Stucco FAQ

No. They are different systems used for different purposes.

• MasterWall® Stucco Renovation System is a reinforced stucco overlay system
•  Elastomeric paint is a surface-applied coating

They are evaluated independently and are not interchangeable.

The MasterWall Stucco Renovation System is a manufacturer-approved stucco restoration system installed over existing stucco to extend service life when conditions allow.

System components include:

1.  Existing stucco substrate
2.  MasterWall WeatherStop® base coat with reinforcing mesh
3. Primecoat® primer
4. MasterWall® Superior Elastomeric Plus Finish

This system is not paint and not a new stucco installation—it is a reinforced renovation system.

Application methods depend on project size and conditions:

•  Base coat may be spray-applied for placement on large areas
• Reinforcing mesh is embedded in the base coat
• The system is hand trowel-finished to achieve the final texture

Spray application is a placement method only.

Performance and texture are achieved through hand finishing.

Yes. Always Construction Services, Inc. is a certified MasterWall installer.

Certification confirms:

•  Manufacturer-approved installation methods
•  Proper system components and materials
•  Compliance with manufacturer specifications and building codes
• Eligibility for applicable manufacturer warranties when conditions are met

Certification does not modify or extend warranty terms.

A Stucco Renovation System may be appropriate when:

• Existing stucco is structurally sound
• Cracking is minor to moderate and non-structural
• No trapped or active moisture exists behind the wall
• The goal is reinforcement and life extension, not replacement

The corrective approach depends on severity:

• Minor surface deterioration

     → Local repairs and, where appropriate, a renovation system to extend service life

• Moderate deterioration

     → Stucco repairs prior to renovation or coating

• Severe failure (delamination, moisture intrusion, substrate or framing damage)

      → Partial or full stucco replacement required

Renovation systems and coatings do not replace failed structural assemblies

Replacement is required when:

•  Large areas are delaminated or hollow-sounding
•  Moisture is present behind the stucco system
•  Substrate, sheathing, or framing damage exists
•  Drainage, flashing, or control joints have failed
• Structural movement has compromised the wall

In these cases, renovation or coating is not appropriate.

Two warranties apply when installed per manufacturer requirements:

Manufacturer Material Warranty

•  10-year limited warranty
• Covers MasterWall materials only
• Issued and administered solely by MasterWall®

Contractor Workmanship Warranty

•  5-year workmanship warranty
• Covers installation labor only
•  Begins at substantial completion

All warranties are subject to exclusions, maintenance requirements, and a fully executed agreement.

Elastomeric paint is a flexible exterior wall coating, not stucco. Always Construction Services applies Dunn-Edwards Enduralastic® 10 elastomeric paint when a coating system is specified.

Elastomeric paint:

• Is spray-applied and back-rolled, or roller-applied
• Bridges minor surface cracks
• Improves water resistance
• Does not correct structural wall or stucco system failures

It is used for surface protection and life extension only.

Elastomeric paint may be appropriate when:

•  The wall surface is structurally sound
•  Cracks are minor and non-structural
•  No trapped or active moisture is present
• The intent is surface protection, not structural repair

Elastomeric paint should not be applied when:

•  Stucco or wall systems are delaminated
•  Moisture exists behind the surface
•  Structural movement is ongoing
•  The wall system itself has failed

Applying paint in these conditions can trap moisture and accelerate damage.

Evaluations may include:

•  Visual inspection and crack mapping
• Sound testing for delamination
• Moisture meter readings
• Thermal imaging (when conditions allow)
• Inspection of flashing, drainage, and penetrations

Recommendations are based on system performance, not cosmetic appearance

Thermal imaging (infrared scanning) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to identify temperature differentials on wall surfaces that may indicate:

•  Hidden moisture behind stucco or wall assemblies
• Trapped water within the system
•  Potential delamination or substrate separation
• Leakage paths around windows, doors, and transitions

Thermal imaging does not see through walls and must be verified with other inspection

methods.

 Installing a renovation system or coating over moisture-affected walls can:

• Trap water within the wall assembly
•  Accelerate deterioration
•  Void manufacturer warranty eligibility
•  Lead to interior damage and mold growth

Thermal imaging helps confirm whether conditions are suitable for repair, renovation, or replacement.

Remedies are limited to:

•  Repair or replacement of defective workmanship or materials
• Only within the affected area
• No incidental, consequential, cosmetic, or aesthetic damages

A fully executed agreement is required for warranty validity.