HYBRID STUCCO SYSTEM

Abstract

A hybrid stucco system includes a substrate, a weather barrier membrane, a polyisocyanurate board, an alkali resistant fiberglass mesh, a base coat, and a finish coat. The polyisocyanurate board is a high-density, closed-cell, rigid foam insulation board having a high R-value. The alkali resistant fiberglass mesh, in some examples, features a zirconia content of at least 19%. The alkali resistant fiberglass mesh may be pre-lathed onto the polyisocyanurate board during manufacture or otherwise coupled together by wide crown staples prior to entering the field. The base coat includes portland cement, acrylics, fibers, pozzolans, silica sands, and pumice. The base coat features a consistency that is easily applied to the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh and cures smoothly within one hour, in preparation to receive the finish coat.

Claims

1. A hybrid stucco system, comprising: a substrate; a polyisocyanurate board; an alkali resistant fiberglass mesh; a base coat; and a finish coat.

2. The hybrid stucco system of claim 1, wherein the substrate is plywood or oriented strand board.

3. The hybrid stucco system of claim 1, wherein the polyisocyanurate board is a closed-cell, rigid foam board.

4. The hybrid stucco system of claim 3, wherein the polyisocyanurate board has a density rated at or above 80 PSI.

5. The hybrid stucco system of claim 1, wherein the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh is pre-lathed onto the polyisocyanurate board prior to installation.

6. The hybrid stucco system of claim 1, wherein the base coat comprises portland cement, acrylics, fibers, pozzolans, silica sands, and pumice.

7. The hybrid stucco system of claim 1, wherein the finish coat comprises elastomeric compounds.

8. The hybrid stucco system of claim 7, wherein the elastomeric compounds comprise an acrylic polymer or silicone-modified acrylic.

9. The hybrid stucco system of claim 8, wherein the elastomeric compounds further comprise colorants, minerals, and aggregates.

10. A hybrid stucco system, comprising: a substrate comprising plywood or oriented strand board; a polyisocyanurate board comprising closed-cell, rigid foam having a density rated at or above 80 PSI; an alkali resistant fiberglass mesh coupled to the polyisocyanurate board prior to installation; a base coat comprising portland cement, acrylics, fibers, pozzolans, silica sands, and pumice; and a finish coat comprising an elastomeric compound.

11. The hybrid stucco system of claim 10, wherein the elastomeric compound comprises an acrylic polymer or silicone-modified acrylic.

12. The hybrid stucco system of claim 10, wherein the elastomeric compound further comprises colorants, minerals, and aggregates.

13. A method of installing a hybrid stucco system, comprising: installing a weep screed and a weather barrier membrane to a substrate; installing a polyisocyanurate board, the polyisocyanurate board comprising an alkali resistant fiberglass mesh coupled thereto and facing away from the framing; securing the polyisocyanurate board to the substrate using mechanical fasteners; applying a base coat to the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh and polyisocyanurate board; applying water to cure the base coat; applying a finish coat to the base coat.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein after the step of securing the polyisocyanurate board to the substrate using mechanical fasteners, securing an alkali resistant glass fiber joint aid to joints of the polyisocyanurate board.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein after the step of securing the polyisocyanurate board to the substrate using mechanical fasteners, securing a joint aid to corners of windows, doors, and other openings.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the base coat is inch thick and applied using a darby, float, or other hand implement to evenly spread the base coat within dips and recesses.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the polyisocyanurate board is a closed-cell, rigid foam board.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the polyisocyanurate board has a density rated at or above 80 PSI.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh comprises at least 19% zirconia.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the mechanical fasteners are wide crown staples.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates various layers of one embodiment of a hybrid stucco system;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates polyisocyanurate board, joint aid, a base coat with embedded fiberglass mesh, and a finish coat of a hybrid stucco system;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates polyisocyanurate board and corner/joint aid of a hybrid stucco system; and

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates polyisocyanurate board, fiberglass mesh, and a base coat of a hybrid stucco system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to the invention is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to one embodiment, an embodiment, various embodiments, and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase in one embodiment, or in an embodiment, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

[0017] Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

[0018] Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article a is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term or denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

[0019] It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0020] The term coupled may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, coupled may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

[0021] The terms comprising, including, having, and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as open terms (e.g., the term including should be interpreted as including, but not limited to, the term having should be interpreted as having at least, the term includes should be interpreted as includes, but is not limited to, etc.).

