When people think of stucco, they often picture older, bungalow style homes and not modern, new homes. But stucco is still used on many residential home and business exteriors today. Even many higher-end homebuilders opt to use the exterior cladding material in place of vinyl siding. Just look for examples online, and you will see many home styles where stucco adds excellent curb appeal to the residence.
What Is Stucco?
Stucco is one of the most common exterior cladding materials used on homes for good reason. Because of the way it is applied, it acts as an insulator. The insulation makes it easier to maintain a consistent temperature in your home. Stucco is also resistant to mould, fire, rot, and termite infestation. It also acts as a sound buffer, reducing the noise you hear inside your home.
Traditional stucco is applied over a wire or wood lath. Because of its acrylic-polymer finish, it will also expand with changing weather conditions. That expansion helps reduce the cracks and means it can last up for 50 years before being replaced.
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
Stucco installation is currently undergoing a revival with homebuilders. This revival is due in part to synthetic stucco (EIFS). The synthetic version allows for movement and settling of the house, which decreases the risk of exterior surface cracking. The product is also energy efficient, needs minimal maintenance, and delivers a uniform colour consistency, which makes it a viable choice for residential and commercial exteriors.
With EIFS, there are six layers to apply it to a home. There’s an optional water-resistant barrier, adhesive, foam insulation board, the base coat, reinforcement mesh, and the finish. The cost is a little higher than traditional stucco but still less than other types of exterior cladding.
Adding Stonework To Your Home Or Business
Architects and developers are using both traditional and synthetic stucco, in combination with imitation stone and natural stone. These combinations can be found on planters, walls, and outdoor kitchens to create a unified look. Stucco with masonry can also be used inside a home or business to add a unique look.
Hire A Professional To Get The Look You Want
Some homeowners think it can be a do it yourself project; however, it can be tricky to work with any stucco application. It requires a specific mix and application procedure for the products. Problems such as cracking, poor alignment, decreased durability, and moisture can occur if it is not done correctly. Hiring the services of a certified stucco contractor will eliminate issues in the future.
Because there are so many different finishes and colours to choose from, its easy to find the exact look you want to increase your home’s curb appeal.
If you are planning to renovate or add stucco or stonework on to your home or business, we recommend you consult with a professional. They can give you a quote and provide advice before your project gets underway. A professional company will also advise you on how long the process will take and guarantee their work. You can be confident that your home’s exterior will be protected and look great.