Author: Angelica Higgins

Stucco Adds Old World Flair to Your Home

Angelica Higgins Stucco Repair , , , , ,

Regularly check your Stucco Philadelphia walls for cracks and damage. Repairing them promptly can prevent water intrusion and save you money in the long run. Also, ensure proper drainage to minimize water damage.

Stucco

Lime plasters and washes keep buildings cool in summer, warm in winter, and are breathable. They are also hygienic, and have been used to combat cholera epidemics. Additionally, they provide a rich backdrop for a range of paints and can add visual intrigue to almost any space.

A lime based plaster can be made with a mix of different materials, including sand and aggregates. The choice of the aggregate has a significant effect on the final plaster and can help to control its consistency and finish. For example, a coarse grade of sand will produce a more course plaster and is best suited for base coats, while a fine grained sand will result in a more refined plaster suitable for top coats.

While the use of lime based materials is ancient, modern lime plasters are often modified to meet new requirements. These modifications can include the addition of fibres, fillers, and other chemicals to improve strength and durability. These new formulations also allow for the use of more pigments and are easier to clean. This is important because the adsorption of chemicals into the surface of the plaster can affect its longevity.

The earliest plasters known to man were lime based, and are believed to have been used in Jordan and Catalhoyuk around 7500 BC. These plasters were usually mixed with mud or clay, and could even contain sawdust. Later, these were replaced with a mixture of finely ground limestone and pozzolan.

The earliest lime based plasters were used to decorate surfaces such as walls and ceilings. They were tinted with mineral and vegetal pigments to achieve a range of colours. These colours were not only bright and vibrant but also long-lasting. For example, azurite and lapis lazuli – precious blue pigments – were often combined with lime for frescos, and this allowed the colour to last well over time.

Stucco is a durable material

Stucco is a long-lasting building material, especially when installed correctly. The materials used in stucco (cement, crushed marble and sand) are heavy-duty and therefore can resist weathering and impact damage better than vinyl or brick. In addition, stucco can be finished in a wide range of textures and colors. The result is a beautiful and durable exterior that will not require any additional maintenance, saving you money over time.

Another advantage of stucco is its insulating qualities. The cement, sand and marble create an air-sealed layer that is far more effective than vinyl or brick. This results in your heating and cooling systems working more efficiently, reducing energy costs. It also helps to prevent moisture problems, which can damage the structure of your home.

In addition, stucco is fungus-resistant. While this is not the only reason to choose this material for your home, it is a good one. Fungus is a common problem for many types of buildings and can be caused by the presence of organic matter, such as dirt or plant life.

The process of creating stucco is not without its challenges, however. It requires specialized application tools, a knowledge of the material and proper installation techniques. For this reason, it is best to hire a professional for the job. A contractor will not only be able to ensure the quality of work, but they will also provide a warranty and guarantee that the job will be done right.

Although stucco is a durable and attractive material, it is not impervious to water damage. A faulty drainage system can lead to water intrusion and moisture problems, which can cause cracks and discoloration. Consequently, you should regularly inspect your stucco to spot any damage and repair it promptly.

One way to avoid moisture problems is by using an EIFS cladding, which is a barrier that can be applied over the existing stucco. This consists of a layer of insulation board that is fastened to the base of your stucco with adhesive or screws. The barrier produces a moisture-resistant surface, and is connected to the underlying stucco with drainage channels.

It is easy to install

The process of applying stucco to a wall is very easy and requires only basic tools. However, it’s important to understand what the process entails before you start. This will help you avoid problems that can lead to costly mistakes and repairs down the line.

The first step is to prepare the wall. This includes removing existing siding, repairing cracks, and addressing any other damage on the surface of the wall. It’s also important to ensure that any electrical penetrations are properly sealed, including light fixtures, weatherproof receptacles, and cable TV boxes. You should also consider installing a moisture barrier to prevent water infiltration, which is vital in climates with high rainfall and humidity.

You’ll need to apply a bonding agent or stucco wrap before applying the scratch coat. This will enhance adhesion and reduce the likelihood of future cracking. In addition, you’ll want to use a joint reinforcement tape in high-stress areas like expansion joints. It’s best to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for detailed instructions and specific products.

Once the preparation is complete, it’s time to mix the stucco. The mixture should be a creamy, workable consistency that can be easily molded with your trowel. You can add additives to the mixture to improve flexibility, workability, and adhesion. However, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for mixing ratios.

Once the scratch coat has dried, it’s time to apply a brown coat. This coat will provide a color base, and you can smooth it out with a metal trowel or green sponge float. Lastly, you can add an acrylic finish coat to protect your stucco and give it a decorative touch. Adding a final layer will also increase the longevity of your stucco wall.