[0022] As previously discussed, there is a need for a stucco-based system that reduces labor costs and the overall completion time, provides better impact resistance, prevents cracks and waves within the finished surface, and is aesthetically appealing-all at comparable costs to existing solutions. To accomplish these goals, an insulation board is needed with increased impact resistance, sound absorption, and long-lasting performance that is fire, insect, mold, and mildew resistant. Furthermore, a base coat with higher tensile strength and adhesion is required that will not shrink or crack, is fast setting yet workable and pumpable with minimal water curing, is resistant to harsh chemicals, salts, and freeze cycles, and is able to receive the finish coat the same day. The hybrid stucco system disclosed herein addresses these problems and others within the industry.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, a hybrid stucco system 100 comprises a substrate 102, a weather barrier membrane 104, a polyisocyanurate board 106, an alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108, a base coat 110, and a finish coat 112. The substrate 102 may be plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), or other structural members that provide a solid backing upon which each subsequent layer of the hybrid stucco system 100 may be assembled. While not required, in some embodiments not depicted herein, the hybrid stucco system 100 may further comprise a weep screed. The weep screed may comprise a J-shaped square nose trim, a casing bead, a metal flashing (e.g., galvanized steel), or plaster stop that holds the substrate 102 and each subsequent layer of the hybrid stucco system 100 together and is configured to release moisture trapped between the layers. The weep screed is couplable to a base of the substrate 102 that extends along a base of the hybrid stucco system 100. The weep screed acts as a barrier to prevent moisture from being absorbed and retained by the framing of the walls and prevents excessive moisture from pooling along a bottom of the hybrid stucco system 100 and contributing to potential structural damage to the framing caused by rot, mold, and mildew.

[0024] The weather barrier membrane 104 may be two-ply tarpaper, Tyvek stucco wrap, or other liquid-applied coatings, papers, films, or other code-approved weather barriers. The weather barrier membrane 104, in some embodiments, may comprise a grooved surface with cavities or gaps configured to act as a drainage plane within the hybrid stucco system 100. While the finish coat 112 should enable water to run off the exterior of the hybrid stucco system 100, internal drainage properties of the weather barrier membrane 104 provide a secondary means of protection against water damage and subsequent cracking or warping. The weather barrier membrane 104 adheres to the substrate 102 and polyisocyanurate board 106, providing a barrier that prevents water trickling in behind the hybrid stucco system 100 but also allows any water vapor that may permeate the system to escape via apertures in the weep screed. In some embodiments, a rainscreen may be coupled between the weather barrier membrane 104 and the polyisocyanurate board 106 for additional water resistance.

[0025] The polyisocyanurate board 106 is a closed-cell, rigid foam insulation board. In a preferred embodiment, though without limitation, the polyisocyanurate board 106 has a 201b density (or other density) rated at or above 80 PSI. It will be appreciated that polyisocyanurate boards 106 have among the highest R-value (i.e., resistance to heat flow) per inch (e.g., R-5 per inch) of any foam board available on the market. In some embodiments, the polyisocyanurate may be a high-density polyisocyanurate board 106 similar to those used in the commercial roofing industry. It will be appreciated that use of the polyisocyanurate board 106 in place of expanded polystyrene foam boards and/or gypsum boards, as known in the prior art, overcomes susceptibility to expansion and contraction of the board in response to ambient, external temperatures. When used, for example, with dark exterior colors and/or in hot climates, polystyrene foam boards can melt underneath EIFS during periods of intense sun exposure. The plasticity of those boards on the inside of a stucco system thereby leads to gradual degradation that, over time, contributes to cracking and warping in the surface layers of the laminate.

[0026] Alternatively, in the prior art, cement backer boards (e.g., Hardiebacker) similar to those used for tile flooring and walls were incorporated due to their high R-value. While the cement backer boards had superior impact resistance over EIFS, the use of existing base coats known in the prior art with these cement backer boards led to exposed board joints that weakened the final finish and aesthetics of previous systems. In contrast, the polyisocyanurate board 106 features high density fibers that are resilient against deformation, thereby strengthening the laminate against cracking and warping. The polyisocyanurate board 106 is thus resistant to the expansion and contraction that occurs in polystyrene foam boards and gypsum boards and enables easier application of the base coat 110 as compared to cement backer boards.

[0027] It will further be appreciated that the polyisocyanurate board 106 is chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) free, which has both zero ozone depletion potential and zero global warming potential. Moreover, the polyisocyanurate board 106 will not rust or corrode under the harsh alkali conditions of cement or other potential base coat 110 materials.

