You’d have to go through the insulation, through the sheathing, and through the house wrap, to see if there is any brick or other material before the stucco. At that point, there’s a good chance you’ll punch a hole right through the stucco anyway. The inside structure will tell ALL about the stability of the stucco.

What is under my stucco?

Sheathing is basically the “backing material” that can be found underneath the various layers of stucco that form the backing of residential and commercial buildings. They can be made out of wood, cement, gypsum, fiberglass and other materials.

How do I know if my house has stucco?





The Knock Test



Go outside and knock on an outer “stucco” wall of your home. If it sounds hollow, there is a good chance you have EIFS. If it feels like you are knocking on a brick wall, it is more likely that you are knocking on traditional “hard-coat” stucco.

How do I know what kind of stucco I have?

The easiest way to identify synthetic stucco (EIFS) is by touching the material with your bare hand. When you touch the wall where the stucco is installed, it will feel like plastic. You can also knock gently on the wall. If it sounds hollow and thin, you have EIFS on your home.

Is my wall stucco?

Another good way to tell what kind of stucco is installed on your house would be to measure the weep screed. Take a tape measure and measure the depth of the wall. Just butt your tape measure into the foundation and measure out to the edge of the finished stucco.

Is there plywood under stucco?

Stucco requires a rough surface that it can bond to, like the aforementioned masonry. Plywood products don’t offer this, so lath needs to be applied, providing something for the stucco to bond to. But there are other parts of the preparation to do, before the lath.

What material is used behind stucco?





Traditional stucco is made from a mixture of Portland cement, fine sand, water, and hydrated lime. In addition, it may contain acrylic or glass fiber additives that improve its strength and flexibility.

How can you tell the difference between stucco and concrete?

Stucco will typically be used in vertical applications, such as for walls and borders. Concrete, on the other hand, is much tougher and heavier, and will typically be used to fill in cracks or act as a horizontal support.

Is there brick under stucco?

Many people purchase or inherit older homes that have layers of stucco covering an older brick and mortar exterior. For those who desire to remove the stucco to reveal the brick and mortar underneath, be forewarned that this is a huge undertaking that requires lots of time and effort.

What’s the difference between stucco and EIFS?

What is EIFS? Unlike traditional stucco that utilizes natural ingredients and mesh, External Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS) stucco uses layers that add in synthetic materials. The first layer is comprised of a polystyrene foam board. Then, that is followed by a fiberglass mesh and a finishing coat.

How can you tell real stucco from fake stucco?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: When you tap on it it's not a rigid sound because the way this is made is there is a layer of foam attached to the side of the house then they put a base coat which is masonry.

What is the foam under stucco?

Expanded polystyrene insulation is installed with joints taped and lath attached in preparation for the application of stucco. Windows are flashed to the drainage plane (not seen), which is behind the insulation. (Source: Building Science Corporation.)

What is the main problem with stucco?

When a home’s stucco doesn’t have the necessary space or is below the grade, it can trap water and moisture leading to the formation of mold, rotting, cracking, and crumbling. Additionally, the stucco will begin to soak up even more moisture from the ground.

Is sheathing required behind stucco?



STUCCO APPLICATION OVER WOOD SHEATHING



Building paper is required where stucco is applied over wood structural sheathing. Note: The International Building Code and the International Residential Code require two layers of Grade D building paper over wood-based sheathing.

What is stucco substrate?

Stucco is a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water, with a little lime or a plasticizer added for workability. A proper mixture has good tensile strength and weather resistance and the ability to bond well to the mesh or substrate.

How thick is a stucco wall?

The correct thickness is then 5/8 inch. Two-coat applications are only for use over solid plaster bases without metal lath. For unit masonry, that thickness is ½ inch. For cast-in-place or precast concrete, the thickness for two-coat work is 3/8 inch.

How thick is the stucco layer on a house?

Although it is called a “One Coat System,” the stucco material is usually a 3/8 inch thick coat with a 1/8 inch finish coat applied over it; thus two layers or coats.

Will stud finder work through stucco?



Stucco walls typically have chicken wire, or some other metal mesh, embedded in the stucco and that metal barrier will prevent your stud finder from sensing the increased density necessary to locate the studs.

Can I put new stucco over old stucco?

Loose or chipping paint can reduce the bonding power of a new coat of stucco, so it should be removed by sandblasting. If the painted surface is in very good condition, you can apply stucco directly over it, as long as you use a bonder.

How much does it cost to stucco a 1600 sq ft house?

Stucco is a high end siding material, which is most commonly used on Contemporary, Mediterranean, Ranch and Spanish-mission style homes. The average cost to stucco a house is $10,000-15,000 for a 1,600 sq. ft.

Should you remove old stucco?

Yes, but it is not recommended because, in most cases, stucco is attached to the sheathing to make removing the material dangerous and costly. This process can also cause extensive damage if not done correctly. You will be better off hiring a professional for removing damaged stucco than attempting to do it yourself.