​Whether you want to install stucco or maintain it, hire a stucco contractor for the job. An experienced stucco contractor in Airdrie brings specialized skills to the table. They know their stuff. A professional uses time-tested method to ensure stucco adheres properly and lasts years.
 
All stucco contractors are not created equal. Many contractors make tall claims, but fail to fulfill their promises. When looking for a stucco contractor, steer clear of self-proclaimed experts who lack the knowledge to install and maintain stucco properly.
 
Ask the contractor you are considering these questions to determine if they deserve your trust. 

​To earn their license, stucco contractors must demonstrate their expertise and pass skill assessment tests. Licensed contractors are expected to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date. When you hire a licensed stucco contractor, you can rest assured that the professional has the ability required to manage your project from start to finish.
 
Make sure the contractor you are considering is insured. If you hire an uninsured contractor and someone on their team gets injured while working on your property, you may be held liable for damages. When you hire an insured contractor, on the other hand, their insurance provider, not you, pays treatment costs if someone on the contractor’s team meets with an accident and sustains injuries while working on your property. 

​You will want to hire a contractor who has first-hand experience of stucco remediation and installation, instead of a newcomer. Cracking, crumbling, rotting…an experienced contractor has seen it all and can come up with cost-effective and long-term solutions to stucco problems. 

​A reputable stucco contractor with a proven track record of excellence will be more than happy to provide client references. If a contractor does not provide client references after your repeated requests, walk away. Do not take everything that a contractor claims on face value. Once a contractor provides you their reference list, call up their customers. Ask them if
 

• They’re satisfied with the end result
• The project was delivered on-time and on-budget. If not, why?
• The contractor used sub-contractors. How was their experience working with them?
• The contractor provided them with an estimate and explained all the costs to them
• The contractor’s crew cleaned the site after work 

​Different warranties cover different things. Instead of assuming things, take the time to understand what your warrant does and doesn’t cover. Find out what can void your warranty.  

​Ask your stucco contractor to explain the stucco remediation process they follow so you can undertake the necessary preparations.
 
Do-All Stucco & Stone is committed to helping homeowners maintain their stucco in tip top shape all year round. Our experts know the ins and outs of repairing soffit & fascia in Leduc. To schedule stucco maintenance, call 403-588-5306. 

​Plaster is a popular building material. It is used for covering the rough surfaces of walls, ceilings, columns and other building components. The most common types of plaster usually contain lime, cement or gypsum.  From durability to low thermal conductivity, there are several benefits of plaster. Plaster gives an elegant finish to walls. When used for decorative purposes, plaster can help improve the aesthetic appeal of houses.
 
Defects can occur in plastering over time. If you fail to address plastering defects, your wall can turn into an eyesore.  Also, your plaster may shrink or crack prematurely.
 
Here are some common plastering defects every homeowner should know about. 

​Blistering occurs when small patches of plaster swell out beyond the plastered surface. Blistering usually happens when plaster is not mixed properly. It generally affects the plastered surface inside buildings. To prevent blistering, make sure cement and other components are mixed together in the right proportion. 

​Common types of structural cracks that can occur in plaster include crazing, cracks with hollowness and separation cracks at joints. Crazing is characterized by a network of very fine cracks. They usually do not extend through the entire depth of plaster.  Crazing occurs when there is too much fine content in the plaster work.
 
Cracks with hollowness occur when the plaster is too hollow or there is extra water in it. Poor workmanship can also lead to these cracks. Separation cracks commonly occur at joints of two different materials such as RCC and brickwork. Cracks can be avoided by ensuring proper curing of the plaster. Add the right amount of water to mortar to achieve the desired workability. 

​Efflorescence appears as white alkaline salts on the surface. It occurs when soluble salts are present in plastering materials and building materials such as cement and/or sand. Even water used for construction can contain soluble salts. Efflorescence can lead to damp walls, causing serious problems. Before plastering a wall, make sure that the surface is completely dry and plastering materials do not contain salts. 