It is environmentally friendly

Stucco is a sustainable material that can be used to create a more environmentally friendly home. It has many advantages over other exterior finishes, including durability, low maintenance requirements, and energy efficiency. It also has a low environmental impact due to its non-toxic nature and reduced waste. It is also fire-resistant, which can help to prevent the spread of wildfires and save homeowners on insurance costs.

With heightened ecological awareness and the growing push towards sustainable construction, architects are reevaluating traditional building materials to determine how they can be made more eco-friendly. Stucco is one such building material that has received renewed attention due to its ability to meet sustainability goals for new commercial buildings. New developments in materials and application techniques have enabled stucco to be produced with fewer lifecycle carbon emissions, making it a viable green option for building facades.

In order to minimize embodied carbon emissions, stucco production requires minimal reprocessing and can be made from locally sourced ingredients. The use of alternative supplementary cementitious materials and the incorporation of recycled aggregates reduces reliance on Portland cement, which has high embodied carbon content. In addition, the application of acrylic polymers improves workability and bonding to increase flexibility. Vapor-open polymers promote breathability and help avoid moisture problems, while reflective pigments can limit solar gain to reduce HVAC costs.

Another advantage of stucco is its insulation properties. When properly installed, it acts as a barrier against temperature fluctuations, helping to keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This can cut down on reliance on fossil fuel-powered heating and cooling systems, thereby curbing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Unlike other siding materials, stucco is highly durable and can resist the damage caused by weathering, pests, and fire. Its longevity translates into reduced maintenance requirements, which can significantly lower the amount of materials required over time. Stucco is also a good choice for coastal regions because it is resistant to salt spray.

Another benefit of stucco is that it can be re-raised or “restuccoed” as needed, eliminating the need for costly replacements and reducing waste. Furthermore, it is highly recyclable, which contributes to a circular economy and helps protect the environment. It is also easy to maintain, requiring only periodic cleaning and resurfacing with little or no harsh chemicals.

Natalie Wood – A Tribute to Hollywood’s Most Enduring Classics

Angelica Higgins Publication , , , , ,

Natalie Wood inhabited the hopes, fears and dreams of a generation in some of cinema’s most enduring classics. She was endearing annually in Miracle on 34th Street and later a teen heartthrob in Rebel Without a Cause.

Natalie Wood

But she was also a fighter who stood up for herself against the exploitative fishbowl mind games that classic Hollywood tended to spring on its youngest stars. Her life ended tragically on a Thanksgiving weekend in 1981.

Natalie Wood became a film and television star after her breakout performance in Rebel Without A Cause (1955). Her beauty, intelligence, and sincerity made her a major box office draw. Her brown eyes registered a depth beyond her years and drew audiences into her character.

From her first film role as a little girl who doubted Santa Claus in the 1947 classic Miracle on 34th Street, to her last film Brainstorm (1983), Wood proved herself to be an accomplished actress. She had a knack for portraying nuanced interplays of sexual innocence and experience, as seen in films such as Splendor in the Grass and West Side Story.

Her personal life was tumultuous, from her divorce from producer Richard Gregson to her later remarriage to actor Robert Wagner. Nevertheless, she remained dedicated to her acting career. Her work was often praised by critics, scholars, and biographers.

Her first major role

At age 16, Natalie Wood achieved major stardom when she was cast as the lead in Rebel Without a Cause, a Nicholas Ray film about teenage rebellion. The role led to her first Academy Award nomination and cemented her status as a leading lady.

During this period, she starred in many films that reflected the social and political climate of the time. Her performances in films like West Side Story dealt with racial prejudice, while Inside Daisy Clover explored the harsh reality of stardom and Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice tackled the issue of sexual liberation.

She also guest starred in several television shows and won critical acclaim for her performance in the televised version of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. However, the sixties were a difficult time for Natalie as she struggled with her image and personal demons.

Her first box office flop

Wood’s filmography marks a transitional period in the development of Hollywood movies, as she moved from child roles to teenage and young adult characters. She is seen in a wide range of films, including Rebel Without a Cause and The Searchers.

In 1961, Wood appeared in Splendor in the Grass, which received positive reviews. The movie’s director, Elia Kazan, cited her and Vivien Leigh as his inspirations. This performance helped Wood regain her career momentum after the box office flop All the Fine Young Cannibals.

In addition to her acting, Wood had a close-knit family. She was married twice and had two children with her first husband, Robert Wagner. She was also a frequent patron of the arts, and she embraced all genres of music, especially jazz and blues. She was also a shrewd businesswoman. She never took the sharks in Hollywood for granted.

Her second major role

After a bit part in 1943’s Happy Land, Natalie Wood gained recognition for her role as the wide-eyed little girl in 1947’s Miracle on 34th Street. She would go on to portray several more child stars and ingenues. Her breakout role came in 1955 with Nicholas Ray’s Rebel Without a Cause, where she co-starred with James Dean and Sal Mineo.

