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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 problems with stucco houses?
Signs of Stucco Siding Problems Exterior cracking and flaking. Missing or chipped caulking. 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.
How long do stucco homes last?
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 do you maintain stucco?
Here are some tips to maintaining your home’s stucco. Keep it Clean. Just like any exterior, stucco can get dirty pretty easily. Seal it Regularly. When stucco is first applied to your home, it should be sealed. Consider Applying an Elastomeric Coating. Make Repairs Right Away. The Bottom Line.
How do you know if stucco is bad?
Look at your home’s stucco siding and try to identify these common signs of damage: Heavy staining. Thin cracks. Long cracks. Bulges in the stucco wall finish. Missing stucco.
Should I avoid a stucco house?
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.
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 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.
How much does it cost to stucco a house?
Stucco siding costs between $5 to $9.58 per square foot on average to install. If you were to apply stucco siding to the average size 1,500 square foot home, you could expect to pay around $10,935 in total installation costs at an average of about $7 per square foot.
Are stucco homes more expensive?
Brick is less costly than stucco, and natural stone is more expensive than both. 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.
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.
How often should stucco be cleaned?
Over time, these pollutants can not only age the appearance of a property, but they can also cause long-term damage. Thus, you must pay attention to your stucco surface and clean it properly. Ideally, stucco surfaces should be cleaned two to three times a year.
Does stucco fade over time?
Yes. Like all interior and exterior paint, stucco paint fades over time. Stucco homes aren’t necessarily more prone to fade than other types of homes, but—given that stucco is most prevalent in the sun-drenched U.S. Southwest—there tends to be a correlation between stucco paint and faster fading.
How often should a stucco house be painted?
Stucco should be repainted every 5-6 years. When painting wood surfaces, 4-7 years is appropriate. 3. Aluminum siding needs to be painted roughly every 5 years.
Can water go through stucco?
Despite what many people think about stucco walls, stucco walls are not water-resistant. As a matter of fact water actually absorbs into the stucco. In most cases, the problem with water leaking through stucco is that the building envelope has been breached.
What happens when stucco cracks?
If there are cracks in the stucco, water can get into them and cause problems with mold and dampness. These are difficult to fix if you don’t catch them in time, so the sooner you fix that crack, the better.
Is stucco better than siding?
If you want durability, value, and style options, then siding is the best option for you. But, if you are not as concerned with budget and prefer a more natural seamless design look, go for stucco.
Why is stucco so popular in California?
Stucco is universally acknowledged for its ability to exude European charm and is perfectly suited to the climate (and history) of Southern California. Modern architects like Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Neutra, and Frank Gehry used stucco on some of their most famous houses.
Can 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.