[0028] In some embodiments, the hybrid stucco system 100 may further comprise expansion and termination joints configured to further prevent the base coat 110 and the finishing coat of the laminate from either cracking or warping. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-3, a four-inch joint aid (e.g., wire) 114 may be tacked on all of the joints and each of the corners of the polyisocyanurate board 106. A corner/joint aid 114 may also be coupled to one or more of the outside corners to reinforce the polyisocyanurate board 106. In some embodiments, the polyisocyanurate board 106 may comprise a mineral wool barrier on the side of the polyisocyanurate board 106 that faces towards the substrate 102. The mineral wool barrier adds breathability insulation value, acoustical absorption and blocking properties, and acts as a fire barrier.

[0029] The alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 comprises high zirconia alkali-resistant glass fibers that, in preferred embodiments, though without limitation, have a zirconia (ZrO.sub.2) content of at least 19%. The alkali resistance of glass fiber when used as a reinforcing material for cement is determined by the ZrO.sub.2 content in the glass. The higher the ZrO.sub.2 content, the greater the alkali resistance. A ZrO.sub.2 content of at least 19% is made possible by its original glass composition as well as by a direct melt method using an all-electric furnace. In preferred embodiments, though without limitation, the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 has a density of 170 pcf, a fiber diameter of 0.00053 inches, a tensile strength of more than 1.8510.sup.3 psi, a Young's Modulus of 1.110.sup.7 psi, and a strain of more than 1.5%. Alkali resistivity for the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 may exhibit weight loss of 0.85% and tensile strength retention of 75%.

[0030] E-type glass fiber, for comparison, features weight loss of 10.5% and tensile strength retention of 14%. The weight loss rate percentage of a strand is determined as held at 176 F for 200 hours in saturated cement solution. The tensile strength retention rate percentage of cement paste applied to a strand is determined as held at 122 F for 300 hours in 100% RH. The alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh undergoes significantly less weight loss and demonstrates significantly more tensile strength as compared to common electrical glass with E-type glass fibers. These properties enable the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 to provide more structural support to the polyisocyanurate board 106 and the hybrid stucco system 100 as a whole such that cracks and waves in the laminate are less frequent. However, it will be appreciated that while alkali resistant glass fiber is preferred, other fibers and fiberglass coatings may be used without departing herefrom. In some embodiments, the fiberglass 108 is -inch to 1 and -inch thick, although other thicknesses may also be used.

[0031] While EIFS requires that mesh be either glued or screwed onto an insulation board in the field, which necessitates added labor and expense to the overall project, the polyisocyanurate board 106, in contrast, may be coupled together with the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 via pneumatic or mechanical fasteners 114 (e.g., wide crown staples or roofing nails) before entering the field (e.g., during manufacture and production). In some embodiments, the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 may be pre-lathed or otherwise laminated onto the polyisocyanurate board 106. In some embodiments, the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 is embedded into the base coat 110 on a surface of the polyisocyanurate board 106. In one non-limiting example, the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 of about 4 oz or greater may be embedded into the base coat 110 onto the surface of the polyisocyanurate board 106. However, in a light duty application, such as a ceiling or soffit, the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 may be applied at foam joints only and then the base coat 110 can be applied directly to the polyisocyanurate board 106. The alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 may be tacked on with R-19 tacker staples prior to applying the base coat 110 or spread the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 directly into the base coat 110.

[0032] The alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 enables the polyisocyanurate board 106 to be coupled to the weather barrier membrane and the substrate 102 with conventional wide crown staples 114. This process results in fewer perforations to the weather-resistive barrier than installations using screws, thereby preserving the integrity of the weather-resistive barrier. The use of staples 114 is also inexpensive compared to the use of screws, adhesives, and/or washers, resulting in significant savings. In some instances, the use of staples may cost 1/10.sup.th the price of screws, adhesives, and/or washers. The alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 also improves the impact resistance and the tensile strength of the hybrid stucco system 100, which preserves it against impacts from foreign objects such as hail, golf balls, etc. Furthermore, the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 acts as a mechanical key for the base coat 110 to more firmly hold onto.

