Stucco is a type of plaster that has been used in construction for centuries. Composed of cement, lime, and sand, it’s applied in several coats over a lath base, providing a durable, solid, and seamless home exterior. Due to its versatility, stucco can be finished with various textures and can be painted any color, making it an adaptable choice for many homeowners. In this post, you will learn about stucco and whether it is a risk to buy a stucco house, as well as the maintenance of this type of home.
Let’s learn more!
What is Stucco?
Stucco refers to a material used for coating wall surfaces in architectural constructions. It is a mixture of aggregates, a binder, and water which, when applied, hardens to a dense solid. It is often used as a decorative coating for walls and ceilings and as an artistic material in architecture.
Why is Stucco Popular?
Stucco has gained popularity due to its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Also, its ability to resist fire, provide sound insulation, and withstand harsh weather conditions makes it a top choice for many builders. Additionally, its flexibility in terms of texture and color enables designers to create unique and beautiful finishes.
Is it a Risk to Buy a Stucco House?
While buying a stucco house comes with many advantages, potential buyers should be aware of potential risks such as improper installation or moisture intrusion, which can lead to structural damage or mold. Proper inspection and maintenance can mitigate many of these concerns.
Pros of Buying a Stucco House
There are a few pros to buying a stucco house.
- Durability: Stucco is resistant to fire, rot, and termite invasion.
- Energy Efficiency: Provides excellent insulation from heat and cold.
- Low Maintenance: Requires less frequent painting and upkeep than other sidings.
- Aesthetics: Offers a variety of textures and colors for customization.
As with all pros, there are also a few cons to buying a stucco house.
Cons of Buying a Stucco House
- Moisture Issues: Can be prone to water intrusion if not properly installed.
- Cracking: May develop cracks as the building settles or during seismic activity.
- Repair Costs: Fixing issues related to faulty stucco can be expensive.
Stucco is interesting in that there is a process for applying it. There are a few types: Traditional, two-coat, and one-coat stucco. It is important to figure out the right type for your home.
What is The Process of Applying Stucco?
There are a few types of stucco, depending on where you live and what your house needs.
1. Traditional Stucco
Traditional stucco is applied in three coats:
1. Scratch Coat: A base layer that forms a strong mechanical bond with the lath.
2. Brown Coat: A second layer that evens out the surface.
3. Finish Coat: The final layer, which provides texture and color.
2. Two-Coat Stucco
A newer method involves just two layers:
1. Base Coat: Combines the scratch and brown coats into one.
2. Finish Coat: Applied as the topcoat for desired aesthetics.
3. One-Coat Stucco
This single-layer application is faster to apply:
- Fiber-Reinforced: Adds strength and durability to the stucco mix.
Stucco Care and Maintenance
Stucco is relatively low-maintenance; however, it does require some care to ensure longevity:
- Regular cleaning with a garden hose or pressure washer.
- Prompt repairs of any cracks or chips.
- Reapplication of sealant or paint as needed.
This material isn’t difficult to take care of and the risk of buying a stucco house is less if you maintain it properly.
Other Maintenance of Stucco and Outside of the House
Now that you are aware of the risk if you buy a stucco house, you can begin reading more about stucco. For example, what to do if a crack is found in your stucco exterior. Certain sizes of crack will require more repair to your stucco. If the crack is smaller than 1/8 of an inch, you can make the simple crack fill on your own.
Next, one of the pros in favor of stucco is how long it can last. Read up on the facts about how long stucco exteriors can last. If they are installed properly you are looking at 50 to 80 years of strength to the exterior of your home.
Lastly, while you are taking a look at the stucco, check out your roof shingles. It is important to keep these clean. Also, this can be done by gathering a soft bristle brush, pressure washer, and roof cleaner solution. This will help keep the roof looking nice and extend its longevity.
When Do I Call a Professional?
It’s advisable to consult a professional for installing stucco on new construction. This is not something you want to do on your own unless you have the skills and proper training. Also, contacting a professional is a good idea if you have significant repairs or restorations to do. Lastly, if you think there might be underlying damage, reach out to a professional to take a look. They will know where to look and won’t keep you guessing.
Conclusion
Investing in a stucco house can be advantageous due to its lasting durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic flexibility. However, understanding the potential drawbacks and committing to regular maintenance is crucial to protect your investment. Also, with the right care, a stucco home can provide beauty and comfort for years to come. It is important to always take care of your home and keep an eye out for anything that looks out of the ordinary. Contacting a professional company to take a look is always recommended. Additionally, this is a great time to contact Enviroquest Home Inspections for a complete mold inspection in Harrisburg, PA.