What is Stucco Siding?
Stucco is a mixture of Portland cement, sand, and water. These three materials combine to create a very durable substance that dries into a hard, rock-like consistency that is smooth or rough, depending on how it is finished. Stucco is applied over a rough wire framework, which helps the material adhere effectively, or any other flat siding surface.
If you have ever seen a house that looked like it was coated in clay or cement, it was probably covered in stucco siding. Stucco is an age-old building material that was used heavily by the Greeks more than 1,000 years ago. Stucco is one of the oldest types of home siding materials, and it is one of the most effective options still available to this day.
In fact, according to the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction in 2020, stucco was chosen by 28% of homeowners for newly built homes. It tends to be the most popular as a siding option in the Pacific (63%), Mountain (50%), and South Atlantic (39%) regions of the U.S.
Benefits of Stucco Siding
There are several advantages to using stucco as your home’s siding. It is highly versatile, affordable, long-lasting and durable, which makes it such a popular option. We explore the top benefits of this type of siding below.
Stucco vs. Vinyl Siding: Which is Best?
Because vinyl and stucco are two of the most popular siding materials for homes today, many homeowners wonder which is the best option. Let’s break down a few factors.
Cost
Stucco itself is very affordable. Vinyl is just slightly cheaper than stucco, at $2.10 to $3.80 per square foot. However, stucco is still considered one of the cheapest and most durable types of siding today, at just $2.60 to $4.80 per square foot.
Application and labor
Stucco is a bit more challenging to install compared to vinyl siding. It requires skilled siding installers to get the job done. For this reason, stucco installation and labor costs can add to the bill.
Longevity
Stucco siding tends to last longer – and require less maintenance – compared to vinyl siding. It is also more durable than vinyl. For these reasons, stucco siding tends to yield a higher return on investment for homeowners. Stucco siding installations can provide a 75% return on investment, while new vinyl siding installations land closer to a 68% return.
Before deciding between stucco and vinyl, be sure to talk to your siding contractor about the best siding option for your home and region.
Insulation and Energy-Efficiency of Stucco
Stucco is thicker, tougher, and more durable than most siding options. It is also made from dense material that serves as a powerful insulator.
During installation, several layers of stucco will be applied to the outside of the house. For this reason, stucco is a highly effective insulator that is good for making a home more airtight than it once was.
If you want to improve the insulation or energy efficiency of your home, it makes sense to have stucco put on as the siding. You will even notice that it blocks out some exterior noise as well.
Disadvantages of Stucco Siding
As you do your research on stucco siding, it is important to take note of its potential downsides. Note that these disadvantages will not apply to all homes and climates, so be sure to consult with a professional when making a final siding decision.
Stucco Siding Maintenance Tips
Like most siding materials, stucco does require some maintenance to keep it in good shape. You will have to dedicate a bit of your time to the cause, but the level of maintenance required is very minimal. Most homeowners pressure-wash this type of siding once per year to remove any watermarks and stains that develop.
Hairline cracks may form over time as well, but they are simple to patch with an elastomeric sealant product. These maintenance tasks rival the simplicity of vinyl siding, and they make stucco a real contender to one of the most popular forms of siding installed today.
Stucco is a favored home siding insulation type in some parts of the world. But remember that it is the best siding option only in the right areas.
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