Old fashioned stucco siding is a favorite for Mediterranean and Spanish “mission” style homes. High quality, properly applied stucco can remain in good condition for decades with minimal maintenance. This material is made of cement, sand, and lime mixed with water. It is generally applied over a mesh base in several coats. The final layer may be hand textured to add aesthetic appeal. If tinted concrete is used, the exterior can be left free of paint.

Traditional Versus Synthetic Stucco

Cement based traditional stucco siding is very thick and impact resistant. Rather than degrading over time, it continues to cure and gain strength. It is porous but dries readily - discouraging mold growth that can cause indoor air contamination. This material can be used in any environment and the occasional small crack is not of immediate concern.

In contrast, some types of synthetic stucco (particularly those that are foam based) do not release moisture easily. This makes them best suited to dry climates. Any openings, cracks, or other points of penetration must be carefully sealed to prevent decay of the underlying structural materials.

All types of stucco offer good insulation and fire resistance. Synthetic stucco is less prone to staining over time. It is the more expensive siding, but both versions have a similar finished appearance. Either one can be patched to repair damage. Traditional stucco can also be sprayed down with a garden hose or scrubbed with detergent if it gets dirty.

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Tags: Siding, stucco

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 3:23 pm and is filed under Siding. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.