John A. D'Annunzio is president of Paragon Roofing Technology Inc., of Shelby Township, Mich. He is a technical columnist for Roofing Contractor magazine and regularly speaks on building systems at various trade shows. For more information, e-mail john_paragon@ameritech.net or visit www.paragonroofingtech.com.
Stucco can reduce the moisture permeability of masonry-enhancing its waterproofing capabilities-and provides an aesthetic finish on concrete block or masonry. Cement stucco can also be colored or patterned to add a textured look to a building. Stucco applications are the most economically effective method of waterproofing deteriorated masonry surfaces that require extensive tuck-pointing. It has also been used as a waterproofing agent over the lower portions of a masonry surface.
Above grade waterproofing is completed at exterior building components to prevent moisture infiltration from entering the structure. Although above grade components are not exposed to hydrostatic pressure that is present in below grade conditions, detrimental weather effects, such as UV rays and precipitation (rain, snow, ice, dew, etc.), contribute to degradation over time.
All exterior building materials are susceptible to allowing moisture infiltration into the interior of the structure. Due to this fact, a significant opportunity is presented to exterior restoration contractors to conduct preventative maintenance on exterior building components. The main function of these practices is to keep water out of the building and-more importantly-to prevent moisture intrusion into the exterior building material. Moisture entry into exterior materials will, overtime, contribute to structural damage, which will require total material restoration.