Lathing

Lathing is the first step of a new stucco project. Lathing not only protects against moisture intrusion to the framing of the house, it also ensures a sturdy support system for new stucco work. The lathing process itself includes several steps. These steps include: installing weep screeds, 60 minute waterproofing paper, lath wire, corner aids. Weep screed is a lath accessory that aids in expelling moisture at the bottom of a wall as well as prevent water from wicking up the wall. The weep screed is installed at the foundation line along the house, a minimum of 2” above paved or 4” above graded surface. Weep screed comes in a variety of metals, including copper, galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum and zinc.60-minute paper, this is a needed barrier between the framing of the house and any outside moisture. The 60-minute paper is highly resistant to water. It is installed against the exterior framing of the house in a layered fashion, from the bottom of a wall to the top, creating a trickle down for water or moisture.Lath wire is simply the chicken wire that holds up stucco. The wire comes in several different gauges and styles. The lath wire is installed using galvanized nails, dog ear nails, and/or staples.Corner aids are use to give strength to the corner of an area and to allow for the stucco to grab onto the area with greater ease.