Stucco is one of the most often used materials for house exteriors in the nation. When done correctly, Stucco may shield your house from harm, including water, vermin, blows, extreme heat or cold, and even fire.
But how effectively is Stucco shielding your house and its occupants from fire’s devastation? How does Stucco stack up against other materials widely used for residential walls? And what is the fire rating of a stucco system that has been correctly installed?
This blog will address all those concerns, and more to inform you about the security features Stucco provides fully.
Fire Resistance of Stucco
Stucco is a highly fire-resistant construction material, mainly owing to the components that were utilized to construct it. Sand, limestone, water, and other additions are among the constituents. None of these components are flammable or combustible, implying that Stucco is neither.
Stucco application techniques on walls can aid in containing the spread of fire. Three layers are the most typical number of layers used during installation. These layers provide the wall’s surface with more thickness and protection.
In addition to the inherent fire resistance of Stucco, the substance may also be utilized to coat other fire-resistant construction components. Stucco may cover stone or brick, although it is often employed on stick-built (wood frame) houses. When a stucco look is sought, this is often done.
Comparison to Other Siding Materials
How fire-resistant is Stucco in comparison to other popular siding material choices?
Stucco is far more fire-resistant than vinyl, wood, and synthetic wood. When subjected to the sweltering heat fire, vinyl melts fast and readily. When exposed to intense, direct sunlight on a hot day, vinyl may even melt.
In contrast, wood and artificial wood are flammable and provide no fire protection. Vinyl won’t prevent a fire from starting in your house, but at least it won’t spread it. However, this cannot be stated as siding made of wood.
CMB East Brunswick Stucco & EIFS Repair and stone and brick veneer are the closest analogs to Stucco. These siding choices all provide effective fire protection. Cracks are one of these materials’ main weaknesses. The flames may get there at the timber inside the wall more quickly if the surface is cracked.
Stone, brick, and metal are the best construction materials that withstand fire. Since stone and brick are in total thickness, they provide far greater protection than their veneer equivalents.
Stucco Fire Rating
A stucco installation’s normal thickness is 1 inch. To achieve this thickness, the wall will have at least three coats of Stucco. These are the brown, finish, and scratch coatings. Additional layers are also feasible to defend against particular, localized environmental threats, even though these three layers are standard.
Typically, Stucco has a fire rating of 1 hour at 1 inch thickness. This indicates that the fire would take an hour to penetrate the wall and harm the remainder of your house if exposed to flames.
Compared to the typical period for contemporary and antique houses, 1 hour is an impressively long time to withstand fire. On average, a modern home’s walls may be breached by fire in between 3 and 5 minutes. Homes constructed 30 years ago may endure, on average, 15–17 minutes.
The 1-hour fire rating of Stucco is important for two reasons. First, it gives you and your family more time to flee the building if there is a fire. Additionally, it indicates that your house can withstand the flames until the fire brigade arrives to put it out.
Protect Your Home From Fire
Stucco is a fantastic alternative if fire resistance is a feature you’re searching for in your home’s siding. Due to the non-combustible elements that make up Stucco, it can tolerate high temperatures and flame contact without igniting.
Despite being the most popular and affordable alternative, vinyl siding provides far less protection than Stucco. Conversely, stone and brick are more costly but provide the best protection. Along with stone and brick veneers, Stucco is in the middle and protects a fair price.
Stucco protects by having a 1-hour fire rating, which indicates that it typically takes 1 hour for the fire to penetrate a wall. This one has a far higher fire rating than most new houses.
Despite all of Stucco’s fire resistance, it’s crucial to keep in mind that most house fires originate from inside the building. Your house won’t be protected from such flames by Stucco. However, it can shield it from the fire that starts outside your home.
CMB East Brunswick Stucco & EIFS Repair
Your neighborhood stucco exterior installer is CMB East Brunswick Stucco & EIFS Repair Since 1985, we have been in the stucco industry and have established a reputation for trustworthy, honest work. For a free quote on your next stucco project job, contact us right now.