​This defect can occur in two ways-flaking and peeling. Flaking happens when a small loose mass forms on the plastered surface. It results from bond failure between successive coats of plaster. Peeling occurs when the plaster from a small portion of the surface comes off, resulting in a patch. Flaking and peeling can be prevented by ensuring proper surface preparation.

Popping is the formation of conical holes in the plastered surface. It occurs when contaminants such as burnt lime or organic materials are present in the mortar mix.
 
Is your plaster blistering bubbling? Let Do-All Stucco & Stone help. Our pros have years of experience restoring and repairing plaster. We also specialize in stucco painting in Calgary. To schedule stucco remediation in Calgary, call 403-588-5306. 

What Are Soffit and Fascia Boards?In Latin, fascia means a band or strip of material. A fascia board is a thin longboard that runs along the lower edge of the roof and covers the roofline. A soffit board is installed to cover the underside of the roof overhang.
 
Traditional fascia and soffit boards are made of wood or aluminum. Soffit and fascia boards manufactured these days generally utilize vinyl or PVC for enhanced durability and ease of maintenance. Though soffit and fascia in Wetaskiwin are rarely visible from the street, they serve an important purpose. 

The Importance of Soffit and FasciaYour soffit and fascia provide a smooth finish to your roofline. They hide your rafters and the interior structure of your roofing system and can boost the curb appeal of your property. Soffit and fascia boards are available in a variety of styles. It should not be difficult to find a soffit and fascia board that complements the design of your home.
 
Moisture in your attic is a recipe for disaster. It can cause a whole host of problems such as mold growth, wood rot, and structural problems. Soffit can help control moisture in your attic. Soffit has little holes in it. These holes are specifically designed to help air pass in and out of your attic.
 
By improving air circulation, your soffit helps remove excess heat and moisture from your home. In winter, your soffit prevents heat in your home from escaping so your HVAC does not have to work harder and longer to keep it warm and cozy.
 
Fascia prevents water from entering the attic by sealing the edge of the roof. It also blocks entry points for pesky pests such as squirrels, insects and rats.

How Do Soffit and Fascia Boards Get Damaged?The most common culprit behind soffit and fascia damage is clogged gutters. When your gutters become clogged with debris such as leaves, remnants of bird nests, pebbles and twigs, rainwater has nowhere to go. It pours over your soffit and across your fascia before making its way to your exterior walls. This causes the roofline to degrade prematurely. Some other common causes of soffit and fascia damage include age-related deterioration, inclement weather and excess humidity.

Signs of Soffit and Fascia DamageHere are some signs your soffit and fascia are damaged and need to be repaired or replaced.
 

• Peeling, cracking, fading or flaking paint
• Ventilation problems
• Leaky, overflowing or damaged rain gutters
• Unsightly patches or streaks on trim boards and siding
• Pest problems
• Your energy bill has been going up

 
Whether you want to install soffit and fascia or need help taking care of your soffit and fascia, Do-All Stucco & Stone has got you covered. If you are confused between different soffit and fascia materials, we can help you weigh their pros and cons, paving the way for better decision-making. To get a quote for your Wetaskiwin stucco painting project, call 403-588-5306.

Stucco is a stylized siding option. It is made of a mixture of Portland cement, water, lime and sand. These materials combine to create a durable substance that stands the test of time. Stucco adds a textured finish to walls. It is available in a variety of colors and textures. Exterior stucco contractors near you apply stucco in multiple coats over a lath sheathing.
 
There are two types of stucco systems – one-coat stucco and three-coat stucco. One-coat stucco is a blend of special proprietary chemicals, Portland cement, water, sand and fibers. Three-coat stucco comprises a base layer or scratch coat, a fill layer or brown coat, and a finish layer usually called the color coat.
 
Here are some benefits of stucco.

DurabilityStucco is known for its durability. If installed and maintained properly, stucco outperforms many other popular building materials and also lasts longer. Stucco’s durability can be attributed to one of its ingredients – cement. Stucco has the unique ability to contract and expand as the weather changes. As a result, it does not crack due to changes in temperature. Stucco can be waterproofed to prevent mold and mildew growth. No wonder many potential home buyers prefer homes with stucco exteriors.

