How Long Does Exterior Stucco Last?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most newer homes with exterior stucco have an acrylic-polymer finish, which will expand and contract with the weather. This keeps cracks to a minimum and means the stucco can easily last

up to 50 years

before needing to be repaired.

How often does stucco need to be replaced?

Stucco is a very durable finish material with a typical life span of

50-80 years or more

.

What are the problems with stucco houses?

  • Increased level of humidity within the home.
  • Infestations of termites, ants, and other insects.
  • Mold, mildew, or fungi growth on the interior walls or on window frames.
  • Cracking of the drywall.
  • Cracking, peeling, and bubbling of paint.
  • Cracking on the EIFS dressing bands around windows.

How do you care for exterior stucco?

  1. Keep it Clean. Just like any exterior, stucco can get dirty pretty easily. …
  2. Seal it Regularly. When stucco is first applied to your home, it should be sealed. …
  3. Consider Applying an Elastomeric Coating. …
  4. Make Repairs Right Away. …
  5. The Bottom Line.

Is stucco exterior durable?

Stucco siding is a siding material made of Portland cement, sand, lime, and water. Applied in three coats over a lath base, it provides a

solid, durable

, and seamless home exterior. Some advantages of stucco include a natural resistance to fire, lasting durability, and low maintenance.

Should you power wash stucco?

Stucco is a great alternative to your standard siding, brick or stone walls. Unfortunately, the textured surface of stucco is notorious for accumulating dust and dirt over time. … Luckily, the power of

a pressure washer can blast the stains away

and make your walls look new again.

Why you should not paint stucco?

Stucco needs to breath – One of the main reasons you shouldn’t coat your stucco with paint is because

stucco is porous

. This allows moisture that hits the surface to easily evaporate away. A coat of paint can harm that breathability.

Why is stucco bad?

But due to its brittle nature,

stucco siding will crack if a house foundation settles

. It simply isn’t the best choice in regions where soil is high in clay, notorious for swelling and causing foundations to shift. Over time, even stucco on homes with firm foundations can develop hairline cracks.

What kind of stucco is bad?


Synthetic stucco

is the type that has a bad reputation – why? Because it is adhered to wood or gypsum board and if installed incorrectly it allows water intrusion and causes rot.

Do stucco homes get mold?

Mold can become an issue with stucco when

it has a chance to grow from water getting behind your siding

. Moisture usually gets behind your stucco around the windows, doors, and other structural joints, like where your roof joins with your house.

Should dirt be against stucco?

When stucco is installed, it should be above grade, allowing for a

6-8 inch gap between the stucco

and soil. Below grade is the opposite. … If your house rests on concrete, there should be about 2 inches between the stucco and the concrete foundation.

Can I put new stucco over old stucco?


You can apply new stucco on top of old

, so long as the proper measures are taken to ensure the integrity of the new layer. Check the existing stucco for structural integrity. Cracks are a natural part of any concrete-based product, and over time all stucco installations will have cracks.

Should I seal stucco?

Sealing your stucco is a great way to prevent water absorption. New stucco should be sealed with

a clear concrete masonry sealer

, typically made of a silicone material. … We make sure to properly clean the surface prior to repainting stucco. Otherwise, it might not adhere properly and can cause bubbling or peeling.

How much does it cost to stucco a 1500 sq ft house?

Stucco siding costs $5 to $9.58 per square foot of stucco applied to your home. If you were to apply stucco to the average size 1,500 sq. ft home you could expect to pay around $10,485 in total installation costs at

$7 per sq. ft

.

Does stucco devalue a house?

If the stucco on your home has been installed correctly,

it could add to the resale value

. When stucco is installed the right way, it looks beautiful and adds curb appeal to the home. Proper installation also keeps moisture out of your home which prevents any cracks, deterioration and other stucco damage from water.

Why do builders use stucco?

But for the owner builder in the Southwest, 9 times of 10, it is the siding of choice. Why is stucco so popular? It

provides a hardened exterior that can be manipulated and textured to suit the owner’s preferences

. It also provides an air barrier, moisture barrier, and insulation while allowing the house to breath.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.