A custom home builder called the other day to ask a question. “My stucco contractor wants to add anti-freeze to the mix as he’s putting on the scratch coat tomorrow and there is a frost warning.”

My first response, after picking myself up off the floor, was, “what is he nuts.” This is so typical of what we find out there today. Most of the masonry contractors as well as the general contractors do not know what their doing. The answer lies in understanding the codes. The IRC (International Residential Code) 2006 references (for the first time) the ASTM Standard C-926 and ASTM C-1063. These two standards detail exactly how hard coat stucco and lath should be applied. ASTM C-926 Section 4.5 Water states: Water used in mixing, application, and finishing of plaster shall be clean, fresh for domestic consumption and free of such amount of mineral or organic substances as would affect the set, the plaster, or any metal in the system. Obviously, adding Ethylene Glycol (anti-freeze) does not meet the requirement of “fresh for domestic consumption” unless you have a death wish.

If you are in the process of building a home with a stucco exterior or you are about to have your stucco removed and replaced because it wasn’t applied correctly the first time, give my office a call.

Craig Camel

Advanced Mold Diagnostics

610-328-4350

On October 2, 2008, the IAQA Philadelphia Chapter hosted a workshop at the Villanova Conference Center in Radnor. The Chapter was honored to have one of the most sought after speakers on National and International Environmental issues present at the workshop.

Herman Sabath, PhD, gave a very informative presentation on the use and abuse of biocides, a concept that is readily accepted but frequently misunderstood.

Cole Stanton, VP of National Accounts at Fiberlock Technologies, gave an educational speech on chemicals and coatings in remediation. He also spoke in detail about the revisions and changes to the IICRC-S520 that was released in September 2008.

If you are interested in learning more about the Philadelphia Chapter of the Indoor Air Quality Association, please visit http://www.iaqa.org/chapters/Philadelphia_PA.htm