Benefits And Pitfalls Of Installing Stucco

Stucco

Stucco is a wall finishing same as plaster. It is also familiarly known as plaster siding. It has been used as an interior and exterior wall finish for many years now. Earlier stucco wall finishes need 4 layers of application for the exterior part of the house, which includes a base coat, scratch coat, brown coat, and the finish coat. It is applied over a galvanized wire mesh known as lath which helps the stucco stick to the structure and strengthen it as a whole.

But with time-evolving, only 1 or 2 coats are needed, saving a lot of time. Each coat contains the same properties such as Portland cement, fine builder’s sand, hydrated lime, water, fiber, and polymers. The amount of these substances used in every coat may vary. There are different types of finishing effects. You can brush it, trowel, or texture it to create new effects.

Painting stucco on the interior walls is not as elaborate as doing the exterior. The mixture comes premeasured as a powdered mix. One has to only add water and go on with the application. If you are someone who is looking to give your new home an extra uniqueness or revamp your old place, read through to know their pros and drawbacks.

Benefits of using stucco 

Durable and long-lasting

Giving your house or building a stucco finish saves you from termite infestation, rot, and formation of molds. To name a few more, the stucco finish is fireproof and resistant to other impacts. Talking about fire, some insurance companies allow you to apply for insurance premiums if you have stucco.

With that being said, it can also withstand erosion because of long exposures to hot or cold climates. It outlasts vinyl and wood and more durable than brick. Stucco homes are seen to last up to 100 years because they can hold against harsh rain, wind, and snow.

Less Maintenance 

Basic maintenance is what stucco needs in contrast to others. Once stucco is painted you do not have to worry about repainting it any early. To select the best stucco siding, stores like Stucco Veneziano offers a wide range of plaster finishes and creative paints. You do not have to bother about replacing and reinstalling them frequently if you opt for the best stucco. When they get dirty stucco homes can be cleaned with a hose. One must be careful enough not to give too much pressure while washing since it can lead to serious damage.

Easy installation 

The whole process takes a maximum of two days to finish, including the drying time. It is quickly installed and the material is versatile enough to apply to wood and other surfaces. You can also paint any color and unlike brick, the color of the wall can be changed at any time.

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Another advantage of installing stucco is that it is resistant to sound. If you reside in a busy street, the stucco siding makes sure the sound does not get inside the building or the house.

Disadvantages of stucco 

Cost of labor 

Even though the installation process is quite easy, the labor costs are way expensive. Only experienced and trained personnel can be able to install it correctly. Careless installation may lead to water retention and might cause water damage in the long run.

Inflexibility 

Soil shifts cause them to crack in certain regions. To prevent it from happening, polymers are added to the stucco mix when installing.

Every product has its pros and cons. It is up to you to choose stucco finishing based on the advantages and disadvantages.

Alison Lurie

Alison Lurie