What is Stucco?
Stucco is a cement-based plaster, typically made of a mix of cement, lime, sand, and water. Stucco can be applied to the exterior or a building or the interior of a building. When stucco hardens it becomes a highly durable material that requires little maintenance. Stucco can be applied by a trowel or brush, and a variety of finish effects can be created. Stucco is an extremely porous cementitious material. Since stucco is used in areas where there is a lot of salt in the air a penetrating concrete sealer should be used in order to protect it from chloride ion (salt) penetration and water absorption.
If you have a home constructed from stucco, you are probably wondering what steps you can take to protect it from the elements. Traditional concrete basements, floors, and foundations are obvious candidates for concrete sealers, but what about homes made of stucco? Fortunately, you can use a concrete sealer on stucco, which will function just as effectively as on traditional concrete; however, it is important to choose the right variety of sealer.
Many stucco facades are attached to homes that are near the ocean or other large salt bodies of water. These bodies of water pose a debilitating double threat: the water from the storms can seep into the stucco, eating away at the its strength and structural integrity, and the salt from the breezes can similarly corrode the material. Therefore, it is almost imperative that you use a sealer that is able to prevent salt damage if you live near a body of salt water.
This low maintenance material is strong and durable and can be left natural, tinted or painted. If stucco is left natural, and never previously painted or sealed, it is best to use a penetrating, salt repellent, silane-based concrete sealer to protect it from weathering, airborne salts, wind driven rain, moisture intrusion, cracking and organic growth like mold and mildew.
The best sealer for stucco is the Iso-Tek 8100. Best used as a water repellent sealer on natural stucco or as a primer and bonding agent for stucco that will be painted, the Iso-Tek 8100 is an industrial grade penetrating concrete sealer. Commonly used on the commercial applications the Iso-Tek 8100 product is comprised of 100% active ingredients and is the highest performing product in the product line.
The Iso-Tek 8100 needs to be applied to stucco before it has been painted. If stucco has been painted the paint will first need to be removed.
You can paint stucco treated with the Iso-Tek 8100 seven days after sealing. The Iso-Tek 8100 acts as a bonding agent and will actually increase the ashesion of paint applied to the stucco.
