In almost every neighborhood and residential area in Texas, you’ll see stucco homes. Stucco is a mixture of materials such as cement, sand, water, lime, and other additives. Unlike brick and wood, stucco is a poor choice for homes built in wet and humid areas due to its tendency to trap water and moisture.
What are the disadvantages of stucco?
Disadvantages of stucco homes
- Maintenance. In order to keep your stucco in good condition, a certain amount of maintenance is required.
- Labor cost. Stucco application is a labor intensive and specialized job that requires skilled concrete contractors Milton.
- Inflexibility.
- Porosity.
What is the main problem with stucco?
When a home’s stucco doesn’t have the necessary space or is below the grade, it can trap water and moisture leading to the formation of mold, rotting, cracking, and crumbling. Additionally, the stucco will begin to soak up even more moisture from the ground.
Is stucco good for hot climates?
A hot, dry, and desert-like climate creates a perfect environment for stucco since stucco does not do well with ongoing heavy precipitation or excessive moisture.
Does stucco add value to a home?
Whether you’re building a new home or simply renovating your existing one, stucco installation is something you should consider in your plans. Stucco is a durable and reliable siding material that can increase the value of your home.
Why you shouldn’t buy a stucco house?
Stucco can tolerate moisture and expansion only up to a certain point. It is not as good as brick veneer or vinyl siding for keeping water out of the exterior walls of your house during periods of heavy rain. It will repel water well in average climates, but it may not be recommended in extremely rainy areas.
How long will stucco last?
50 years
Stucco can well last over 50 years with proper maintenance. It can expand and contract with the weather to sustain critical damage, unlike other siding options. It’s also resistant to mold, rot and mildew.
Is stucco more expensive to insure?
Here’s a tip to keep in mind that may help you make a decision: brick, stucco, and concrete are preferred by most insurers because they tend to be flame-retardant so the risk of losing the whole building decreases.
What are the pros and cons of stucco?
Below, we share just a few of the many pros and cons of a stucco exterior.
- Pro: Stucco Is Durable. Stucco is a cement, sand, and water mixture, so it stays rigid, even in strong winds.
- Pro: Stucco Is Aesthetically Appealing.
- Con: Stucco Requires Some Maintenance.
- Con: Stucco Is Absorbent.
Is stucco hard to maintain?
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 are all the houses in Arizona stucco?
Because of the shell-like exterior, stucco homes require much less energy during hot or cold months. Stucco is designed to do well in desert climates, like found here in Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico, where there is little moisture.
Why do houses in the Southwest use stucco?
Stucco got a bad rap during the post-World War II building boom. In the West and Southwest, where brick and stone were too scarce and too pricey to use as building materials, stucco became the siding of choice. Hundreds of thousands of affordable homes were slathered with the stuff.
Does stucco reflect heat?
Stucco is also a great insulator. It does not conduct either heat or cold. Therefore, in a hot climate, it is easier to keep the interior of your house cool.
Should I stucco my house?
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.
Is it common for stucco to crack?
In short, hairline stucco cracks are common and can be easily repatched. Most are not a serious indicator of foundation damage or structural disrepair. However, hairline cracks caused by foundation settlement will likely reappear after the repair and worsen.
Is it cheaper to stucco or siding?
Costly. The price of stucco vs siding is significant. Stucco typically costs more than siding. Even though the material is cheap and easy to apply, the length of time and mixing takes leg work.
What are the benefits of a stucco house?
Stucco is energy efficient, fire resistant, low maintenance, rot resistant, sound dampening and adds great curb appeal to your home’s exterior. Not only will it add value to your home in the event you decide to sell but these benefits can allow you to apply for improved home insurance premiums.
Is stucco a bad exterior?
One of the biggest problems with stucco is that it will shrink and crack, just like any concrete, especially in places where there is a freeze-thaw cycle. Most newer homes with exterior stucco have an acrylic-polymer finish, which will expand and contract with the weather.
Is stucco a leaky house?
Stucco, a thin layer of plaster over fibre-cement or wire netting, became popular in New Zealand in the 1980s. But stucco homes made up 36 per cent of the 284 leaky homes evaluated so far by the Government’s Weathertight Homes Resolution Service – more than 10 times stucco’s share of the new homes built last year.
Can you power wash stucco?
Yes, you can use a power washer or pressure washer to clean stucco. Just make sure to maintain a good distance between the nozzle and the surface, use the 1,500 PSI, and a 25- or 40-degree nozzle. Although, given the intensity of a power washer, seeking the help of a professional is always best.
How often should stucco be sealed?
If new, stucco can be sealed with a clear concrete/ masonry sealer, which will penetrate into the stucco and stop moisture entrance. These are typically silicone type sealers. While effective, these finishes will usually need to be redone every 4-5 years.