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Stucco Tips & Insights
Expert advice on stucco repair, maintenance, and protecting your property.
Why the Bottom 3 Feet of Stucco Fail During El Niño (And How to Prepare)
El Niño rain threatens the lower 3 feet of your stucco. Learn how splashback, wicking moisture, and blocked weep screeds cause severe base-wall rot.
May 19, 2026 · 5 min read
Why Your Retrofitted Window is Leaking (And Why It Is Not a Stucco Problem)
When a storm hits and water pools on your windowsill, the first instinct is to blame the exterior plaster. Discover why leaking retrofitted windows are rarely a stucco problem and how to properly fix the issue.
April 3, 2026 · 5 min read
Stucco Rust: Fixing Rust Stains and Wire Lath
Learn from Stucco Champions how to fix rust stains and corroded wire lath to prevent stucco rust and achieve durable, professional results in your home.
December 2, 2025 · 4 min read
Can Tyvek Be Used Behind Stucco? 3 Critical Facts You Need to Know
Wondering if Tyvek is enough behind stucco? Learn the right moisture barrier system to protect your home.
July 10, 2025 · 3 min read
10-Minute vs. 60-Minute Stucco Paper: What Homeowners Should Know
10 minute vs 60 minute stucco paper explained. What the minute rating means, when to use each, and why 60 minute paper protects stucco in California.
July 10, 2025 · 3 min read
Corrosion-Resistant Metal Lath: Coatings & Coastal Protection
Discover corrosion protection standards for metal lath. Learn about G60/G90 galvanized coatings, stainless steel upgrades, rust-jacking prevention, and coastal building codes.
June 28, 2025 · 4 min read
The Two-Layer Paper Method: How We Waterproof Your Home
Learn the physics of the double-layer Grade D building paper cleavage plane. Find out how the drainage plane works, shingle-lapping rules, and ASTM E2112 window flashing details.
June 27, 2025 · 4 min read
Stuccoing Cinder Block After Rain: The SSD Moisture Guide
Can you safely apply a stucco base coat to a cinder block wall after it rains? Learn how to test for the Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) condition.
March 14, 2025 · 4 min read
Stucco Window Flashing: WRB Laps, Head Flashing & Leak Prevention
Stucco window leaks usually come from failed flashing integration, reverse laps, blocked drainage, or surface-only repairs. Learn how WRB, head flashing, sill flashing, lath, and stucco should work together.
March 14, 2025 · 5 min read
Stucco Vents Guide: Ember-Resistant Screens and Depth Rules
A vent isn't just a hole in the wall. Learn why choosing the correct stucco vent depth and ember-resistant mesh is critical for building compliance.
February 29, 2024 · 3 min read
Installing Stucco Paper: A Guide to Water Resistive Barriers
Stucco is not waterproof; it is a drainage system. Learn how to correctly install Grade D stucco paper and avoid catastrophic water damage.
February 29, 2024 · 3 min read
Traditional 3-Coat Stucco Weep Screed Installation Guide
The foundation weep screed is the primary exit point for moisture in a 3-coat stucco wall. Learn the basics of #7 screed installation, mitering, and ground clearance.
February 29, 2024 · 2 min read
One-Coat Stucco Weep Screed: Proper Sizing for Foam Systems
Using a standard 7/8-inch weep screed on a one-coat stucco system with rigid foam can trap water. Learn why a 1-3/8-inch screed is necessary.
February 29, 2024 · 2 min read
Can Weep Screed Be Installed Vertically? Correct Details for Steps, Returns & Terminations
Weep screed is designed as a horizontal base-of-wall drainage accessory. Learn when vertical trim, step transitions, casing bead, or plaster stop details may be used without confusing them with true weep screed drainage.
February 29, 2024 · 4 min read
How to Repair or Replace Damaged Stucco Weep Screed Without Blocking Drainage
Damaged stucco weep screed is not just a cosmetic issue. Learn when it can be cleaned, when replacement is needed, and how repair work should protect WRB, lath, drainage, and stucco thickness.
February 29, 2024 · 4 min read
Is Stucco Weep Screed Required? Framed Walls, Masonry Exceptions & Retrofit Rules
Learn when stucco weep screed is required, what it does at framed wall bases, how masonry walls differ, and why retrofit, repair, grade clearance, and flashing details matter.
February 29, 2024 · 5 min read
The Rain Protocol: Applying Stucco in Wet Weather
Understand the strict protocols for applying stucco during rain. Learn why base coats can be tented, but finish coats require stable weather.
February 23, 2024 · 3 min read
Understanding Weep Screed Holes: Why You Should Never Plug Them
Weep screed holes are critical for stucco water management. Learn why caulking them causes rot and how to properly address missing drainage.
January 18, 2024 · 4 min read
Rusty Weep Screed: Causes, Warning Signs & Correct Stucco Repair
Learn why weep screed rusts, what rust stains mean, how soil, irrigation, blocked drainage, corrosion, and WRB laps affect repairs, and when replacement is needed.
January 18, 2024 · 3 min read