If you’re remodeling your house or just fixing up some areas that look a little worse for wear, then you might want to check your siding too. Is it bad? Do you need to replace it? Should hire a siding contractor? Which siding material to choose? That’s where you can consider stucco for siding. Here are some questions that pop into your mind where stucco siding is concerned.

Stucco Siding FAQs

What Is Stucco Siding?

Stucco is a very interesting type of material that is used as a house siding. A lot of the time, it can be mistaken for cement because of the striking similarity of their application. Stucco is not a brick or a solid material, well, not at least when it is being applied.

It is a cement-like mixture that is applied on the wall and is left to dry. It is a wonderful house siding material, because it is durable, and it also resists high temperatures, which means that your house will be safe in the long run.

Stucco is essentially a mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water and this solution or paste rather, is applied on the wall with a sturdy base and then it is left to dry. It can be applied in multiple layers too, depending on the siding thickness you’re going for.

Is Stucco Durable?

Stucco is a very durable material. It is a wonderful material when it comes to longevity because that’s exactly its middle name. Stucco is also fire-resistant, which is very hard to find in siding materials.

So, you best believe that it will resist high temperatures and will keep your home safe from catching unexpected fires, at least from the outside. It is a material that you don’t want to knock until you try it out because it might just change the way you think about it.

How Is Stucco Applied?

The stucco installation process includes a couple of steps. Stucco is first made. The mixture is very intricate and consists of cement, lime, sand, and just the right amount of water to make it pliable, but not overly hard or runny. It is then applied on the siding on which a foundation or base like lath is already present.

This gives something to the stucco to stick to and doesn’t budge. After the first layer is applied, it is left to dry, before the second one is applied, and so on. This is basically how a semi-solid paste turns into a rock-hard siding. It is intriguing.

Can I Apply Stucco On The Existing Siding?

This is something that a lot of people want to know about and that is whether they can apply stucco on their existing siding without removing it. The right answer can only be given after you check the condition of your siding. If the siding is in excellent condition and can grip the stucco, then it’s good to be used as a base for stucco. However, that’s not always the case.

So, the best answer to this question is maybe. You will need to assess your existing siding and consult with a professional before you can go ahead and cover it in stucco.

Does Stucco Require Curing?

Yes, it does. Any material that uses water as a binding agent, like cement or stucco, in this case, needs sufficient curing time. This allows the water to swell up the molecules of sand and cement and lead to hydration.

This also ensures a solid bond between the materials and good results by the end of it all. So, you want to ensure that when you’re applying stucco on the outside of the house as a siding, you give it ample time to set and cure in place. It will only be good for you in the end.

Does Stucco Have Variety?

You’ll be happy to know that stucco is a material with endless variety. It is a wonderful material that is not only durable, but it is also quite versatile when it comes to colors. You can mix in any type of color you want to give stucco that unique hue.

If your house siding is in a unique color, then don’t worry, because stucco will take care of it all and you can just sit back and witness the amazingness that is stucco. It will not disappoint you with its diverse variety of colors. It has something for everyone.

When Is The Best Time To Apply Stucco Siding?

One thing you want to make sure of when you’re considering stucco siding is the time, or rather the weather when you apply it as a house siding. You have to make sure that the temperature outside is not less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit when you are applying stucco.

If the temperature is very low and it’s cold, then stucco can crack and it just won’t set in place nicely. This is why it’s better to get stucco siding when the weather is pleasant. Not too hot and not too cold either. This will lead to the best results.

How To Maintain Stucco Siding?

This is also something that a lot of people ask when they’re considering stucco siding. How do you maintain it? Well, firstly, you want to ensure that the siding is structurally integrated. There shouldn’t be any cracks or problems in the siding, otherwise it will be a perfect path for moisture to seep in and ruin the material for good.

This is why you want to take good care of the siding and whenever you see cracks, you want to fill them first and then go about everything else. It is also recommended that you wash the siding down once every year or so. It keeps the siding strong and clean.

Can You Apply Stucco On Paint?

Stucco best adheres to a surface that is rough and not sanded down. When it comes to painted surfaces, the smooth surface is not enough for the stucco to stick to and it will slip and slide a lot.

This is why it’s imperative to have the stucco siding applied on an unpainted surface as it won’t be as smooth as butter and the rough surface will help the stucco mixture stick to the surface better. So, if you have a painted surface, then it’s best to have it removed before you go ahead with stucco siding.

Is Stucco Siding Expensive?

This is also a very important question that people have in the back of their minds. Well, you will be happy to know that stucco siding doesn’t cost a fortune. A lot of siding materials can be insanely expensive and those are just not budget-friendly.

This is why you’ll be relieved to know that getting stucco as your house siding and even maintaining it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. It is very reasonable in price, judging by its durability and excellent performance.

Conclusion

Stucco is an excellent choice for home siding and these questions and their answers will give you more in-depth info on the material. If you want to know more about different siding materials or need to perform siding installation, get in touch with siding companies Port Jefferson.