If you’re thinking about a new exterior for your home, the choices can be dizzying. Should you choose siding, with its wide array of styles, or stucco, with its classic durability? Let’s take a closer look at these two popular options and see how they both stack up in terms of price, life span, maintenance, beauty, and installation.
A Side by Side Comparison of Siding & Stucco
Life Span
Stucco has been used for hundreds of years. Walking through the streets of Europe, it’s easy to spot ancient buildings with their stucco exteriors still intact. Stucco is made by mixing sand, cement, and water to create a super-hard surface when dry. It resists pests, mold, and fire. It can also expand and contract in tune with rising or falling temperatures.
The life span of siding depends on the materials you choose. It can last for decades with proper maintenance but is known to fade in hotter climates or get damaged by debris in severe weather. Wood siding is prone to rot if not treated and maintained. Fiber cement siding, however, offers outstanding resistance to water damage and invasive pests.
Maintenance
Stucco requires minimal upkeep. Just clean it now and then with soap and water. It’s important to conduct regular inspections for chips or cracks that require immediate attention.
Once again, the maintenance requirements for siding depend on the material. Vinyl is the easiest to maintain as it only requires occasional cleaning with a hose or power washer. Wood siding, while beautiful, needs regular staining and sealing to prevent rot and water damage. Fiber cement siding requires a bit less care and should be repainted every 5 to 10 years.
Beauty
For a traditional, timeless look it’s hard to beat stucco. It works best, however, with Mediterranean, Southwest, or Spanish-style architecture. It can be customized with limitless color options for a unique aesthetic.
Modern siding options are also vast, with a multitude of styles and color selections. Vinyl is available in more colors now, but can look artificial when compared to wood. Fiber cement and wood siding can take on a new look with stains or paint and can mimic the look of wood, brick, or even stucco.
Price
Stucco installation is a specialized skill that can make it more expensive than siding in the long run. Labor costs of expert tradespeople are higher due to their knowledge and experience. The installation process can take longer as well.
Considering the cost of siding installation, vinyl is the most cost-effective. Wood siding installation can be more expensive, with fiber cement installation costs falling somewhere in the middle.
Installation
Stucco installation takes longer due to the process of applying multiple layers.
Professional siding installation of pre-fabricated panels makes it quick and efficient compared to stucco.
Siding Pros and Cons
Pros – Beauty, range of style options, longevity, low maintenance, affordable.
Cons – More susceptible to severe weather, less energy efficient, higher risk of water damage if not installed properly.
Stucco Pros and Cons
Pros – Classic, timeless appearance, energy efficiency, longevity, fire resistant
Cons – High installation cost, potential wait times for installation, difficult repairs, susceptible to moisture damage if not properly maintained.
Conclusion
There’s really no one-size-fits-all answer regarding the choice between stucco and siding. Both offer benefits and drawbacks. Your style preferences and budget dictate what will be best for your home.
However, the following factors should be considered before making a final decision: your timeline for completion, budget, regional weather conditions, and installation availability.
Take the time to do some research and get quotes for both before making a final selection.
Still Have Questions? Ask the Pros at Northwest Exteriors
At Northwest Exteriors, our team takes great pride in providing top-quality siding solutions that are both durable and visually stunning. As skilled professionals, our mission is to offer vinyl installations that fit your vision and budget. Our design team can walk you through the best options for your home and help you make an informed decision about material and style choices.
We are known for customer service excellence and work hard to guarantee your complete satisfaction on every project, big or small. We collaborate with the most popular industry brands to bring you superior materials that honor your investment.
Our proficient installation team accepts nothing less than perfection on each job. They are fast and efficient, leaving the work area clean and safe for your family. If you read our online reviews, you’ll discover why our clients choose us and refer us to everyone they know.
Investing in a new exterior can significantly impact your home’s curb appeal and market value. That’s why we work hard to ensure your design choices are the best value for your money and the installation is flawless. When we complete your new siding project, your home will be the showpiece of the neighborhood!
Whether you’re just doing research or are looking for a local siding contractor, we are ready to assist you with a home exterior transformation that provides lasting benefits for you as a homeowner. No one understands better than we do how important this decision is for property owners. That’s why we work hard to earn and keep your trust, and we always will.
Contact Us – The Siding Specialists Near You
Don’t settle for anything less than perfection! With Northwest Exteriors as your home transformation partner, we’ll make your vision come true using the industry’s best materials and flawless installation. You’ll enjoy energy savings, low maintenance, and enhanced curb appeal well into the future.
We offer siding solutions that stand the test of time. Our material selections are chosen carefully to ensure you get the best value for your money. And our installation team works hard to provide seamless perfection on every job.
Our knowledgeable team is waiting to answer your questions, provide more details about our wide array of siding options, or to schedule your on-site assessment and quote. Contact us today, and let’s begin a home transformation that brings impressive results. Call today!
