Stucco siding refers to any one of a number of building materials that are primarily used to finish the outside of a home. Made of Portland cement, fine sand, water, and lime, stucco siding imparts exquisite visual appeal and superior stucco protection. Used for hundreds of years in Italy, where it was often referred to as stucco, this durable building material is now used more frequently in modern homes throughout the United States. Popularly used as a builder’s secret weapon against harsh weather conditions, this material has long enjoyed a level of popularity that continues today. However, what is stucco siding?
what is stucco siding?
Stucco is a composition of Portland cement and sand, with sometimes added lime and water for application purposes. Typically applied in three successive coats over an existing lath structure, stucco siding offers a solid, enduring, and waterproof home surface. In addition to its aesthetics, some homeowners and stucco contractors like to add stucco siding to existing concrete or block walls for an attractive appearance. Some benefits of stucco siding include long-lasting durability, a natural resistance to fire damage, excellent insulation properties, low maintenance, and a distinct natural look.
a siding alternative
Stucco, however, is not just a beautiful sidings alternative; it can also be a durable and highly energy-efficient building material. Unlike wood, it is very difficult to degrade. It is also resistant to a wide range of chemicals and physical attack, with the only real weakness being attacks from insects and the damaging effects of moisture. In addition, stucco siding can withstand extremely high temperatures and, because it is primarily impervious to moisture, it can effectively protect the external surfaces of a house from the elements.
modern stucco materials
Traditionally, stucco siding panels were fashioned by hand using natural tools. Modern stucco siding utilizes modern technology, allowing it to be installed virtually quickly with much less effort than previously believed possible. Using modern equipment and modern stucco siding techniques, it is now possible to install stucco siding panels that are almost indistinguishable from natural cement paneling. In fact, stucco siding can even be installed on an interior wall without damage to the exterior structure. However, one major drawback of stucco siding on an interior wall is that it will not provide as much insulation protection.
comparisons to other siding materials
When comparing stucco finishes to various other building materials, durability and rigidity come into play for many homeowners and homebuilders. A better quality product will have a higher level of resistance to weathering and environmental damage. In addition, an excellent stucco finish will include texture, which provides increased structural stability against external forces. Some of the best stucco finishes in the industry include those made with Portland Cement and California Sand.
Stucco siding has been used for decades on homes and businesses as an exterior siding material. It is widely regarded as a solid building material that provides outstanding resistance to weather and environmental damage. Durability, low maintenance and easy repair make stucco siding an ideal building material for homes and businesses. It is commonly used as a building material for pre-cast walls and pre-cast concrete foundations. As a sidings and trim material, it is also popular for its resistance to fire.