Stucco Siding

Stucco siding specifics

The exterior finish of a home has a huge impact on the home's appearance and curb appeal; the exterior siding material also has an influence on the degree of insulation from weather extremes and the resultant utility bills. Stucco siding is a durable and attractive choice for an exterior finish, and it also does a good job of providing an extra layer of insulation from both the heat of the summer and winter's chilly temperatures.

Stucco is comprised of plaster mixed with a cement base; sometimes color pigment is also added to the mixture, or the finished stucco can be painted, like other siding materials such as wood. One of the advantages of stucco is that it can be finished with a number of different textures; smooth, swirled, and raked finishes are all popular for stucco siding. If a homeowner desires an even coarser look to the stucco, sand or small pebbles are sometimes added into the plaster-cement mixture. While more expensive than vinyl or aluminum siding, stucco siding is very durable and is an excellent insulator.

Stucco siding's components are quite simple materials, but the application process is a bit tricky. First, the installers build a base which consists of plywood sheathing, wire mesh, building paper, and wooden spacers. Next, the stucco material is mixed and is either sprayed onto the exterior walls or is applied by hand with trowels. In general, two or three coats of stucco are applied, with the last coat containing the final texture.

Many homeowners select stucco for their home's exterior, and for good reason:

• Stucco is durable and requires very little maintenance;
• Stucco can contain an integral color or can be painted in any color;
• Stucco is impervious to fire and to damage from heat;
• Stucco provides excellent insulation from hot or cold temperatures; and
• Stucco is easy to patch and repair, if needed.

To learn more about the features and benefits of stucco as a siding material, meet with local siding contractors. These are experienced professionals who understand the pros and cons of various exterior materials including stucco siding. Siding contractors can also provide you with free estimates regarding the cost of installing stucco siding for your home.