Reference no: EM133655608

Question: Per your request to generate some ideas for long(er) term solutions to extend the longevity of exterior mud finish of the Casa San Ysidro museum. These are just two of potentially many, many different options. Here are two that may be of interest. Option one: Traditional look utilizing existing mud finish, we can install Okon brand, "Plugger" sealer for porous surfaces. Water-based, low VOC's. Designed to prevent water intrusion, efflorescence and freeze-thaw damage, breathable. We can provide a sample over multiple areas for testing purposes, I would suggest a full year of testing and assessment before any decisions are made. Or at least a winter for thaw/freeze cycles and thru the monsoon season. This is an affordable option but I'm unsure of the actually longevity having never applied this product on a dirt surface. Manufacture suggest to reapply every 2-3 years. Labor cost is low in comparison to re-mudding. Option two: non-traditional look- install conventional stucco over metal lath/stucco netting this would result in a totally different look. Conventional stucco is cement based therefore no mud is involved. We can add some straw to the mixture to mimic the traditional look somewhat and find a color that is close to the mud that is currently on the exterior, this will all be a test and trial scenario. This is a long lasting solution with no maintenance required but very labor and material intensive.