Is stucco bad for a 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bobvila.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on precisionexterior.com


Should I avoid 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on houseintohomenc.com


How long do stucco homes last?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on castlebri.com


Is stucco a bad idea?

Generally speaking, painting your stucco is a good idea. It will add a fresh, new look and feel along with color to your home and add to the curb appeal. It will also help to protect your home as the paint will act as a sealer, preventing moisture from penetrating through the stucco.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on stuccotestingspecialists.com


Buying a stucco home? Heads up.



What are the disadvantages of stucco?

The Disadvantages of Stucco
  • Cost. Stucco costs more than some other types of home exteriors. ...
  • Moisture. Stucco does not work well in wet climates. ...
  • Cracks. Stucco does not give. ...
  • Considerations. There are two types of stucco: natural, which is the type composed of silica, lime and cement, and synthetic.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on homesteady.com


Should you buy a house made of stucco?

Despite the negative press it has received, stucco is a great cladding material. It's durable, comes in many colors and textures, and provides a high-end appearance for a home, thereby increasing curb appeal and market value.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on homeexpertsforyou.com


Does stucco increase home value?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on royalstatellc.com


Whats better siding or stucco?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on gvdrenovationsinc.com


Is stucco a bad exterior?

Stucco is one of the most popular exterior finishes for homes. It's an attractive, low-maintenance and fire-resistant sheathing. But, like any building product, it's only as good as its application. And it's not right for every climate.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on theglobeandmail.com


Why do builders use stucco?

2. Durability – the biggest advantage of Stucco is that it is resistant to fire, rot, mold, impact, and termite infestation. The finish on stucco homes has the capability to last up to 100 years depending on local climate conditions.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on best-stucco.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on nzherald.co.nz


What's the point of stucco?

Stucco or render is a construction material made of aggregates, a binder, and water. Stucco is applied wet and hardens to a very dense solid. It is used as a decorative coating for walls and ceilings, exterior walls, and as a sculptural and artistic material in architecture.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on en.wikipedia.org


Why are California houses stucco?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on latimes.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on statelineext.com


Does 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on waterintrusionspecialist.com


Why do houses in Florida not have siding?

Houses in Florida are made of stucco because stucco is fairly inexpensive, creates a great finished look, and is easy to apply to homes constructed with concrete blocks. It is less popular in some regions because it can be damaged as a house shifts and settles over time.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on homeefficiencyguide.com


What can I use instead of stucco?

4 Stylish Alternatives When Replacing Stucco with Siding
  • Fiber Cement Siding. Fiber cement siding offers a similar look as stucco. ...
  • Composite Siding. Composite siding is engineered to be weather-resistant and mimics the style of rustic siding. ...
  • Vinyl Siding. ...
  • Stone Veneer.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hynesconstruction.com


Does stucco decrease home value?

While nearly one in four homes in the United States are covered in stucco, only a small percentage of stucco homes have a value higher than the median price of the surrounding area. However, stucco homes are also more likely to sell for more than the median price of the surrounding area.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on zdstuccorepair.com


What add the most value to a home?

What Home Improvements Add the Most Value?
  1. Kitchen Improvements. If adding value to your home is the goal, the kitchen is likely the place to start. ...
  2. Bathrooms Improvements. Updated bathrooms are key for adding value to your home. ...
  3. Lighting Improvements. ...
  4. Energy Efficiency Improvements. ...
  5. Curb Appeal Improvements.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on fbfs.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on dalinghausconstruction.com


Which is better stucco or brick?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bentsenpalm.com


How do you maintain a stucco house?

Regular Cleaning

The good news is that cleaning indoor stucco usually takes nothing more than water and a bit of elbow grease. Simply scrub the dingy stucco with a dampened nylon brush to saturate the surface, then rub away the buildup with a moistened microfiber cloth (or clean cotton rag).
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bobvila.com