Fire-resistanceTwo main ingredients of stucco – sand and cement – naturally withstand fire and heat. Stucco does not catch fire when exposed to high temperatures.

Ease of MaintenanceOne of the biggest benefits of stucco is that it is considerably easier to maintain than many other popular building materials. It does not need to be regularly repainted and cleaned. To maintain your stucco, visually inspect it annually for holes, cracks and separations. Fix any cracks and holes in your stucco right away. Every once in a while, wash your stucco with a power washer. This will prevent dirt from building up.

VersatilityStucco can be applied to almost all kinds of surfaces including wooden surfaces, steel surfaces and concrete surfaces. It is also highly customizable. Because pigment joins the actual stucco mixture, numerous color possibilities exist.

Cost-effectivenessStucco does not use expensive materials and as a result, is one of the most affordable building materials available. A stucco siding does not need to be repainted often, lasts longer and does not need frequent repairs and can save you money on maintenance in the long run. Also, with stucco, you can expect to pay a lower insurance premium.

Adds Value to Your HomeWhen installed properly, stucco can increase home resale value. Stucco boosts curb appeal, has sound dampening qualities and is a low-maintenance material. Due to these benefits of stucco, many home buyers do not mind paying a little extra for stucco homes.
 
Do-All Stucco & Stone is a trusted stucco contractor serving Alberta, Calgary and surrounding areas. Our pros have years of experience designing, applying and remediating stucco. To learn more, call 403-588-5306.

Stone masonry in Calgary is the creation of sculptures, structures, and buildings using stones of irregular shapes and sizes. Stone is known for its timeless appeal, ease of maintenance and durability. Some of the oldest monuments such as the Taj Mahal, the Egyptian Pyramids, Angkor Wat and the Parthenoen are built of stone.

There are two broad categories of stone masonry:
 

• Rubble masonry, and
• Ashlar masonry

​

​Rubble masonry or rubblework utilizes undressed or crudely dressed rough stones. Because stones of irregular sizes are used in rubble masonry, it has wider joints than ashlar masonry.

​Dry rubble masonry is the most basic type of rubble masonry. In this type of masonry, no mortar is used. Stones are laid in a specific pattern to avoid large joints, especially large vertical joints.

​Random rubble masonry utilizes undressed stones or hammer-dressed stones. Stones are carefully selected and placed in a specific pattern to distribute the pressure evenly over a wide area and avoid long vertical joints. The end result is an organized, yet rustic look. 

​This type of masonry uses hammer or chisel dressed stones. Square rubble masonry can either be coursed or uncoursed. In uncoursed square rubble masonry, stones are laid in rows with defined horizontal joints, whereas, in uncoursed square rubble masonry, stones are laid in a random pattern with no defined vertical or horizontal joints.

​Ashlar masonry utilizes finely dressed stones of the same size, shape and texture laid in place with cement or lime mortar. Pre-Cut and dressed stones have specific dimensions and height, which means stone contractors in Wetaskiwin have more control over the location and size of horizontal and vertical joints.

In rough tooled ashlar masonry, stones are first chisel dressed so they are smooth on the bed. Their faces of stones are rougned with a chisel or hammer to achieve a rustic look, while ensuring uniformity in size and shape. 

​Utilizes stones that are precisely cut to a specific shape and size. In fine tooled masonry, the mortar joints can be as thin as 1/8th of an inch. This type of masonry is expensive as it involves cutting stones precisely which requires specialized skill and focus.

​This type of masonry utilizes stones that are finely shaped into uniform blocks. The faces of stones are dressed to have a more uniform texture. A small bevel is added around the face of every stone. 

​Do-All Stucco & Stone is a renowned Red Deer stucco contractor. Our pros have years of experience performing different types of masonry work. To learn more, call 403-588-5306.