In 1961, she landed Elia Kazan’s Splendor in the Grass, a drama that showcased her acting range. She won an Oscar nomination for her performance and received Golden Globe and BAFTA award nominations.

Wood starred in television shows including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, for which she earned positive reviews. She also starred in the miniseries film From Here to Eternity and The Cracker Factory. During this period, Wood married twice and had one daughter.

Her third major role

Wood’s mother Maria was a stage mom and kept her daughter busy with numerous movies, often filming two at once. She also put a lot of pressure on her to take roles and perform. This would have a negative impact on her later life.

Her next major film was Rebel Without a Cause (1955), which made her one of the top child stars of the time. Director Irving Pichel was impressed by her performance and offered her a screen test for more substantial roles.

In 1965, Wood starred in the films Inside Daisy Clover and This Property Is Condemned. Both of these films garnered her Golden Globe nominations and brought a new level of prestige to her career. In 1969, she took a departure from serious drama in Paul Mazursky’s counterculture comedy Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice.

Her fourth major role

With the release of a number of major films, Natalie Wood emerged as a serious actress. She starred in the 1955 drama Rebel Without a Cause, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She also starred in the 1956 Western The Searchers and the musical West Side Story.

In the latter, she portrayed Maria, a restless Puerto Rican girl in the modern allegory of Romeo and Juliet. The film was a box office and critical success, and reflected the restlessness of youth in the 1950s, manifested through youth gangs, juvenile delinquency, and early rock and roll.

After several more successful television projects, Wood began to make fewer theatrical films. Her last roles were in the mystery comedy Peeper and the science fiction film Meteor, both in 1979. She paired with Christopher Walken in the 1980 comedy The Last Married Couple in America, but commercial and critical success eluded her.

Her fifth major role

The movie was a major success and marked the turning point of Wood’s career. She continued to be a major star with such films as Miracle on 34th Street, Rebel Without a Cause, Splendor in the Grass and West Side Story.

In 1962, she starred in the musical Gypsy and in 1963’s Love with the Proper Stranger, which garnered her third Academy Award nomination at age 25. Her evocation of a small-town girl dreaming big in this movie won her much acclaim.

She gleefully subverted her wholesome good girl image in Paul Mazursky’s pointed satire of the free love generation. Wood stars as Carol, a Los Angeles sophisticate who participates in group therapy with her married friends Ted and Alice and encourages their libertine attitudes. The film was a critical and commercial success. During this period, she was married twice, and had a daughter with producer Richard Gregson named Courtney Wagner.

Her sixth major role

Natalie Wood made her first big-screen appearance at age nine in the 1947 holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street, in which she plays a precocious girl who knows Santa is real when she tugs at his beard. She went on to receive two more Best Actress Oscar nominations for the juvenile delinquent drama Rebel Without a Cause and the romantic melodrama Splendor in the Grass.

Wood credited director Nicholas Ray and her mother for changing her view of Hollywood films, from a mere form of entertainment to something she enjoyed and took seriously. She would appear in only three more theatrical films before her death, including the mystery comedy Peeper and the science fiction film Brainstorm, released posthumously. She also appeared in several television series and had two children with husbands Richard Gregson and Robert Wagner.

Her seventh major role

A fleeting screen role in the 1944 movie Happy Land brought Wood to the attention of director Irving Pichel, who gave her a larger role in the 1946 film Tomorrow Is Forever. In films like Inside Daisy Clover and This Property Is Condemned, she portrayed teenage girls with big dreams.

In 1961, Wood starred in the Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise musical West Side Story, which was a critical and box office hit. Tibbetts writes that she portrayed Maria to represent “the restlessness of the young, expressed by youth gangs and juvenile delinquency, and early rock and roll.”

By this time, Wood was a mother and married to producer Richard Gregson. Her personal life became volatile and she sought professional therapy. She appeared in fewer films in the 1970s, including the televised version of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and the television miniseries From Here to Eternity.

Her eighth major role

In the sixties, Natalie Wood took on roles that reflected the changing times. Her role in the racial prejudice drama West Side Story was her first big movie and she played a restless Puerto Rican girl in Splendor in the Grass. She also appeared in films that dealt with sex, youth gangs and juvenile delinquents such as Rebel Without a Cause.

She took on television as well and appeared in a number of series including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof which gave her the opportunity to work with Sir Laurence Oliver who she greatly admired. She also gave notable performances in the disaster film Meteor and in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice a sex comedy with George Segal and Valerie Harper. She believed that people who drew a line of distinction between movies and television were snobbish and that good work was good work regardless of medium.