The Pros and Cons of a Stucco Exterior

October 28, 2020

Stucco... or stucco removal?

Stucco has its pros, but the material has its disadvantages as well. If you’re considering whether you’d like stucco or whether you should keep your stucco, we suggest being conscious of both sides. Below, we share just a few of the many pros and cons of a stucco exterior.

Pro: Durability

Stucco is a cement, sand, and water mixture, so it stays rigid, even in strong winds. Many folks may even prefer buying a stucco home over, for example, a brick structure. Additionally, stucco is fire- and pest-resistant, making it one of the most ideal residential building materials.

Pro: Aesthetically Appealing

Stucco beautifully transforms a home’s appearance. Plus, the material achieves a look that stands the test of time. In fact, stucco houses have been around for centuries. As a bonus, if you plan to sell your home soon, you can increase its resale value by properly taking care of the stucco.

Con: Maintenance Requirement

Stucco isn’t a large project to begin with, so it won’t require much upkeep, right? You’d think so. People commonly believe that stucco is low-maintenance; however, you do have to commit to it.

For instance, cracks may appear over time due to improper installation, and although they seem like cosmetic issues, cracks—especially large ones—can do more harm than you think. They can go deep beyond the surface and contribute to lasting structural damage. Simply put, you’ll need to have these cracks sealed as soon as possible.

Con: Stucco Is Absorbent

Keep in mind that stucco is porous, so unlike vinyl and other siding materials, it absorbs moisture. The elements can therefore wreak havoc on your stucco, and as a result, your home may develop unsightly dark spots.

It may even grow mold, which is very noticeable on your home’s exterior. Plus, this mold can develop underneath the stucco as well. Naturally, Georgia’s humid, wet climate can present challenges for many types of houses, but it’s essential to stay on top of caring for your home’s stucco exterior.

Now that you’re familiar with some of the pros and cons of a stucco exterior, it may be worth considering whether you want to keep, repair, or entirely remove it. Perhaps you’ve already noticed one or a few of the issues we mention above.

In any case, if you do choose to invest in new siding, contact a company that can make that happen. You can trust Keystone Siding & Windows to perform exceptional stucco removal in Greater Atlanta, GA.

We’ll quickly and efficiently remove and replace stucco on homes in the Greater Atlanta area, and we take pride in what we do, and you’ll be amazed by the craftmanship as well as the results. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us.