What kind of fire rating does stucco provide?

Stucco offers fire resistance. Fire resistance is typically classified by a fire rating, and it depends on multiple factors that directly influence the answer. Stucco (Portland cement-based plaster), has long been and continues to be a popular choice for finishes on buildings throughout the US and much of the world. It allows for a wide expression of aesthetics, is a cost-effective finish, is durable in all types of climates, and offers additional fire resistance. Fire resistance is typically classified by a fire rating, but what kind of fire rating does stucco provide?

Things that influence the fire rating of you stucco include the type of material used for the support member, size of the support member, presence/absence and type of exterior sheathing, aggregate in the plaster mix, presence/absence of insulation, presence/absence of interior wall finishing materials (gypsum wallboard, etc.) and thickness of the member. The type of member—wall, partition, ceiling, or other, and member classification (load bearing(LB) or non-load bearing (NLB)) also influences the rating.

In 1991, the Foundation of the Wall and Ceiling Industry published a reference guide on portland cement-based plaster/stucco systems used for fire protection, the Single Source Document on Fire-Rated Portland Cement-Based Plaster Assemblies. Designers, specifiers, building code officials, contractors, and the general public are the intended audience. The information contained therein is “not intended as design or installation criteria,” but can help people determine how to assess their assemblies using the referenced publications, fire test reports, industry standards, and codes.

For example, a typical residential application might be a three-coat system of plaster over 2-by-4-inch wood studs using metal lath attached to the studs, either with or without a layer of sheathing, like plywood. On the interior side would be a layer of gypsum board.

The detail for a system made with these components is assigned a one-hour fire rating based on 1988 Uniform Building Code information**

———-

**The 1988 Uniform Building Code (UBC) was published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) as the model code for the Western United States. It was adopted by the state of California as the “State of California 1989 Amendments to the 1988 Uniform Building Code” effective July 1st, 1989.

Stucco is a durable material that can last for centuries, but it does require some maintenance. Over time, the color can fade and the stucco can crack. That’s where Nurse Stucco comes in. We’re experts in stucco repair and complete restucco, and we can match the color and texture of your existing stucco or completely change to new colors and textures.

Nurse Stucco is here for you! If you have additional questions about the stucco on your home, please give us a call at (619) 561-7429 or contact us through our web Contact Form. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction and are consistently rated A+ by the San Diego BBB, as well as receiving consistently high ratings from our Home Advisor and Yelp customers.

If you are ready to work with the best stucco company in San Diego give us a call to set up a free estimate!