The master plasterer installs stucco over a layer of exterior foam insulation
Continuous exterior insulation dramatically cuts energy use. It is also required by code in much of North America. Installing siding over it is the trick, and stucco is no different. In this video, the master plasterer walks us through a couple of options for stucco over thick exterior foam.
Two main types of "stucco"
- Traditional stucco uses wire lath to bed a three-coat mortar mix. The main detail is using long enough screws to anchor the lath into solid wood.
- EIFS is an Exterior Insulating Finish System uses a liquid coating (DryVit) over polystyrene. It is much lighter than three-coat stucco, so a better option for tall buildings.
Kirk also takes some time to reminisce about a time he installed EIFS on a large hospital by recounting an injury and discussing shock. When the pain starts, the shock ends. And when the medication wears off, the pain begins again.
Bottom line: Don't horse around on scaffolding.
