[MassHistPres] (MassHistPres) Stucco Coatings

[George Shaw]

The cracks and spalling stucco may be a sign of deeper problems. Are the cracks the result of normal aging and settling over time or the result of stresses caused by structural failure? Spalling stucco often if not usually indicates water infiltration. Unless you or more to the point the Council on Aging are comfortable with the over all integrity of the building I would be wary of covering up a problem that may down the road cause larger issues than if it was addressed now. 
Stucco isn't my field of expertise, but... (long pause) in my limited knowledge and experience tells me that similar to mortar the color of the stucco is based on the source of the ingredients. For example sand from Shirley is different from say sand in Portland OR.  or some colorant was mixed in with the final coat. A mason that KNOWS stucco  and is good at repairs and cares about blending colors is the only person they want to touch the property. Actually not that hard it takes experience and a good caring eye. Not some low ball bidder that is going to go to Home depot and pick up a few bags of whatever. Of course assuming there are no larger issues that may need to be addressed,  this approach may cause the owners to undo some repairs to get it right  .. On a final note, maybe I am behind the times and haven't heard about that miracle product with 50 years  plus of real experience but painting, staining coating etc  most masonry products looks good for a while but  since !
 the base absorbs moisture naturally the coatings usually fail or trap moisture long enough to cause serious damage. 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: 
To: masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
Sent: 7/22/2009 12:54:47 PM 
Subject: [MassHistPres] (MassHistPres) Stucco Coatings


The Shirley Historical Commission is looking for technical advice on coatings that might be used on an 85 year old (rough stucco) building surface in our Shirley Center Local Historic District.

The building in question is the former,' Center School', a small, neo-gothic elementary school which will be adaptively re-used by the Shirley Council On Aging  to serve as a Senior Center.  Over time, cracks, patches of spalling stucco, and fenestration changes have been repaired with less than total success.  The Commission is being asked to permit 'painting', in order to unify the visual appearance of the building.

We are currently holding up the Application for COA pending a technical review of appropriate coatings (stains etc.) which might be used.  We would appreciate any advice from MassHistPres on the problem.  Thanks.

Don Reed, Chair
Shirley Historical Commission
Shirley Center Historic District Commission



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