FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Norma S. Fox
(949) 640-9902
info@stuccomfgassoc.com

STUCCO MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION OFFERS TECHNICAL INFORMATION ON EFFLORESCENCE IN 3-COAT STUCCO

May 20, 2003 -- Newport Beach, CA --The Stucco Manufacturers Association (SMA) announces the availability of technical information on efflorescence in Portland cement plaster finishes, or 3-coat stucco. Efflorescence is the crystalline deposit, usually white, that may develop on the surface of integrally colored exterior Portland cement plaster finishes. The SMA technical bulletin on efflorescence includes information on causes, prevention and remedies, and how to set consumer expectations about the process. It is available by e-mailing info@stuccomfgassoc.com.

Efflorescence often occurs during periods of damp, wet and cold weather. It may also occur after the fog-coating process due to the additional moisture added to the wall. Efflorescence can originate from materials used in plaster mix (i.e., cement, sand, lime, stucco and water) which contain water-soluble salts.

Efflorescence typically occurs right after the completion of the building project, but this is not a definite rule. Efflorescence can occur and reoccur at anytime as long as the conditions for its manifestation are not eliminated or reduced from the exterior wall in question.

Efflorescence is not normally due to application or faulty materials. Efflorescence forms on or below the surface of the cementitious types of material, such as concrete, brick and stucco, resulting from the deposit of water-soluble mineral salts. The amount and nature of the salt deposits may vary considerably, depending upon their character and source. Some alkaline salts are more water-soluble than others and originate from "collective sources."

In addition to the technical bulletin on efflorescence, SMA offers a variety of educational materials to the building industry including care and maintenance guidelines; guidelines regarding stucco cracks, and a resource guide that covers developing construction documents (drawings and specifications) for a 3-coat stucco project, standards for 3-coat stucco systems work, and related general construction practices and recommendations. For more information, visit www.stuccomfgassoc.com.

# # #

Note to editors: The efflorescence technical bulletin and product photos of 3-coat stucco are available upon request