International question
Hello, Mr. Bullard:
I will be going to Romania, in Eastern Europe, next year to build a frame-stucco house. For the last several thousand years, they have built with bricks and masonry. So, I am concerned that this house turn out very well. They are familiar with doing stucco directly applied to the masonry. They even have specially designed bricks that take the base coat. However, I don't think they have ever done stucco over wood framing.
What I would like from you is your "manual" of all 12 points, including secret recipes, plus any advice you can think of for this building environment. I think it would be great if you would just email me your "booklet" AFTER I have PayPaled you an appropriate sum. Let's try and come up with a figure together, if you are willing.
Essentially, I just want the critical information to keep the stucco from failing in any shape or form and giving American-style construction a bad name there. Any other resources you can suggest would be greatly appreciated.
Climate wise, the area there is about as far north as Helena, Montana, is in the US. Footings have to go 4' deep there and they don't poor concrete in the winter time, period. Needless to say, there will probably not be any additives, premixes, etc., available there. If you can give common chemical names for certain additives, I might be able to find them through a chemical company.
Just pretend you are going there, what would you need, what could you improvise with, what elements of the job could you NOT compromise on? These are the kinds of questions I need answers for.
My pocket isn't very deep, but I wouldn't mind making a donation to your cause for these answers.
Many thanks, and respect for what you are trying to do.
I think you should be able to find all that you need locally. Portland cement and sand are available world wide.
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You may have some trouble finding metal lath, but there are some work arounds. If you find metal lath, and you can't find self furring, the lath can be beaten with a hammer to make dimples. The lath can be furred up using nailing blocks, or small pieces of wood a quarter inch thick. Cardboard works also, after the mortar sets up the cardboard doesn't weaken the wall any. You may be able to find heavy chicken wire or concrete reinforcing mesh. The critical thing is to find a way to fur out the lath, so mortar gets behind the lath for good support.
We use an acrylic bonding admixture in our finish coat. This is an option, but the acrylic dramatically increases the strength and crack resistence of the finish. You may look into having latex acrylic bonding admixture shipped if necessary. It is sold in 5 gallon buckets. I wouldn't think of having this shipped in the winter months. If the acrylic freezes, it is ruined. We had acrylic that had frozen shipped from Baltimore.
I feel that you are determined, you can find latex acrylic. It is used for patching concrete on the underside of bridges, and plastering swimming pools. If worst comes to worse, you don't really need it.
I wouldn't attempt any work in the winter with any danger of freezing. We work outside here in the winter, but I have some big heaters if I need them.
Stucco news is free, so I hope you can find all the information you need. There is a search this site button on the sitemap, if you need.
Any snags, please write.
People do send donations and consulting fees, but you don't have to. For anyone that does want to contribute, my zelle number is 7036283775.