What Is Stucco?
Stucco is a strong, durable siding option that is made by forming a cement mixture, made from lime, water and cement, and layering the mixture onto your home. Stucco is known to stand the test of time: with proper care, your stucco siding can stay looking good-as-new for more than 50 years. Stucco also provides moderate fire resistance, with a one-hour fire rating on properly installed stucco sidings. Stucco works very well in dry and hot climates, but properly installed stucco will also provide a layer of water-resistance to the outside of your home.
Pros of Stucco
There are a few main positives to stucco siding, which are worth taking note of as you pick which siding will be best for your home.
Durability
Stucco provides a level of durability that many other siding options do not, due to the cement makeup and the layering process that is involved in the installation of the siding. Stucco is extremely durable in the face of heat and wind: in very hot, dry climates, stucco can stand the test of time and will not face any melting issues or damage from too much sun exposure. Stucco can handle wind gusts up to 130 mph. Stucco is also durable in the face of flames, with a one hour fire rating. This means that stucco siding can burn for up to one hour before the flames begin to penetrate the interior of the home. Stucco is 10 times thicker than vinyl siding, providing a level of durability that is often considered to be a bit stronger, due to the increased thickness. Stucco is known to last anywhere from 60-100 years before it needs to be replaced.
Timeless
Stucco has been a very popular type of siding for many years, providing a timeless look that ups the curb appeal of any home. Stucco is extremely versatile: there are countless color options and scratch patterns that an owner can choose from when installing their stucco siding, allowing them to install a unique siding style onto their home. The ability to change colors of the stucco, or begin with a neutral color that will stand the test of time, provides a timeless feel to the siding that some other siding options simply cannot provide.
Cons of Stucco
While there are many pros of stucco siding to consider, there are also some cons that must be noted.
Cost
Costs are often a major decision factor when it comes to choosing a siding option for your home, and for stucco the cost can be considered one of the cons. While it is very durable and often recognized to be worth the cost, stucco is definitely more expensive than other siding options. On average, stucco installation is more expensive than most vinyl siding installation costs.
High Maintenance
As we mentioned, stucco can stand the test of time with proper care. Once stucco siding is installed, it does require a certain level of care to keep it looking fresh and appealing, as well as ensuring it is providing the protection for your home that you need. This means annually inspecting your stucco siding, cleaning the siding using a pressure washer a few times throughout the year, and repairing any small cracks or holes to avoid any water seeping beneath the surface of your stucco. For some homeowners, this level of care may be considered high maintenance.
How Much Does Stucco Cost?
The average cost of stucco installation is around $14.50 per square foot of siding. These costs can vary, and it is important to determine the quality of your installation professional before they begin the installation process. The quality of your stucco depends on correct and quality installation, and paying a bit more for a more experienced stucco installer may be worth it in the long run.
What Is Vinyl Siding?
Vinyl siding is a durable material that adheres to the side of your home, providing a crisp and classic look that is very recognizable in many American neighborhoods. Siding is versatile in its look, and can be created to mimic a more antique style or look more sleek and modern, depending on the preference of the homeowner. It is made from vinyl, which is a durable and versatile material.
Pros of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding has a few standout pros that are worth noting as you consider your siding options.
More Customizable
Vinyl siding allows you to fully customize your siding options. With stucco, you can decide on colors and scratch patterns on the surface of your stucco, but with vinyl you can decide on everything from the style, to the color, to the direction in which the vinyl is installed. You can have vertical or horizontal vinyl, modern style vinyl, or a more traditional craftsman style, even an antique style. Any color option is possible with vinyl siding, and can be customized to match your dream home’s look.
Lower Cost
Vinyl siding is often cheaper than stucco siding. It is a lower cost material, and the installation process is simpler which means the installation will be cheaper as well.
Cons of Vinyl Siding
Less Durable
Vinyl siding is usually less durable than stucco siding. Vinyl siding is known to last anywhere from 20-40 years, much less than the average lifetime of stucco siding. In very sunny climates, vinyl is susceptible to fading with sun exposure, causing the vinyl to look worn in certain areas. In hot climates, vinyl is known to warp or buckle under the pressure of intense heat. Vinyl is also much thinner than stucco, providing a less durable option than the cement-based stucco siding.
How Much Does Vinyl Siding Cost?
Vinyl siding is less costly than stucco, due to the ease of installation and the inexpensive materials. Installation can vary in cost, but usually costs anywhere from $6.50 to $12.50 per square foot of siding installed. Vinyl also costs less to repair than the average stucco repair.
The team at Titan Stucco is here to provide further guidance on siding options for your home. Our team of
stucco contractors in Phoenix understands the process well, and can provide feedback and installation guidance throughout your home building or refinishing process.
Contact us today to learn more!