[0033] In the prior art, the need in EIFS to glue on an insulation board necessitates the accompanying use of a liquid applicable weather barrier. The liquid applicable weather barrier is more expensive and time consuming to install than using either Tyvek stucco wrap or two-ply tarpaper for the weather-resistive barrier as taught in the current disclosure. Furthermore, EIFS has an inherently low impact resistance without also incorporating a high impact mesh in the field. Installation of this mesh in the field, however, significantly increases the costs of labor and is prone to human error. In the hybrid stucco system 100, the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 may be preinstalled or otherwise manufactured together as a single unit before ever entering the field, thus reducing the necessary installation time and associated labor costs on the job site. It will also be appreciated that the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 has three times more tensile strength than steel but can be cut by workers with a razor blade, facilitating ease of use in the field, especially to fit around tight corners and smaller, piecemeal surface areas on a wall.

[0034] The base coat 110 may comprise portland-based cement modified with a blend of acrylics, fibers, pozzolans, silica sands, pumice, and other additives to give the base coat 110 a consistency that is workable, with good body, easily applied, and that can be spread throughout the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh, in preparation to receive the finish coat. Prior to application, water may be mixed with the base coat 110 by using a power-drive mechanical mixer, such as a mortar mixer, to achieve a lump free, uniform consistency, usually within 1-3 minutes. It will be appreciated that the glass fiber reinforced concrete exhibits non-shrink, fast-setting properties that enable the base coat 110, upon mixture, to set within one hour. Once the base coat 110 is applied, it is darbied and floated to achieve a smooth, flat wall. After the base coat 110 cures for two more hours, the finish coat 112 can be applied on the same day to complete the hybrid stucco system 100. The hybrid stucco system 100 does not require water-curing, allowing for a much faster cure and therefore is ready for color coating much sooner.

[0035] It will be appreciated that this stucco assembly process is faster than EIFS, hard coat systems, or any other system in the industry. The base coat 110 has 70% less shrinkage than Portland based cement, higher flexural strength, as well as compressive strengths 14 times greater than traditional hard coat stucco systems. The base coat 110 is configured to bond directly to not only the polyisocyanurate board 106, but also the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108, which, in some embodiments, has been previously coupled together with staples 114. Accordingly, the base coat 110 becomes embedded with the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 which is mechanically coupled to the wall.

[0036] In prior art, a calcium-sulfoaluminate cement, known as rapid-set cement, was used. While the faster curing process was intended to reduce the overall installation time, the rapid-set cement contributed to a hard and brittle base coat susceptible to extensive cracks and waves. In practice, the wall would begin to set up before being properly leveled by the plasterer, making the base coat difficult to work with. The rapid setting nature of the calcium-sulfoaluminate cement further led to wasted product when not immediately used in the field.

[0037] Accordingly, the base coat 110, as described, is also easier to work with when using a darby, float, or other hand implement to evenly spread around the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 and polyisocyanurate board 106. In contrast, existing base coats known in the prior art are difficult to adequately spread along the insulation board in order to cover the joints and create a professional looking finish. The joints of the insulation board are, instead, often visible through the finish coat, depreciating the final aesthetic quality of other systems.

[0038] Existing base coats are very droopy and would slide off the wall in the thicker areas if attempted to be used with the present hybrid stucco system 100. Likewise, existing base coats are also gummy such that they would stick to the tools and would not be floatable. For these reasons and more, the rasping phase of EIFS is particularly labor intensive. Here, instead of rasping, a screeding device such as a 3-foot trowel or darby can be used to spread the base coat 110 around the surface of the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 and polyisocyanurate board 106. In other words, the base coat 110 can be darbied to fill in low points within dips and recessed areas of the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108, rather than rasping off high points. This method can be ten times faster than current EIFS and hard coat system alternatives. Overall, the consistency and texture of the base coat 110 fills in the spaces surrounding the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 to create a more uniform distribution and covering in preparation to receive the finish coat 112. The base coat 110 can further be brushed, floated, troweled, or textured as desired and colorants may be added to the base coat 110 to achieve a one coat application.

[0039] The finish coat 112 may comprise an acrylic polymer, silicone-modified acrylic, or other elastomeric compounds known in the art. The finish coat 112 may further comprise added colorants, minerals, and/or aggregates therein. While the finish coat 112 may be comparable to other finish coats in the prior art, the final appearance of the laminate in the hybrid stucco system 100 is much flatter and smoother than other stucco-based systems. Better coverage with the finish coat 112 is achieved, in part, due to the flatter base coat 110. This may result in improved overall coverage equating to more than a 20% savings on the application of the finish coat 112. While the hybrid stucco system 100 is discussed in relation to wall assemblies, it will be appreciated that the hybrid stucco system 100 may also be used to create castings, concrete counter tops, stucco and concrete repairs, mortar beds, underlayments, and formed work. It is further suitable for horizontal, vertical, and overhead applications.

