Understanding 10-Minute vs 60-Minute Stucco Paper: What Homeowners Should Know
When investing in a stucco system, most homeowners focus on the final finish—whether it’s smooth, sand, or dash. But what truly determines how long your stucco holds up isn’t just how it looks. It’s what’s underneath. One of the most overlooked but essential components is the stucco paper, also called a weather-resistant barrier (WRB).
If you’ve heard your contractor mention 10-minute or 60-minute paper and you’re unsure what that means, here’s a clear breakdown to help you make the best decision for your property.
What Is Stucco Paper?
Stucco paper is a moisture-resistant material that sits between your home’s exterior sheathing (usually plywood or OSB) and the stucco layers. Its primary role is to:
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🛡️ Block external moisture like rain, humidity, or sprinklers
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💨 Allow interior moisture or vapor to escape through the walls
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🧱 Protect the structure from water intrusion that leads to mold, rot, or degradation
It’s an essential part of any long-lasting stucco system. If it fails, the entire finish can crack, bubble, or fall apart—even if the stucco on top looks great.
What’s the Difference Between 10-Minute and 60-Minute Paper?
The “minute” rating doesn’t refer to installation time—it refers to how long the paper can resist water penetration under test conditions. These values are based on standards such as ASTM D779, which evaluate how well the material performs when exposed to water.
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10-Minute Paper: Begins absorbing water after 10 minutes in a lab test. It’s thinner and typically used in quick builds or where cost is prioritized over durability.
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60-Minute Paper: Withstands moisture for 60 minutes or longer. It’s thicker, stronger, and designed for residential and commercial structures that require long-term protection.
Why Stucco Champions Uses 60-Minute Paper
At Stucco Champions, we never cut corners on prep. That’s why we only use 60-minute paper on all our projects—whether it’s a re-stucco, new construction, or commercial job.
Here’s why:
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✅ Superior Moisture Protection – 60-minute paper prevents moisture intrusion longer, which is especially important in coastal or humid areas like Orange County.
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✅ Long-Term Durability – Thicker paper holds up better during stucco application, avoiding tears and weak spots.
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✅ Meets or Exceeds Code – Local codes often require 60-minute paper, and we always make sure your job is compliant.
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✅ Peace of Mind – With a better WRB layer, your finish will last longer with fewer chances of failure down the road.
We also layer our 60-minute paper, which adds another level of security against water intrusion.
When Is 10-Minute Paper Used?
10-minute paper may still be used in some parts of the country for budget-oriented builds, garages, or utility sheds—but it’s rarely recommended for full residential homes or buildings with significant weather exposure. While it may meet minimum code, it doesn’t offer the same long-term reliability.
If a contractor quotes you using 10-minute paper, it’s worth asking why—and consider upgrading for better protection.
Final Thoughts: It’s All in the Prep
The success of your stucco isn’t just about looks. Long-term performance depends on proper prep work—and that includes the right WRB. At Stucco Champions, we follow the full process: remove loose materials, apply bonding agents, and install quality moisture barriers like 60-minute paper to ensure your finish performs for decades.
Ready to Simplify Your Stucco Work?
Contact Stucco Champions today for a free consultation!
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