There are several reasons why stucco is an excellent choice for the exterior of your property. First, it is a great-looking product to use as siding on your home and is available in a wide range of colors. Furthermore, the pricing of stucco is modest, as it is nowhere near the most expensive siding choice on the market.

Lastly, there are few maintenance requirements for stucco as the years go by. Once you have invested in your stucco finish, you can plan on getting a great return on that investment for many years.

Synthetic stucco is made from resins or polymers that resemble paint with sand mixed in. While a bit expensive than traditional stucco, synthetic stucco has a wider range and stronger vibrancy of properties. This makes it an ideal choice for both the appearance and protection of your home.

Traditional stucco is sometimes referred to as classic, cement, or hard coat stucco. It is composed of Portland cement, sand-lime, and water, and is very affordable. It offers a huge range of texture possibilities and can be colored, though lighter shades are recommended.

With proper maintenance, stucco can last anywhere from 50 to 80 years. You just have to repaint and re-caulk every seven to ten years, perform touch-ups, and inspect for hairline cracks regularly.

Cracks are inevitable when it comes to stucco, just like any cement-based product. Several factors can contribute to the cracks in your stucco. The leading causes include the natural settling of the building, shrinkage-induced stress, and seasonal changes.

While most hairline cracks aren’t serious, they can cause many people to be concerned. When you notice a larger crack, you’ll want to consult a professional to investigate, determine the root cause, and identify the correct solution. 

Keep in mind that behind the stucco is a waterproof membrane, so not every crack is allowing water into your property. In most cases, the crack can be superficially in the finish material. That’s why several people choose elastomeric finishes to bridge the crack.

If you want to paint your stucco rather than have it colored during the manufacturing and application process, you need to wait for at least 28 days for the stucco to cure before painting over. Furthermore, it’s vital to clean and prepare the area properly as well as choose the correct paint and materials for the job.

In most cases, you can use a garden hose to gently wash away dirt and debris. Whatever doesn’t come off can be lightly scrubbed away with hot water, dish soap, and a nylon brush. For heavier cleaning jobs, you want to consider hiring a professional. 

Yes, you can! Both traditional and synthetic finishes offer a wide range of color options, though synthetic finishes tend to be more vibrant.

It’s best to have the existing paint removed first before applying stucco. Stucco will struggle to adhere to a painted surface, meaning the finished product will not be as secure and durable as it should be. Sandblasting is commonly used to remove paint from a surface that is marked for sandblasting.

There is no maintenance required unlike with wood, vinyl, or aluminum siding. Hard coat stucco has an acrylic coat over a cement base coat. 

A textured look is achieved by mixing particulates with acrylic color. This integrated color holds true for years in UV light conditions. Anyone can clean off dust or mud with a garden hose.