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Problems With Fortifiber Adhering to Stucco

Fortifiber is a company (similar to DuPont, Typar, and Owens) that makes weather barrier materials like stucco. Stucco is used to surface walls and may be made of plaster or cement. As well as being functional, many architectural styles are based on the use of stucco, for example Tudor, Pueblo, Mediterranean, and Spanish Colonial styles. To avoid problems when building with stucco, coordination between the architect, builder, and contractors is essential.

Self-Adhesive and Bitumen
- Most sealants sold today have plasticizers that are incompatible with self-adhesive flashing products using bitumen (i.e. rubberized asphalt). When used together the bitumen can soften or even liquefy, especially in hot temperatures.
Lumber Shrinking
- Remember that lumber can shrink. This can create space between the stucco and the stud to which the stucco is attached.
What to do if the Problem is One of Compatibility
- If you think the problem is one of compatibility, contact the manufacturers of each product and ask about compatibility. Reputable companies will have tested their materials for compatibility.
Avoiding Compatibility Issues
- Use products from the same company to avoid compatibility problems. This is especially important for window flashings, weather resistant barriers, sealants, and rubberized self-sealing products.

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