Why To Provide Control Joints in Cement Plaster
Why To Provide Control Joints in Cement Plaster
Why To Provide Control Joints in Cement Plaster
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TECHNICAL DOCUMENT
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NWCB
Control joints are used in portland cement plaster (stucco) to alleviate the stresses that can cause a brittle cement plaster membrane to crack. The installation of control joints are recommended by the NWCB and required by ASTM C 1063. However, there are no building code requirements to install control joints in a stucco system. The NWCB is often asked to assist in the placement of control joints on stucco projects. The NWCB has some standard recommendations and try to stay to these recommendations as much as possible (refer to the NWCB Stucco Resource Guide). It is important to determine the type of building and expectations of the owners/designers when deciding how many control joints to install. For example, many owners feel a French country or English style homes might not look right with control joints and minor hairline cracks would be acceptable and expected for these style buildings. The NWCB strongly recommends the use of control joints with multi-level wood framed buildings. In single-family homes, the NWCB is much more relaxed on the recommendations for control joints. We have seen homes from California to Canada with no control joints perform very well. It should also be noted that using control joints is not a guarantee against hairline cracks. Typical locations to consider locating control joints are: Corners of doors and windows
Designers, contractors and owners should communicate desires and concerns when deciding where and if to install control joints. If no control joints are desired, there are steps the contractors can take to help minimize potential cracking (refer to NWCB Technical Document PCP-628 Limiting Cracks in Stucco). One idea that may assist designers/contractors in minimizing the negative impact of cracks in stucco, is to
have the areas most visible and typically the most concern for building owners is to have the entry area receive a trowel applied mesh over the brown coat prior to applying finish coat. For more information and definitions between control and expansion joints, refer to the NWCB Technical Document 600-605 Stress Control for Portland Cement Plaster Systems.
This technical document is to serve as a guideline and it is not intended for any specific construction projects. The NWCB makes no express or implied warranty or guarantee of the techniques, construction methods or materials identified herein.
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