I want to stucco a complete house.  I have done a lot of reading up on suggested construction.

I have stuccoed over a block wall before with great results.

I am planning on a standard stick construction, installing foam board over the sheathing (till debating on this ... had not planned on it but reading it seems most contractors do this as a thermo barrier and as a moisture protector for the sheathing .... although some contractors are just installing felt paper over the sheathing).

So first, any suggestions on using the foam board ???

Second, most contractors use some type of mesh over the foam (mechanically fastened to the underlying sheath material).  A few are using a fiberglass cloth over the foam.  Any suggestions?

Finally, for trim items.  I realize you can get pre-coated trim ... but it is expensive.  If I cut trim out of foam then how do I get the stucco to stick to it?  I can't imagine trying to get wire mesh to form over it ( or maybe that is what I need to do).  I was thinking about the fiberglass cloth but I remember  trying to get it to stick on the underside of a boat with no luck.  I can just picture trying to get it to stick on the underside of trim details and watching it fall off.

Again, any suggestions?

Or is there something altogether better that I should be looking at?  I looked at a concrete house using the foam blocks but it was way out of my price range.

Just FYI ... I am trying to build a long lasting. minimal maintenance, custom house on a very very tight budget.  My wife is paralyzed from the shoulders down and requires a very custom house.  We have already purchased the land.  We talked with several builders but it seems we just would not qualify for enough of a loan to build with them.  After a lot of research, I think by being my own general contractor (I have already per-qualified with a bank who will let me do this ... that was a challenge) and doing a lot of work myself (I will have 8 months to build) that I can just squeeze a house into our budget.

Thanks ..... Mike

I am not a stucco contractor but I spent a month with the fellow who did my home. He uses wire mesh over foam, although plastic mesh is probably more typical. Google EIFS. You can buy a light brake to bend the wire for trim. Two cautions: stucco over wood requires very close attention to moisture penetration and drainage to avoid rotting issues. Some insurers won't cover EIFS houses. If I had the time, in your shoes, I'd offer to schlep mud for an EIFS contractor in exchange for a little OJT. The other caution is the amount of work involved. My 1600 sf 2-story house took a month with three people working on it, with the expected weather delays. The scaffolding alone took three days to set up and tear down. A rancher would be easier but I'd have a plan B if your bank is giving you 8 months to finish. Maybe a super cheap 4x8 siding that would get you occupancy, and a chance to do stucco at your leisure....

I would consider building with a completely different method especially DIY. Take a look at the chart I will attach.



Brian

with stucco it's all in the wrist. Some people have a knack for getting it on and making it look right.

You could look into a Synthetic Stucco system over cement board, similar to EIFS but with cement board instead of foam. To me it seems a bit easier to control moisture issues, putting in a drainage plane was a breeze. STO makes a system. There are others. Supposed to be cost effective and sturdy.

I would look into SCIPs (foam in the middle, concrete on both sides, no need to finish either side). IMO, stucco over a wall containing any wood should have a rain screen.

Lath is now made with integral building felt and papers. its call "felt backed lath" or "paper backed lath"

xtal_01, Stucco work is not a good DYI job, it takes some specialized equipment and talent, it is an artisian trade. One mistake could be catastrophic, and several years down the road before your mistake becomes evident. Please consider letting a pro do the stucco work and stick to painting, trim and things that won't be problematic in the long term.

Well i have a cupple of things to ask you who said EIFS is the best option EIFS is very very bad if you miss 1 screw and i mean screw not nail your going to be popping bubbles around your home in the next 5 years moister build behind EIFS it will always find a way infact i just repaired an EIFS system 2 days ago had to lift 5 inches above ground lvl to avoid any water from getting behind but it will always find a way something good about EIFS it does not crack one bit but once it starts poofing insulation is fail and there will be a spot where air inside you home can escape and it will keep building on that EIFS until the whole wall is puffed and you will not notice until the back-it up mesh has cracked right at the back bottom of the EIFS it is the only thing preventing moister from getting in hers a link for an example where moister starts to enter right at the very bottom gap it is very difficult to seal there is no backitup or caulk that gap needs to be sealed or lifted 4 inches off ground but it looks ugly!! also flashing on roof must direct all water so EIFS is very expensive in the long run have any questions contact me for more tips and suggestions thanks

I have a question for the stucco experts. I know that weep screed is required at the base. How about above doors and windows? What is the rule above doors and windows? Would it do any harm to install the weep screed there to allow for drainage?

Wouldn't hurt anything , but not good aesthetically