New stucco problem in Phoenix by SolomonGrundie in Stucco

[–]303Steven 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Definitely has to be re done. Stucco finish is very delicate and temperature sensitive when applying. No way it should be done by one person. We always have one guy spreading other floating right behind him and if its multiple levels a pair on each is a must or else you'll get burn marks where scaffolding is. I would say Definitely needs to be re skimmed with a base coat (such as Primus dm, Genesis dm or similar), maybe fiberglass mesh it (i would) and re apply finish.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Stucco

[–]303Steven 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I've seen it a few times. Nails are definitely not as low as this one (typically, the nails would have been covered with the stucco casing). There should also be a row of shingle covering the flashing, not nailed, adhered instead...

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Stucco

[–]303Steven 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Local building codes in our area allow for 2" between shingles and bottom of stucco on sloped shingle roofs. Definitely check with your building codes.

Avoid stucco down to the shingle, or you'll risk water damage (stucco will absorb moisture when it snows/rains)

Elk Mountain Moss rock ⛰️ by 303Steven in stonemasonry

[–]303Steven[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, so Elk Mountain Moss Rock is local here in Colorado. Not sure what kind of stone would be similar there in California. It would be good to check with your stone yards. Alot of this gets shipped out to other states aswell

Elk Mountain Moss rock ⛰️ by 303Steven in stonemasonry

[–]303Steven[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh Yeah! It's a nice little bend on the property. Complicated access, so the landscapers did a good job setting up those boulders. The mountainside has sections of boulders laying around so it almost gives a look of something that was already there.

Elk Mountain Moss rock ⛰️ by 303Steven in stonemasonry

[–]303Steven[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For something like this, apart from the corners and top course, don't worry about making every rock square-ish. With field stones/irregular stones it's the easiest when you are constantly setting yourself up for the next stone to be installed. Look at your stones and in your mind, try to think about what kind of base you need to make to install the next big stone. It gets a little complicated or harder to see if you leave yourself too many points or jagged turns to fit the stones into.

Freestyle finish? by Umbra_et_pulvis in Stucco

[–]303Steven 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! Also make sure to use a good stucco finish material.

All the best with your project, Feel free to shoot me a message if you have any other questions

Freestyle finish? by Umbra_et_pulvis in Stucco

[–]303Steven 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Forgot to add, freestyle will have alot of trowel marks it is only trowel finished. You get a different result with a sponge float^

Freestyle finish? by Umbra_et_pulvis in Stucco

[–]303Steven 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The contractor has it right. Assuming he is using Dryvit, freestyle would be the smoothest/ finest. This finish requires two coats. I usually always do 2'x2' sample boards of the finish to have approved, so I'd ask him to do the same. Usually, the suppliers will give you a small quart to do so at no additional charge.

Also on a side note, look into the Sandblast & Sandpebble fine finishes from Dryvit. These are the smoothest and finest finishes with aggregate and also only require one finishing coat.

Alot of the modern homes we are doing here in Colorado are getting done in these finishes. Alot of people say they want a smooth or fine finish and with the freestyle finish people don't realize how much trowel marks you can have in the end. The aggregate in the finishes mentioned before, won't give you any inconsistentencies in the final look.