Stucco is one of the most popular exterior finishes for homes. It’s an attractive, low-maintenance and fire-resistant sheathing. But, like any building product,
it’s only as good as its application
. … This keeps cracks to a minimum and means the stucco can easily last up to 50 years before needing to be repaired.
What is under exterior stucco?
Sheathing
is basically the “backing material” that can be found underneath the various layers of stucco that form the backing of residential and commercial buildings. They can be made out of wood, cement, gypsum, fiberglass and other materials.
What is exterior stucco?
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.
Is stucco exterior bad?
As one of the oldest building materials around, stucco gets plenty of attention,
both good and bad
. … Mineral oxide pigment may be added to the finish coat, for colored stucco homes. Synthetic stucco is also available, but some home improvement professionals say this material leads to increased moisture problems.
How long does exterior stucco last?
Stucco is a very durable finish material with a typical life span of
50-80 years or more
. Although it is one of the most durable surfaces available, it also features the lowest annual maintenance cost when compared to other siding materials. Stucco is a natural material consisting of an aggregate, a binder, and water.
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 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.
Do I need a permit for stucco?
Exterior restoration or maintenance involving stone or concrete repair almost always requires a permit, with the exception of injecting grout into concrete cracks. …
Certain types of stucco installations do not require a permit
; however, it’s best to consult a design professional to explain the rules that apply here.
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.
Why you shouldn’t buy a stucco house?
While
stucco is very durable
, it’s rigidity makes it fairly brittle, so if you live in a location where the ground is prone to shifting, it’s not the best option. … Stucco is generally more expensive than fiber-based cement or vinyl siding due to labor costs.
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.
What type of stucco is bad?
There are two types of stucco –
synthetic stucco
, aka EIFS (exterior insulation finish systems) and hardcoat stucco. … 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.
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.
Is painting stucco a bad idea?
Stucco is a durable and great-looking exterior finish, but it isn’
t invincible
. Ideally, stucco should be painted every five to ten years. It’s important to paint and perform other stucco maintenance on the right schedule to keep your home looking great and to prevent hairline cracks from growing larger.
Is stucco exterior expensive?
When it comes to cost, stucco siding is among the most expensive siding options.
Stucco costs between $6 and $9 per square foot
. Still, because of it’s longevity, durability, and energy efficiency, many find that stucco pays for itself over time.
