[arminius]

I've got a newer CMU concrete block foundation I'd like to cover up b/c it really isn't visually appealing (pretty crappy job by masons). I'm thinking of using stucco to apply over the top. I've talked with some that believe that metal lath should be used first, then the stucco. The more I read, some say even a vapor barrier. Suggestions?

 

[ClarenceBauer]

NO do not use metal lath over New or unpainted CMU.
Metal lath over new CMU will cause cracking.
A vapor barrier would require the Lath which will crack worst than lath over the CMU. If you are worried about moisture transmission through the wall look at using a Synthetic base coat like STO RFP with a synthetic finish coat texture & color as selected.
If you are contracting this out ask your contractor to furnish the ASTM standard for Stucco over NEW CMU it will state the requirements & method to use.
The ASTM will also give the correct standards for thickness for Stucco over CMU along with the correct mix design.

 

[arminius]

NO do not use metal lath over New or unpainted CMU.
Metal lath over new CMU will cause cracking.
A vapor barrier would require the Lath which will crack worst than lath over the CMU. If you are worried about moisture transmission through the wall look at using a Synthetic base coat like STO RFP with a synthetic finish coat texture & color as selected.
If you are contracting this out ask your contractor to furnish the ASTM standard for Stucco over NEW CMU it will state the requirements & method to use.
The ASTM will also give the correct standards for thickness for Stucco over CMU along with the correct mix design.

The CMU were installed in August (6 months ago). I'm looking to just cover them with a relatively thin layer of type of concrete that will last over time that I can either paint or add color to the mixture.

 

[ZTMAN]

Just apply a parge coat

 

[stadry]

'parging' is a verb, NOT a noun

 

[mark sr]

When I lived in fla I painted in the neighborhood of a 1000 concrete block houses that had stucco applied directly to the block. It holds up well.

 

[jomama45]

I've got a newer CMU concrete block foundation I'd like to cover up b/c it really isn't visually appealing (pretty crappy job by masons). I'm thinking of using stucco to apply over the top. I've talked with some that believe that metal lath should be used first, then the stucco. The more I read, some say even a vapor barrier. Suggestions?

That might be a gross understatement. They have a mix of half and stack bond going on, makes no sense. It's obviously very sloppy as well.

I'd simply plaster it (some call it parging in the South) with a layer or two of masonry cement. Colored mortar can be used relatively cheaply on the last coat.