a trowel or, very rarely, by spraying. A wide range of colors and textures are available as well as custom colors. Available textures include smooth surfaces, rough “stucco-like” textures, embedded stone chips, multi-color (granite-like mixtures,) and even brick-like treatments. This layer is called the finish. It is acquired by floating.

Can I paint the stucco?

Yes. You can paint the stucco if you dislike the color or want to go for something new but if you are considering new stucco then there are a wide range of colored stucco options for you to choose from.

Is stucco impact resistive?

To an extent but be careful with it. Do not play hockey against it and if power washing make sure the pressure is not great enough to cut through the stucco (don’t worry this can’t be accomplished with your average hose).

Can stucco be applied in winter?

Yes but it is not easy. A tent and heater system must be set up to keep the temperature up consistently. If this is not done properly then the stucco will freeze and crack as opposed to curing (drying). It is also harder for workers in the extremely cold Canadian days. This is why most stucco jobs are carried out in the spring and summer.

Can stucco be applied in the rain?

No. Attention must be given to the weather so that rain is not forecasted when stucco is being applied otherwise the rain will wash away the stucco.

Is it hard to match colors with stucco?

Yes. It is recommended that you keep the color code for future reference but even with the exact same color stucco dries differently under different conditions such as humidity, wind, brightness, shadow (from scaffolding) and temperature. If you do not have a color code, a small sample piece will be taken to the manufacturer for them to match. It is extremely difficult to match colors and is thus never guaranteed.

Is stucco waterproof?

Yes if applied properly.

Can stucco be repaired?

Yes but patch up jobs cannot be done since the freshly applied stucco will look different then the old creating a blemish. To repair stucco either entire walls or entire sections with proper joints must be redone.

Molding

What is molding?

Molding is a strip of material with various cross sections used to cover transitions between surfaces or for decoration.


Is molding stuccoes or painted?

Your choice, It can be painted or stuccoes but paint is preferred since it is easier to apply on the edges and corner of moldings because of the detail. A darker or lighter tone then that used for the stucco is usually applied to give a nicer look.

Will molding’s crack?

Not from temperature changes.

Are molding’s resistant to extreme temperatures and weather elements?

Yes, they are quite durable but quality depends on the manufacturer.

Bases and Parging
What is parging?

Parge coat (concrete) is a thin coat of a cementitious or polymeric mortar applied to concrete for refinement of the surface. The typical parge coat is 1/32″-1/16″ in thickness; this may be less than the minimum thickness allowed by many mortars types.The intent is to create a contiguous surface by filling surface air voids and bugholes (eliminating bughole-induced outgassing) and to level concrete with extreme rugosity to a level suitable for top coating with a high-performance protective coating.

History of stucco

Although stucco-sided homes became popular in twentieth century America, the concept of using stucco mixtures in architecture goes back to ancient times.Wall frescoes by ancient Greeks and Romanshistory1 were painted on fine-grained hard plaster surfaces made of gypsum, marble dust, and glue.Stucco techniques were elaborated by the Italians during the Renaissance and spread through Europe. This marble dust compound could be molded into decorative shapes, polished to sheen, or painted.”Plaster” an ancient Greek application term meaning “to Daub on” is used to describe interior plaster dating back to 500 BC.When it became popular to apply plaster on the exterior of structures the term “Stucco work”, meaning exterior plaster, was developed to describe it as the interior products/materials would not withstand the elements.Egyptian Artists used certain fixers in these color pastes so that the paints remained on the surface in perfect condition. Egg whites were added to these pastes to give it the required thickness. Shades of orange, red and a tinge of blue are the common colors seen in the murals.

For thousands of years the plasterer performed all phases of the work involved in producing the complete job and was regarded as an artist with the highest prestige of all the construction trades.history2The plasterer developed finished walls, ceilings, and in many cases floors. Later when Portland cement became available in many areas, the plasterer also became involved in the finishing of pavement, sidewalks and similar work.As the volume of work grew, a natural subdivision of the work developed and with the natural evolution of the trade certain specializations developed.Certain plasterers became lathers and soon did nothing but apply lath (wood at the time). Later other plasterers stayed with the Portland cement part of the trade that was involved in laying concrete floors, sidewalks and roads.These men were then called masons. In this way three different trades developed from one because the various areas of skill became too complex for one man to successfully do all of them. Available building materials dictate major forms in traditional Persian architecture.Heavy clays, readily available at various places throughout the plateau, have encouraged the development of the most primitive of all building techniques, molded mud, compressed as solidly as possible, and allowed to dry.The abundance of heavy plastic earth, in conjunction with a tenacious lime mortar, also facilitated the development and use of brick.For thousands of years the plasterer performed all phases of the work involved in producing the complete job and was regarded as an artist with the highest prestige of all the construction trades.

The plasterer developed finished walls, ceilings, and in many cases floors. Later when Portland cement became available in many areas, the plasterer also became involved in the finishing of pavement, sidewalks and similar work. history3.2As the volume of work grew, a natural subdivision of the work developed and with the natural evolution of the trade certain specializations developed.
Certain plasterers became lathers and soon did nothing but apply lath (wood at the time). Later other plasterers stayed with the Portland cement part of the trade that was involved in laying concrete floors, sidewalks and roads.These men were then called masons. In this way three different trades developed from one because the various areas of skill became too complex for one man to successfully do all of them.During the Medieval Times and the Age of Renaissance, stucco techniques were honed by the Italians and spread throughout Europe becoming one of the most common building materials. Widely used in French Renaissance and Baroque. More