Construction Industry/patio walls

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/26/2008


Question
Our apartment exterior patio wall which I think has stucco has peeled off and the exposed surface is a gray flat and sounds hollow surface and when it gets wet it darkens and then dries out quickly and I am wondering what that is and if I should be concerned of water damage.  It seems like some kind of cement but it is not hard and smooth like the sidewalk and it seems softer and can chip easily.  We live in Az so its not like we get alot of rain and moisture.  Some but not alot and the surface exposed is on the side of the wall and not the bottom where the water would collect on and not run off.  I have to repair it myself since it has peeled of due to me nailing into the patio thus that is why I have not asked maintenance to do it.  Should I be concerned and should it be done soon or can it wait until we move out which may be in a couple years?

Answer
James,

From your description, I would guess you have a lath material that is made with a cement base which can receive stucco.  There is a product called "Hardie Board" which is a fiber-cement board.

I would suggest you remove all the loose stucco and prepare the surface for new stucco application.  Apply a bonding material. It can be painted on all the surfaces that the receive stucco including the edges of the adjacent stucco.  Next apply the stucco - preferably in two coats - the first (called "brown" coat) and the finish coat which is then textured to match the adjacent surface.

Yes, you should be concerned about the moisture penetrating the board.  If it accumulates it will cause mold or mildew.

Hope this has been helpful.

Roger

Construction Industry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.