Pros and Cons of Stucco Siding: What you Need to Know

If you're planning to install stucco siding for your home, you should be aware of a few disadvantages.

For starters, it's not as flexible as fiber-based cement, and it's susceptible to rot, mildew, and mold. This can make it more expensive to repair.

So is stucco a good choice for siding?

Read on for more infomation and benefits and drawbacks regarding stucco for your home's siding.

Less flexible than fiber-based cement

Fiber cement siding and stucco siding are both durable and attractive, but there are differences between the two. Fiber cement siding is less flexible than stucco siding, but it costs about one-third less than traditional stucco siding. Fiber cement siding is available in many colors and textures, and some manufacturers even offer styles that look like stucco.

Fiber cement siding is ideal for southern climates, where it doesn't support fungi and termites. Fiber cement siding is also non-combustible, which means it won't contribute to fires. It's also designed to resist moisture and stand up to certain climates.

Fiber cement siding is unappealing to woodpeckers and termites, and it has a longer lifespan than stucco.

Resistant to rot but moisture issues

If you are a home owner, one of the best things you can do for your home is to install siding made from a durable material that is resistant to rot. While some people choose to install siding made from wood, others prefer the look of stucco.

This type of siding is easy to apply and requires little maintenance. It is available in a variety of colors and styles, and can be stained or painted.

A common problem that stucco homes experience is moisture. The moisture will eat away at the wood structure, turning it into mush. This is especially bad news because it can affect the structural integrity of the house.

Because stucco was designed for dry, hot climates, it has a hard time with moisture. Poor installation and improper care can also contribute to stucco's rot problems.

Resistant to mold

If you're concerned about moisture and mold damage to your stucco siding, you should consider getting a waterproof coating for your home. This type of siding is made up of cement, water, and lime that is applied in layers on top of a lath base.

When done properly, this siding is very durable and resistant to mould and moisture.

If you notice any spots of mold on your stucco walls, you should immediately call a stucco professional to assess the damage.

While cleaning mold will remove some of the moisture, it will not prevent mold from growing again. To avoid this problem, you should also fix any water problems around your home.

Resistant to mildew

One of the advantages of stucco siding is its resistance to mildew. Since stucco is made up of cement, sand, and water.

While it's not completely waterproof, the finishes and installation techniques can dramatically alter its water resistance. As a result, most builders don't take the proper precautions to ensure that their stucco siding is waterproof.

Another benefit stucco has over traditional siding is its flexibility. Stucco can be smooth or coarse, textured, or swirled, and can be inlaid with stones and patterns.

It is also extremely easy to maintain, and small cracks are easily repaired with paint or a sealant.

Resistant to fire

While most of us think of wood frame homes when we think of fire protection, stucco can also be used on stone or brick. In fact, stucco is often used when a home needs to be fire resistant but still maintains its appearance.

Fire resistance is a big plus for stucco over other materials, such as vinyl, which melts at high temperatures and is not very fire resistant.

Fireproofing your home is a complex process, with many different elements to take into consideration. Your walls, roof, and interior all need to be protected from fire and damage.

Your siding is one of those elements, and it needs to be installed correctly to be effective.