![]() If it cracks, moisture can get underneath the stucco surface and cause mold or rot which will cost you more in the long run. The stucco mixture is very porous, even when dry, and can’t handle inclement weather as well as other types of siding. If your home is located in a damp climate, stucco may not be the best choice. If used in an earthquake zone, it’s important to check often for damage and repair so that moisture doesn’t seep in, causing further damage. Stucco dries to a hard finish that can crack or develop holes if the ground under the building moves or the house settles. It can help to keep a home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, but not as much as other types of siding. Stucco has an R-value of approximately 0.20 per inch, meaning that it provides 20 percent of the insulation value of one inch of wood. R-value is a measure of how well a two-dimensional barrier, such as insulation, a window, wall, or ceiling resists the flow of heat. If you paint too soon, you run the risk of trapping the moisture under the paint, causing it to bubble and peel off prematurely. Even if stucco feels dry to the touch, it may not have cured enough for you to paint over it. The water in the mix must release slowly for the mixture to dry properly. The average drying time for stucco is between 30-90 days, depending on the climate where the building is located. It will resist a fire longer than vinyl, for example, but will succumb to flames sooner than brick masonry. A one-inch layer of stucco typically has a one-hour fire rating. Moderate fire resistanceĪnother lesser-known advantage to stucco is that it’s less flammable than other materials, helping to keep homes protected from fire damage. But, with proper maintenance, stucco can have a long lifespan. And ground movement can cause cracks and holes. Because it’s porous, substances can cause it to discolor. With its hard surface, it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. If properly applied and maintained, stucco can last 50 years or more. Acrylic paints stay fresh longer but will change the permeability of the stucco, affecting its ability to withstand the weather. Portland cement-based paints work very well as they’re made from the same material as the stucco, but other types of paint may not last as long. Or, stucco can easily be painted after it’s cured. The color can be changed before application by mixing in pigments or premixed materials that can be color-matched for consistency. Stucco is also popular due to its design flexibility. The mixture, made of Portland cement, water, and sand, is applied either by hand or machine and takes two or three coats to achieve the desired thickness. Stucco is very versatile as it can be applied to masonry or concrete walls, metal lath attached to frame construction, or solid masonry. It can tolerate a certain amount of moisture but, because it’s porous, it’s not recommended in heavy rain areas as it can become oversaturated. Stucco is most popular in warm, temperate climates like the Southwest. ![]() Following are some pros and cons to consider: Pros Good in hot, dry climates But, like any finish, it has its drawbacks. It remains popular due to the sunny Mediterranean look it exudes, along with its versatility. ![]() Stucco is a finish that’s been used since Greek and Roman days. Nothing affects the curb appeal of your home more than the type of siding you choose for its exterior. Because stucco is hand-applied, resulting in higher labor charges, stucco may not always be the cheapest option, but maintenance is definitely cost-effective in the long run. And it’s also easy to repaint if it becomes stained or weathered, once the surface is clean and completely dry. Stucco is quickly cleaned by spraying with a power washer or garden hose a few times a year, so maintenance is fairly effortless. If you see an area that’s cracked or has holes, it’s important to repair with sealant immediately so that moisture doesn’t creep in and cause mold. But the good news is it’s simple to repair with an elastomeric sealant. In addition, it’s brittle, so if you’re in a region prone to earthquakes, you might see a lot of cracks appear. Stucco is porous, so if you live in a rainy or moist climate, you’ll find it becomes oversaturated fairly easily and is not ideal. But stucco comes with its share of issues. ![]() Easy and relatively cheap to apply, it lends a Mediterranean feel to any type of architecture. Stucco siding is one of the most popular choices in warm weather climates such as California and Arizona. Find out how much your next siding project will cost. ![]()
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