[0040] The hybrid stucco system 100 addresses current and future concerns in the construction industry related to efficient energy use and environmental sustainability. ASHRAE Standard 90.1 is the energy reference in the International Building Code and the International Energy Conservation Code that defines the minimum standards for the classes of construction covered by this disclosure. In 2008, ASHRAE increased the minimum required prescriptive R-value for roof and wall installations because without continuous wall insulation, a building envelope has an insulation break at every stud wherein the traditional wall insulation is unable to be placed, thus jeopardizing the building energy efficiency and certification. This is especially critical in a steel stud wall assembly wherein the steel is a conductor of heat.

[0041] As codes and standards continue along the trend line promulgated by regulatory bodies, it is anticipated that future versions of ASHRAE standards will require the installation of a layer of continuous insulation over the entire exterior of all walls within both residential and commercial construction. This requirement will provide for a thermal break and R-value of 5 or greater for the structure-making the building significantly more airtight and energy efficient, as compared to prior construction. The hybrid stucco system 100 will help conserve energy by increasing resistance to heat flow across the hybrid stucco system 100. It will be appreciated that the hybrid stucco system 100 will also likely meet or exceed future industry standards and thereby potentially qualify for available energy tax credits, LEED points, and/or Energy Star product ratings.

[0042] In some embodiments, a method of assembling a hybrid stucco system 100 comprises installing a weep screed and a weather barrier membrane 104 in accordance with manufacturer's installation instructions and local code requirements. When installed directly to studs, a polyisocyanurate board 106 is then installed vertically along a longitudinal plane of the hybrid stucco system 100 with sheathing edges bearing directly on framing members. Vertical edges of abutting panels should be in moderate contact with each other, and horizontal joints should be avoided unless sheathing edges bear on horizontal framing members or the wall has already been sheeted. A side of the polyisocyanurate board 106 comprising an alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 is positioned to face away from framing. The method further comprises securing the polyisocyanurate board 106 to substrate 102 and framing using, without limitation, diameter head galvanized roofing nails or galvanized ( inch minimum) wide crown staples 114 that are long enough to penetrate framing a minimum of -inch. For metal stud applications, galvanized metal screws with a minimum -inch diameter pan head may be used, but no mechanical fastener 114 should penetrate the sheathing facer. Mechanical fasteners 114 may be spaced at 6 inches intervals on center in both a field and perimeter of the polyisocyanurate board 106.

[0043] In some embodiments, an alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 may then be coupled to joints of the polyisocyanurate board 106. A butterfly mesh or joint aid 114 as shown in FIGS. 2-3, in some embodiments, may then then coupled at corners 113 of windows, doors, other openings, etc. A one-fourth inch layer (or other amount) of a base coat 110 is then applied to the polyisocyanurate board 106 using a darby, float, or other hand implement to evenly spread around the base coat 110 within dips and recessed areas of the alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 and polyisocyanurate board 106. After being smoothed out, the base coat 110 is allowed to cure to ensure proper strength gain. Upon curing, a desired finish coat 112 is then applied over the base coat 110. As understood in FIG. 2, the base coat 110 comprises the fiberglass mesh 108 embedded therein, so the fiberglass mesh 108 is not separately visible in this illustration.

[0044] As described earlier, there is a need for a stucco-based system that reduces labor costs and overall completion timelines, provides better impact resistance, prevents cracks and waves within the finished surface, and is aesthetically appealing, all at comparable costs to existing solutions. The hybrid stucco system 100 uses higher density board (e.g., 80+ PSI vs. 20 PSI in the art), is capable of using wide crown staples or roofing nails to secure the board 106 to structure, eliminates the need to attach mesh to insulation boards while in the field, and circumvents the rasping phase of a base coat by utilizing the buildable adhesive base coat 110 that remains workable. The hybrid stucco system 100 also enables application of the finish coat 112 on the same day as the base coat 110, thereby reducing the water curing phase and significantly reducing associated labor and materials costs. In addition, use of the polyisocyanurate board 106 and alkali resistant fiberglass mesh 108 further strengthens the wall assembly and prevents cracks and waves in the finished surface. Accordingly, the hybrid stucco system 100 disclosed herein solves the aforementioned problems in the art by being faster and easier to apply, reducing cracks, resulting in a flatter, smoother appearance, while remaining at a competitive cost, among others.

[0045] It will be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

[0047] Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.