Why is stucco not used in cold climates?

Stucco Siding in the Winter

This is because the siding material is known for dry, arid climates. Although stucco siding insulates extremely well (keeping heat out in hot climates), it absorbs water easily and does not perform well when exposed to a lot of moisture.

Is stucco good in cold climates?

The good news is that stucco is quite weather resistant, which means it can be a great choice no matter what type of climate you're in. Stucco can actually be quite beneficial for homes that see a lot of cold weather throughout the winter.

What climate is stucco best for?

A hot, dry, and desert-like climate creates a perfect environment for stucco since stucco does not do well with ongoing heavy precipitation or excessive moisture.

What is the lowest temperature to apply stucco?

For best performance, the temperature of newly applied stucco should be maintained at a minimum of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In many cases, this can be achieved by heating the structure and covering the exterior surfaces. As temperatures drop lower, plaster ingredients can be heated before mixing the stucco.

Does stucco hold up in snow?

Stucco typically needs to terminate roughly 4 inches above grade. When snow totals reach upwards of 12 inches, like those from Winter Storm Jonas, moisture can creep up and wreak structural damage on framing. Come springtime, that water will have nowhere to drain but behind the stucco and into your home.

Buying a stucco home? Heads up.

What is the lifespan of stucco?

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. Stucco is a natural material consisting of an aggregate, a binder, and water.

Can you stucco a house in the winter?

You might be surprised to find out that stucco can be applied in cold weather as well as warm. When the stucco is properly designed, mixed and installed, you're guaranteed a beautiful and crack-free exterior no matter what the weather might entail—as long as it's above freezing.

At what temp can stucco be applied?

Most applicators know that a number of precautions should be taken when applying cement stucco during the cold weather season. The minimum temperature target for the first 48 hours is 4°C and it stems from recommendations given in relevant cement plaster publications.

What is EIFS stucco?

What is EIFS? Unlike traditional stucco that utilizes natural ingredients and mesh, External Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS) stucco uses layers that add in synthetic materials. The first layer is comprised of a polystyrene foam board. Then, that is followed by a fiberglass mesh and a finishing coat.

Does plaster crack in cold weather?

Cold, dry air on the surface of the wall can absorb warm moisture from the wall rapidly and can lead to plaster shrinkage cracks. Low temperatures can cause cement plaster to take longer than normal to set and gain strength, which delays floating, troweling and production, which raises labor costs unnecessarily.

Why are houses stucco in Florida?

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.

Why is stucco used in the South?

Because of the shell-like exterior, stucco homes require much less energy during hot or cold months. Stucco is designed to do well in desert climates, like found here in Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico, where there is little moisture.

Why are houses in California made of stucco?

Stucco is extremely durable. It is fire-resistant and has the ability to expand and contract with the seasonal shifts. It is known to last for up to 50 years before needing to be replaced.

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.

Should I avoid stucco homes?

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.

How does stucco hold up in the rain?

From the outside, snow, rain and melting ice are absorbed into the stucco, causing it to swell and bulge. It can also cause the stucco to separate from the wall, creating a pocket inside the wall where moisture can become trapped and do additional damage.

Is stucco good insulation?

Advantages of Stucco Siding

Because of the application and the material, stucco is an incredible insulator of both warm and cool air. With stucco on the exterior, it is cheap and easy to maintain a constant temperature in your home, no matter what the mercury reads outdoors.

What causes stucco to crack?

Though cracks in stucco can occur due to different factors, including wrong mix proportions, insufficient mixing, poor workmanship, seismic movement and seasonal changes, two leading causes of cracks in stucco are the house settling process and shrinkage-induced stresses, which typically occur during the drying period.

How can you tell the difference between stucco and EIFS?

Go outside and knock on an outer “stucco” wall of your home. If it sounds hollow, there is a good chance you have EIFS. If it feels like you are knocking on a brick wall, it is more likely that you are knocking on traditional “hard-coat” stucco.

Does stucco crack with heat?

Most stucco cracks develop as a result of excessive evaporation of water from the stucco. For instance, Florida's summer high temperatures can cause water to evaporate faster from the stucco, leading to drying shrinkage and hairline cracks.

How thick is stucco on a house?

Although it is called a “One Coat System,” the stucco material is usually a 3/8 inch thick coat with a 1/8 inch finish coat applied over it; thus two layers or coats.

Can you stucco over painted brick?

Stucco allows you to quickly change the look of your home. When you install stucco over painted brick you will not have to add too much to the process due to the changes. Expect the additional work to take an hour or so depending on the overall size of the wall and the condition of the paint.

What are the pros and cons of stucco?

Is stucco better than brick?

In terms of durability and longevity, brick is the better option. When it comes to appearance, wide color selection, and the ability to be painted, stucco wins the contest. Stucco needs to be maintained quite regularly, while brick is low-maintenance.

Is it bad to 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.