Stucco Siding

Choosing the right siding material is one of the important aspects of any construction work. Apart from choosing a durable material with low maintenance, the right siding must go with the style of the house too. Many different types of siding materials are available in the market and this includes vinyl siding, brick siding, stucco siding and fiber cement exterior siding.

What is Stucco Siding

So, a siding is that material that is used to protect the walls from damage that can be caused by external forces like wind, rain, temperature fluctuations, etc. Even the aesthetic appeal of the material is counted, while choosing the right siding. Stucco is one of those materials that have been used by humans for a very long time. Use of stucco has been traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Earlier, stucco siding was made of lime water and sand. This mixture was used for plastering both interior as well as exterior surfaces and also for making artworks. Even plant and animal fibers were added to this mixture to make it extra strong.

However, with the invention of Portland cement in the nineteenth century, the composition of stucco too changed. People started adding Portland cement to sand, lime and water, for making stucco siding. This mixture is applied on a base, that can be a lath or a wire mesh that is attached to the wall. Stucco is applied in three layers and the outer layer is covered with an acrylic-polymer finish that can expand and contract with weather changes. This prevents cracking of the surfaces. Nowadays, a new type of stucco has been introduced and this form contains fiberglass mesh and styrofoam base. In this modern version, the base is made of fiberglass mesh (attached to a foam insulation board) and on that base styrofoam based stucco is sprayed. You may also go for stucco siding panels that are now available in the market.

Stucco Siding Pros and cons

The positive aspects of stucco is that it is strong, durable and needs little maintenance. Apart from that, this siding can provide a natural finish to the exterior surfaces. It is also good for insulation purposes and so is energy efficient. While, traditional stucco is found to be cheaper than the modern one, the latter is found to provide a higher rate of insulation. It is also resistant to changing weather conditions and fire. Nowadays, stucco comes in a wide range of colors to choose from. In case of synthetic stucco, you may also use ornate keystones, cornerstones, etc. and this may not be possible with traditional one. As compared to some different types of house siding materials, stucco can prove expensive and difficult to install. In some cases, this siding is found to develop cracks and crevices. While modern stucco siding may not develop cracks, it may trap moisture that can lead to mold problems. The method of stucco installation may also vary with the type of surface. It is different for concrete surfaces, wood, etc. Even though, it is said to be of low maintenance, sometimes, you may be required to go for stucco siding repair too.

In short, you must have a basic understanding about the possible stucco siding problems and benefits, before investing in this siding material. Gather information about the cost and compare it with the price of other materials. Once you are sure that stucco is ideal as a siding for your construction, then, you may go ahead with it.