Sustainable Stucco Veneer
StoneCoat's Smooth is a stucco veneer that uses limestone plaster instead of Portland cement.
Common in hotter and drier parts of the United States, stucco has long been used as an external building application that provides a natural feel and blends in with the environments of these regions. Today, stucco relies on a Portland-cement base, which has its advantages but is also prone to cracking and can be difficult to repair. In this case, the most “innovative” response may be to return to the original practice of using a limestone base.
StoneCoat has recently introduced a line called Smooth, which is a stucco veneer that uses limestone plaster instead of Portland cement. Smooth is arguably a more sustainable choice for a home’s exterior than cement, as limestone can be locally sourced and stores CO2. It is also more flexible and elastic, making it easier to repair. Smooth is a breathable material, and its high pH means that it’s mold resistant, making it an especially good option for those considering straw-bale homes.
Color options for Smooth are stone gray, sandstone, and radiant white, which are derived from mineral pigments. Custom colors are also an option.
Smooth adheres to almost any substrate and can be purchased in 50-lb. bags for $30 each; one bag covers about 30 sq. ft. You can purchase Smooth directly from StoneCoat or from the company’s distribution partner, Action Gypsum, in California, Arizona, or Texas.
—Lana Melonakos-Harrison, digital editor
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