Smooth finish stucco, also known as Santa Barbara finish, is considered one of the most beautiful architectural surfaces. The smooth, variegated texture exudes elegance and is highly demanded for upscale homes and buildings. However, these finishes are prone to cosmetic cracking, especially with any building movement from settling, seismic activity, vibration, etc.
Some minor cracking is expected with smooth stucco finishes. Architects, builders, designers, and homeowners aim to reduce cracking as much as possible for an optimal finish. Here are some traditional and new methods to minimize cracks in smooth stucco.
Traditional Methods to Reduce Cracking
Smooth finish stucco’s aesthetic appeal comes at the price of an increased tendency to crack. Here are some traditional techniques used to mitigate this issue:
Base and Mesh
Applying a base layer of acrylic-modified cement containing polymers and fibreglass mesh before the smooth finish coat. The flexible polymers and mesh reinforce the finish and resist cracking.
Base and mesh are highly recommended for all projects with conventional smooth stucco. It greatly improves the finish’s durability and crack resistance.
Synthetic Stucco
Using acrylic-modified synthetic smooth finish coat. The acrylic binder provides flexibility to reduce cracks.
Synthetic finishes resist cracks well but have less color variegation, lacking the authentic look of traditional stucco. They work for contemporary architecture favoring a uniform appearance.
Limitations
While base, mesh and synthetic stucco reduce cracks, they don’t replicate the traditional look and feel of classic smooth finish stucco. A solution achieving authentic variegated textures with improved crack resistance would be ideal.
Texston Ortex – New Advance in Smooth Finish Stucco
Texston, a leading architectural coatings manufacturer, has developed an innovative stucco finish called Ortex that achieves a classic look while minimizing cracks.
Proprietary Formulation
Ortex’s proprietary microfiber configuration reinforces the thin finish coat and reduces cracking. An exclusive acrylic component provides flexibility without compromising the desired variegated texture.
Authentic Appearance
Unlike synthetic stucco, Ortex maintains the natural aesthetic of traditional Santa Barbara finishes. It exhibits the same varied mottled color with a more durable, crack-resistant coating.
Reduced Cracking
Extensive testing shows Ortex exhibits significantly less cracking than standard smooth finishes, even with building movement and vibration. The ingenious fiber-acrylic formulation resists cracks remarkably well.
Additional Benefits
Besides limiting cracks, Ortex offers other advantages:
- Increased durability and longevity
- Enhanced finish integrity
- Easier application for contractors
- VOC-compliant and environmentally friendly
Ortex represents a major innovation in stucco technology, finally achieving enhanced structural performance without aesthetic compromise.
Applications of Texston Ortex Smooth Finish
Ortex is ideal for:
Residential Homes
Ortex allows homeowners to have the elegant, variegated Santa Barbara finish they want with fewer worries about cracks marring the facade over time. Especially beneficial for upscale custom homes targeting flawless curb appeal.
Commercial Buildings
Cracks in exterior stucco diminish the perceived quality of commercial properties. Ortex provides the impressive, consistent appearance commercial projects demand while reducing cracks and repairs.
Crack-Prone Areas
In earthquake zones or locations subject to settling/shifting, Ortex dramatically cuts the likelihood of cracks while achieving a smooth finish. It provides peace of mind even in crack-prone environments.
Contemporary Architecture
For modern designs favoring a smooth, uniform look, Ortex offers a synthetic stucco-like appearance with more durability and crack resistance. An ideal match for contemporary building aesthetics.
Ortex gives architects, contractors, and building owners new options and advantages with stucco finishes, aligning visual appeal and performance.
Professional Services Offering Texston Ortex
Apptek Stucco, a leading applicator in the San Diego area, now exclusively offers Ortex smooth finish from Texston.
Turnkey Services
Apptek provides complete turnkey services for residential and commercial stucco projects, including mix design, supply, and professional application of Ortex smooth coatings.
Crack Mitigation Expertise
With decades of experience, Apptek understands cracking challenges with smooth finishes. Ortex finally provides the ideal solution they have sought for reducing cracks in smooth stucco.
Proven Results
Apptek stands behind Ortex’s performance, having seen first-hand the dramatic reduction in cracking compared to standard Santa Barbara finishes.
Contact Apptek Stucco
For upcoming stucco projects in San Diego, California and surrounding areas, contact Apptek Stucco to learn more about Ortex smooth finish coatings. Call 858-875-1850 or visit apptekstucco.com for quotes leveraging this advanced new stucco technology.
Conclusion
Texston Ortex represents a breakthrough in stucco finish technology. It replicates the coveted smooth, mottled look of Santa Barbara finish while minimizing troublesome cracking issues. This innovative product aligns aesthetic desires with performance, making it an excellent option for quality-focused residential and commercial projects. Contact leading applicators like Apptek Stucco to leverage Ortex’s advantages for your next stucco surfacing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is smooth finish stucco?
Smooth stucco, also called Santa Barbara finish, is a type of stucco coating with an elegant, smooth, mottled texture. It is popular for upscale residential and commercial buildings.
Why is cracking a problem with smooth stucco finishes?
The smooth, thin layer of traditional stucco finish is prone to cracking, especially if there is any movement or vibration in the building structure. Some minor cracking is expected, but excessive cracking can detract from the aesthetic appeal.
What are some traditional methods to reduce stucco cracks?
Applying a base layer and fibreglass mesh, known as “base and mesh,” improves crack resistance. Using an acrylic-modified synthetic stucco finish coat also reduces cracks due to its flexibility. However, synthetic finishes lack the natural variegated look of traditional stucco.
How is Texston Ortex different from typical smooth stucco?
Ortex contains proprietary microfibers and acrylic polymers that reinforce the finish coat and provide flexibility while retaining the authentic natural appearance of traditional Santa Barbara-style stucco.
What are the benefits of Ortex stucco finish?
Ortex significantly reduces cracking while providing smooth stucco’s elegant, varied texture. It also offers increased durability, easier application, and environmental friendliness.
Where is Ortex smooth stucco ideal to use?
It’s great for upscale homes wanting a smooth finish with minimal cracking. Also for commercial buildings need a flawless, uniform facade. Useful in earthquake zones and for contemporary architecture favoring a smooth look.
Who provides Ortex stucco applications and services?
Apptek Stucco, leading stucco applicators in the San Diego, CA area, now exclusively offers Ortex finishes. They provide turnkey services, including supply and professional installation.