Traditional Cement Stucco Installation
Time-tested 3-coat stucco system for classic beauty and unmatched durability. Built to last generations.
Get Free Estimate: (646) 889-4529The Original Stucco System
Traditional stucco has protected and beautified homes for thousands of years, from ancient Roman villas to Mediterranean estates to modern American homes. This time-tested material combines Portland cement, sand, lime, and water into a durable masonry surface.
Applied in three distinct coats over metal lath, traditional stucco creates a monolithic wall surface that's incredibly strong, fire-resistant, and long-lasting. Unlike vinyl or wood siding, stucco is essentially a masonry wall that becomes part of your home's structure.
At REVMA, our master craftsmen apply traditional stucco using methods refined over centuries, ensuring your home receives the same quality that has made stucco the preferred exterior for generations.
The Classic 3-Coat System
Traditional stucco is applied in three layers, each serving a specific purpose. This proven method ensures maximum strength, durability, and longevity.
Scratch Coat
The first layer, approximately 3/8" thick, is applied over metal lath attached to weather-resistant barrier and sheathing.
Horizontal scratches are made while wet to provide mechanical bonding for the second coat. Allowed to cure for 48+ hours.
Brown Coat
The second layer, also about 3/8" thick, provides the bulk of the system's strength and impact resistance.
Smoothed and leveled to create a flat, even surface. Must cure for at least 7 days before final coat application.
Finish Coat
The final layer, 1/8" to 1/4" thick, provides color, texture, and weather protection.
Pigments are mixed in for integral color. Various textures can be applied: smooth, sand, cat face, Spanish lace, and more.
Benefits of Traditional Stucco
Exceptional Longevity
50-80+ year lifespan is common. Many 100-year-old stucco homes are still in excellent condition, outlasting multiple generations of other siding types.
Fire Resistant
Non-combustible masonry material provides excellent fire protection. Won't ignite, melt, or contribute to flame spread—a critical safety feature.
Impact Resistant
Hard cement surface withstands hail, wind-driven debris, and impacts that would dent or damage other siding materials.
Breathable Wall System
Natural permeability allows moisture vapor to escape from wall cavities, preventing trapped moisture and mold growth.
Timeless Aesthetics
Classic appearance never goes out of style. Mediterranean, Spanish, Mission, and modern architectural styles all showcase stucco beautifully.
Low Maintenance
No painting required when color is integral. Occasional washing and crack sealing is typically all that's needed over decades of service.
What's in Traditional Stucco?
Sand
Clean, graded sand provides bulk and texture
Portland Cement
Binding agent that hardens into stone-like material
Lime
Increases workability and reduces cracking
Water
Activates cement and allows proper mixing
Optional additives include pigments for color, fibers for crack resistance, and plasticizers for improved workability. All components are natural, non-toxic materials.
Traditional Stucco is Ideal For
Historic Restoration
Matching original stucco on historic homes requires traditional materials and methods. We can recreate period-appropriate finishes and textures.
- Match existing textures and colors
- Use traditional lime-based formulas if required
- Meet historic preservation standards
Premium New Construction
High-end homes benefit from stucco's permanence, beauty, and prestige. Creates distinctive architecture that stands apart from typical subdivisions.
- Mediterranean and Spanish architecture
- Modern minimalist designs
- Tuscan and mission-style homes
Fire-Prone Areas
Stucco's fire resistance makes it ideal for homes in wildfire zones or areas with fire safety requirements. Non-combustible exterior provides critical protection.
- Class A fire rating
- Won't ignite from embers or flames
- May reduce insurance premiums
Long-Term Investment
Homeowners planning to stay long-term benefit most from stucco's durability. Higher upfront cost is offset by decades of maintenance-free service.
- Lowest lifetime cost per year
- No replacement needed in your lifetime
- Increases property value
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional stucco is a cement-based plaster made from Portland cement, sand, lime, and water. It's applied in three coats over metal lath and cures into a hard, breathable masonry surface. Synthetic stucco (EIFS) uses foam boards with an acrylic finish.
Properly installed and maintained traditional stucco can last 50-80 years or more. Many historic stucco homes from the early 1900s are still in excellent condition, demonstrating the material's exceptional longevity.
Yes. Traditional stucco is extremely durable—it's fire-resistant, impact-resistant, won't rot or rust, resists insects and pests, and withstands severe weather better than most siding materials. It's essentially a masonry wall surface.
No. Color is typically added to the finish coat, so the stucco is colored throughout rather than painted on the surface. This means chips or scratches won't show a different color underneath, and there's no repainting required.
Traditional stucco performs well in all climates when properly installed. It must be applied when temperatures are above 40°F and protected from freezing during the curing process. The material itself is highly resistant to freeze-thaw cycles once cured.
Experience Timeless Beauty and Durability
Discover why traditional stucco has been the choice of discerning homeowners for centuries. Get your free consultation today.
Call Now: (646) 889-4529