Stucco Over Spalling Brick

Spalling occurs when brick masonry decays to the point where pieces of bricks start dropping off the building. Usually beginning as small fractures on the bricks, it grows with time.

It’s a major problem; if not addressed, the whole building might be unstable. Spalling bricks have several causes. The most frequent offender, though, is when water penetrates the brick and passes through the freeze-and-thaw cycle.

Should you see spalling brick on a building, there are various approaches to fix it. Some, for example, might use Stucco to cover the spalling bricks.

Given how tough and long-lasting Stucco is, it could appear like the ideal choice to cover spalling bricks. But is this okay? Continue reading to learn more.

Should Spalling Brick Be Covered With Stucco?

Applying stucco over the spalling brick is a horrible idea. Stucco is meant to be used as a finish on sound structural surfaces.

Spalling brick is made up of crumbling, flaking bits, some of which may have actually popped out of the building. So, you should not cover spalling brick with Stucco. Doing so could cause stucco failure. Some areas will seem as the bricks keep spalling.

Should you wish to put Stucco over spalling bricks, you have to swap out the spalling bricks for fresh ones. Then put on the Stucco.

Does Stucco Handle the Underlying Cause of Spalling Brick?

Not much. Stucco just covers the surface of the spalling bricks. Stucco will not last long over spalling brick if the underlying problem is not handled. This is also among the several justifications I have for recommending against using Stucco over spalling brick.

Spalling in bricks is caused by several different elements. Your bricks will endure great stress from freezing and thawing if you reside in a region that gets a lot of rain, humidity, or snow.

Adding insult to injury, if the mortar put on the bricks was badly squeezed, there will insufficient room for expansion, which usually causes cracking and degradation.

Sandblasting or pressure washing could cause spalling on the brick walls. Low-quality bricks can spall far more quickly than high-quality ones.

Stucco is quite porous material now. Portland cement, lime, sand, and water make it. It cannot fix any of the aforementioned spalling brick causes.

Covering your spalling bricks with Stucco will only cause them to within to decay and finally pop out with certain Stucco fragments.

Stucco won’t solve the underlying reason of spalling or even stop it, so don’t be mislead.

Applying Stucco Over Spalling Brick

Should you wish to put Stucco over spalling brick, here is a professional advice on how to properly do this task.

• Step 1: Determine the Underlying Cause

Look for what is causing the spalling even before you may purchase some stucco. Identify cracks where moisture flows through since the main offender is usually moisture damage.

Should low-quality bricks be the issue, you will have a challenging choice as replacing the whole brick construction is the ideal remedy. But about other reasons, you may go to step 2.

• Step 2: Take Out Affected Bricks

Chisel and hammer assist in removing the spalling bricks. Most brick masonry was put years ago, hence they should come off really simply.

Should they be obstinate, a power drill or masonry cutting wheel will always work. You have to make sure you take out all damaged bricks since they will shorten the life of your Stucco. This is quite vital.

• Step 3: Install New Bricks and Clean the Open Spaces

On the areas left over, use a wire brush to clean them and lay fresh bricks. When the weather turns cold or hot, choose high-quality bricks and apply enough mortar to allow expansion.

• Step 4: Use a concrete bonding and sealing agent

Apply a concrete sealing and bonding chemical using a brush or roller. This item will serve two purposes. First, it will encourage improved adhesion between the bricks and the Stucco. It will then seal the brickwork.

• Step 5: Bring Out the Stucco

The last stage is this. Bring out the stucco and combine it per the manufacturer’s advice. Using a trowel, apply the first coat of Stucco to the repaired spalling brick.

Often called a scratch coat, the first coat A plasterer’s rake should be used to texture it and let it set for two to three days.

A second coat can be applied. The thickness should be consistent, roughly ¼ inch. Allow it to cure.

During the first week, keeping the Stucco wet is wise. This guarantees that it doesn’t fail or crack and that it dries slowly.

That’s it. You will have effectively used Stucco on a fixed spalling brick construction.

Over spalling brick, how long does stucco last?

Stucco won’t stay for very long on spalling brick. Depending on how worn the bricks are, it will most likely peel off within a few weeks or months. Stucco won’t survive more than a month if your bricks are popping out of the walls.

But, Stucco can survive over brick for more than ten years if you fix the spalling. Stucco’s lifetime might be greatly shortened by the spalling.

What Advantages of Using Stucco Over Spalling Brick?

Cosmetic reasons are the only motivation for many applying stucco over spalling brick. Stucco is a reasonably priced, long-lasting finish. It can be applied both inside and outside a building.

You can obtain it in several hues since it is fire-resistant. Should you grow weary of the brick finish, you may cover it with a little of stucco.

Stucco should not be used over spalling brick, though, to underline what we have covered in this paper. Repair the spalling first; then install Stucco.

How Much Does Stucco Usually Cost Over Spalling Brick?

Many property owners choose to install stucco since it is among the most affordable finishes available. But will it still be reasonable when sprayed over spalling brick?

Listing some of the expenses you will have will help us to arrive at a more precise number. You will first have to purchase Stucco. $20 about for an 80-bag.

You will have to change the spalling bricks in this situation. So the price will rise somewhat more. This will rely on how many bricks have to be replaced.

You will also need to purchase mortar; if you’re not a DIY lover, you’ll need to engage a professional contractor.

Installing Stucco over spalling brick will be costly since replacing bricks adds more expense. $10 per square foot might be around.

Should Spalling Brick Be Sealed Before Stucco Application?

Sealing brick is quite crucial, particularly if you are in a region with significant rain. Though some sealants can discolor brick, they generally reduce the chances of water damage.

Bricks in ideal condition should be sealed. Replace yours first, seal them, and use Stucco if they are spalling.

Do Expert Builders Suggest Using Stucco Over Spalling Brick?

Hiring an experienced builder to stucco your house will not allow them to apply it over spalling brick. The Stucco won’t last very long for that reason.

No expert will advise the direct application of Stucco over spalling brick unless you are working with an inexperienced contractor.