Stucco, when appropriately installed, works fine in Texas, including Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and other cities, even if they are humid. It is a weather-resistant material that stands up to rain, heat, wind, and snow when appropriately installed for the exterior of homes and other buildings.
Are stucco homes good in Texas?
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 problems with stucco houses?
Stucco tears and other discoloration around windows, doors, electrical boxes, pipes, meters, and spotlights. Pervasive scent of wood rot. Water leaking into the house, damaging the ceiling, walls, and flooring. Dry rot around windows.
Is stucco a problem in Houston?
Common Stucco Issues In The Houston Area
Stucco siding can be problematic with moisture intrusion. Geographically, Houston falls into what is known as a sub tropical climate area meaning high levels of tempurature, humidity and rainfall.
Is it a risk to buy stucco house?
Water entry behind the stucco can cause deterioration (rot) of the underlying wood, allowing water to wet the insulation, framing members, and drywall in our homes. This type of damage goes undetected until an inspection is performed, and consequently is all having a negative impact on the resale value of these homes.
How long do stucco homes last?
50-80 years
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.
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.
Should I replace stucco with siding?
When water damage and mold result from improper stucco application, it’s time for a siding material change. The most popular siding replacement materials are fiber cement and vinyl. Vinyl may be cost-effective, but it is also thin, dents easily, and doesn’t last as long as fiber cement.
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.
Is stucco or brick better?
Stucco is considered very energy efficient and can last up to 50 years or more. Brick with a little maintenance can last up to 100 years or more. Finally, the real decision comes down to style and preference. If you love the classic look than a brick exterior is likely the right choice for your family.
Is stucco good in humid weather?
While stucco offers a cheaper alternative to brick and stone and provides adequate fire protection, wet and humid climates can cause stucco to struggle.
Why are houses made of stucco?
Stucco is energy efficient and provides insulation for the building or home, helping to cut these costs. In addition to the practical reasons to use it, stucco also provides an aesthetic style to buildings that is popular and characteristic of many areas in the Southwest.
What type of construction is stucco?
masonry concrete
Stucco is primarily a masonry concrete product and is a form of covering for the structural, load bearing construction of the dwelling. Stucco is not a construction type, it is material that is over wood frame or masonry.
Can you power wash a stucco house?
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.
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 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.
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.
Why you should never 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.
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.
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 long lasting?
Stucco typically lasts between 50 and 80 years. When it’s time to refresh yours, sandblast away the old layer and start from scratch. Patch small cracks with commercially available stucco fillers.