The History of Stucco in New Mexico
When you think of New Mexico, what comes to mind is probably adobe homes. Stucco has played a huge part in New Mexico’s architecture and building materials throughout the years. Western Wall Finishes is here to touch on a brief history of stucco in New Mexico, so keep reading to learn more! Contact us today if you are interested in stucco finishes for your walls in the Albuquerque, NM area.
What Is Stucco?
Stucco is a common building material made from an aggregate, such as sand or crushed stone, lime, and cement. It is usually applied while it is still wet in a thin coat over walls, ceilings, and exterior walls. Pigments can be applied to the stucco mixture to create a variety of colors. Stucco is very durable and can last between 50 and 80 years, without the need for much maintenance.
Introducing New Mexico to Stucco
The use of stucco began in New Mexico in the early 1800s. It’s thought that the Spaniards brought this new found idea to New Mexico and the southwest. It was first used to cover adobe homes, and later on other structures. It became popular because of its weather-resistant properties, and it was also cheaper than other building materials at the time. Most homes are made of wood frames and plasterboard, then they are covered in stucco.
Stucco Home Styles
There are so many different architectural styles in New Mexico that incorporate the use of stucco for their finishes and exteriors, including Spanish Colonial Revival, Mission Revival, and Southwest Vernacular. Spanish Colonial Revival homes were the most popular in the 1800s and were one of the first to use stucco as a primary building material. Stucco became a defining material of New Mexican homes, and it is still being used today to keep the early Pueblo style feel.
Stucco Today
In most recent years, stucco is still being used as a common building material in many southwest states. Today’s stucco has met the addition of polymers and other agents, such as synthetic acrylics and fibers, to improve its application, flexibility, and overall resilience. Its durability, fire resilience, and insulation properties still makes it a top choice for homeowners in today’s market.
Stucco is a prevalent part of New Mexico’s architecture, and throughout the years it's still kept its reputation as a reliable building material. Western Wall Finishes is able to apply a beautiful stucco finish to your home’s interior or exterior. This finish is timeless and very aesthetically pleasing for all homes. Contact us today to learn more about Western Wall Finishes or to receive a quote.