Advantages and Disadvantages of Stucco

If you are looking for an excellent construction material, you might want to consider a traditional stucco or an Exterior Insulation and Finishing System or EIFS. Stucco is one of the oldest construction materials available in the market and it has been tested for years. Many homeowners in the United States and in Europe have used stucco for years for their home’s external walling.

For years, stucco has received both good and bad feedbacks from different users. Some are subjective and a handful is objective and should be taken into consideration. Stucco is not perfect and expectations from the highly praised construction material should be leveled to avoid disappointment.

What are the materials that comprise a stucco?

Unlike cement, stucco has a more robust raw material to ensure its resilient characteristics. The main reason why stucco is strong and could last for up to a decade is that it has hydrated limestone, fine sand, polymers to increase its flexibility, fiber to increase its strength, Portland cement, and water.

These raw materials are specially designed to increase their toughness from natural elements such as rain, heat, wind, and dirt. The same elements are known to damage many other exterior materials such as cement and bricks. However, because stucco is a specially designed construction material, it stands greater in terms of resiliency and longevity.

What are the advantages of Homes with stucco? 

1. Durable – stucco is one of the most durable construction materials available in the market. Stucco performs well in a lot of elements when other construction material does not. Stucco is resistant to rotting, mold, termite infestation, and most especially, fire. On average, stucco can last up to a decade or two. With proper maintenance and application of sealing solutions, you can extend its lifespan of up to more than three decades with minor repairs.

2. Sound resistance – a stucco can mitigate noise coming from the inside or the outside of your home. Stucco is commonly used in theatre rooms or music rooms where loud music is played. The claddings and the interior foam layers can buffer noise, and which can also act as an advantage in busy cities.

3. Sustainable – local suppliers offer a wide range of options for stucco. Because it is popular, finding one is not hard. You can call your local supplier to get your stucco sealant, or waterproofing, or the stucco mixture itself.

4. Color retention – one favorite characteristic of stucco is that it can retain the original color for years. It has a durable pigment designed to retain its vibrant color without even needing a repaint. Unlike cement, stucco can also be cleaned easily which retains the color effectively.

5. Texture – there are many stucco finishes that you can choose from depending on your preference or style. You can choose a finely smooth stucco finish to a coarse and rough-textured finish.

What are the disadvantages of Homes with stucco? 

1. Labor cost – hiring a stucco contractor is relatively more expensive than cement because cement application is simple, and it does not require a certain type of skills and knowledge. However, labor cost varies depending on the size or extent of your requirements.

2. Maintenance – maintenance can be a disadvantage sometimes. In order to keep your stucco clean and damage-free, monthly maintenance may be needed. Although maintaining a stucco is not expensive, it becomes a disadvantage when you have to do it yourself because it is time consuming.

 3. Water issues – once your stucco sustains a small crack, it will eventually lead to water issues. It is important for you to call your local stucco repair contractors to mitigate and address water issues. 

4. Few offer an excellent stucco service – because stucco is a specialty in the construction service industry, a few can offer excellent stucco service. Finding a company that offers stucco installation and stucco repair services is not hard. However, finding a good stucco contractor can be a bit tricky and may require some research.
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After all, stucco is an exceptional construction material. While it has an advantage, it comes with disadvantages as well. Of course, no material is perfect. All you need is to educate yourself about the dos and don’ts of a product and know how to use it and maintain it properly.

Know your stucco company and make sure to ask for a free quotation before even engaging with them. Orlando Stucco Repair Pros is one of the leading stucco service companies that offer stucco repair and stucco applications in Orlando and nearby areas. For best stucco repair Orlando, call us today for a free estimate.