Stucco On You: Choosing The Type Of Siding You Want For Your Home

The outside of your home determines a lot, from what people will expect when they walk through your front door to how much your home as a whole is worth. But when you're building a new home, you'll want to make sure that everything is as perfect as it can be – even down to the type of siding you choose. So how do you know what kind's best? If you're wondering how to choose between vinyl siding and stucco, then here's what you need to know.

Feel the Temperature Rising? It Isn't Surprising…

…if you're in a home with vinyl siding. When it comes to dealing with what Mother Nature dishes out, vinyl has a hard time coping with hail, snow, fire, wind, and heat, marking it as a great choice for very temperate climates but not as good if your area is prone to extreme weather. Stucco, on the other hand, is resistant to snow, ice, hail, and wind, and has the highest fire-resistance on the market. Add this resistance to the fact that stucco insulates your house better against extreme temperatures, making your home more energy-efficient, and it's not hard to see the winner in this battle.

WINNER: Stucco

She Works Hard for the Money…

…and so do you, and how much your siding will cost you will most probably influence your decision of what type of siding you want for your home. Vinyl siding, ubiquitous as it is, is quite cheap, and the price stays about the same no matter what color or style you choose. Stucco (especially modern stucco, which is better than the old concrete stucco), on the other hand, requires more labor on the part of the contractor and is more complicated to deal with, and thus comes with a much higher price tag (a customizable estimate can be found here).

WINNER: Vinyl

Bit By Bit, Putting It Together…

…is a hassle with any siding material, but here vinyl and stucco both have different advantages and challenges. Installation for vinyl is simpler, but because it's not as durable, you risk having to do it over and over again. While stucco is a little more time-intensive and definitely requires a professional, it's also quite impervious to damage, and you'll never have to take off an entire panel because a piece got damaged.

Once it's up, the push and pull between pros and cons doesn't get any less intense. Stucco requires very little maintenance and can last for half a century easily, but on the off-chance that it does crack in a place or two, you'll need to call a professional to do a patch job. Vinyl has to be fully replaced every 15 or so years, and is hard to repaint if one side of your house fades more quickly than the rest, but it can be simply be hosed off to clean it.

WINNER: Depends on your situation

Reminder:

The best siding for you is the type that fits your specific needs and wants the best, while minimizing any trouble to you. Talk to your contractor, like Abaco Plastering & Stucco Ltd stucco repair, about what's best for your home if you're still having trouble deciding.

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