The Stucco Book-The Basics

This is definitely NOT a How To book. My goal was to do perform DYI repairs on a Stucco wall and apply new stucco to a shear wall and even a stud wall. I would not be able to perform any of these tasks with the information in the book. I choose this book upon reading the other reviewer comments and because the book was the only book that had any How To "comments" in the reviews.The book is awesome if you want academic information on stucco. In that sense it is a 5 star book. Mr. Nordmeyer is no doubt an expert and presents that information in an engaging, lay person accessible manner. He explains the types, chemistry, standards, a "few" paragraphs on tools and accessories, and "what to" do for all things "Stucco basics". Yet once again I was not looking for a "What To" but How To Stucco. In other words, Stucco"ing" basics. He does include one chapter on "Doing It Yourself" where he describes creating practice panels and the materials needed to try out stuccoing. However, there are no pictures. In fact there are only 12 figures in the whole book!In the DYI chapter he does give two specific how to items I found helpful: stucco mix proportions and mixing. He highly recommends the stucco mix of 1 part portland cement to 1/2 part Type S hydrated lime and 4 1/2 parts damp stucco sand versus pre mixed stuccos. His mixing technique insures a very consistent mixture.So if you are looking for a "How To Stucco" book as are available for other subjects like framing, masonary and concrete, tiling, drywall, etc, from Taunton Press, Black and Decker, Stanley and others, this is definitely NOT the book for you. The DYIer should pass on this book.

This book is well written and informative. You would think you were listening to somebody with vast personal experience talk to you in the most accessible way. It is simple, but not too simple. In a month or so, I may be able to report whether I successfully applied stucco, but after reading most of the book, I think I will have the information to give it a try.Beyond stucco, you will learn a lot about construction systems, why houses rot, why they didn't rot years ago and how to keep new construction from rotting today. Just a seemingly simple topic such as house wrap and vapor barrier is addressed in detail. You will find the application of these products should match the climate, and why Minnesota requires different practices than Louisiana. What is right for the frozen north is disastrously wrong for the steamy air conditioned south.If you are thinking of buying or building a house, you will profit from reading this book.

Well written, detailed, the author knows his subject intimately.But there is so much detail that it's easy to get lost, and as sometimes happens with books written by insiders, I had trouble understanding things the author takes for granted.There's also less practical information than I was looking for, particularly as the owner of an adobe house whose principal interest is in simply _maintaining_ stucco.A chapter is included which teaches the amateur to stucco - it is explicit, clear and step-by-step. Similar chapters on different methods for repairing cracks, replacing unsound and missing stucco, matching color, and repair materials would be WONDERFUL in a future edition or a different book. I will be first in line to buy it!

I have made small repairs myself to the stucco finish on my house, but I am going to replace a sliding glass door with a smaller window. In order to do the job right, I needed a thorough understanding of how to prepare for and then install the stucco. Have not started the job yet, but I have read most of the book. There is a world of information in it I had not read anywhere. The book has already caused some changes in my plans. I am pretty sure the job will work out great with what I have learned from the book.

I chose 5 stars because of the readability and understanding imparted by this book. I could have used a little more clarity for the layman, such as details about usage of items like fibers and control joints, but probably would take a much larger book.Anyway, knowledge is a continual process, gathered by continual exposure and study.Great book. Learned mucho info. I am starting my 2nd reading of the book.Thanks Herb!

This man takes stucco to another level. What is simple to him is in the stratosphere to me. I'm not really interested in the physics, even if he thinks it just a simple side comment. Yes, all the practical stuff is there. After reading the book I'm left feeling there is no way I can do the job right.

Excellent Excellent book which describes stucco chemistry, history and application. There is a section that tells you how to setup practice panels and mix your own stucco from scratch. There are not many pictures in the book but it still deserves 5 stars. This book will provide you all the background and technical information you need.

This book is an excellent and practical resource for all matters stucco. I needed to get a quick but well informed and practical understanding of stucco after a move to the Southwest. This book was perfect.