Stucco siding is a tried-and-true option for siding your home. This strong cement mixture has been used is some variety since the time of the ancient Greeks, and many of those buildings are still standing today. So, if you want a strong materials for siding your home, and one that requires very little maintenance, you might want to stick with stucco.
What Is It?
Modern stucco is a mixture of cement, sand, lime, and water. Depending on the climate where your home is, the ingredients may vary slightly. Stucco is applied while wet, usually by being sprayed onto the walls of the house. When it dries, it becomes a very durable coating that can stand up to the elements.
The stucco mixture is usually gray or white in its natural state. If desired, color can be added to the wet mixture before it is applied. Alternately, it can also be painted once it is dry. One of the main benefits of stucco siding, which sets it apart from other siding options, is that you can choose the texture of your home. You may decide to leave it with a rough texture or have it smoothed out or raked. You could even have pebbles added to the stucco mixture for an extra-course appearance.
Stucco Siding Installation
Applying stucco can be a tricky and time-consuming project. If not done correctly, the stucco won't function as well as it should. Thus, unless you are experienced in major home construction projects, it may be best to leave the installation of your stucco siding to the professionals.
Stucco siding is usually applied in three layers. If the home's framing is made of wood or steel, rather than brick, cement, or pre-existing stucco, then a moisture-proof plastic sheet will go on first. The first layer is applied over plastic or wire mesh, which will add to its structural integrity. This can be done either by hand with a trowel or by spraying it on. This layer will then be raked or scratched all over before it dries, which will help the next layer bond to it.
After this first layer dries overnight, the second layer can be applied. Unlike the first layer, this layer needs to be kept moist for about a week. This is because the second layer provides structural strength to the home. If it were to dry too quickly, it would become weak and brittle. Thus, by allowing it to dry slowly (a process known as
curing), the stucco will be as strong as possible.
Once the second layer has been sufficiently cured and dried, the final exterior layer can be applied. With this coat, you can choose exactly how you want your home to look. You can decide whether you want a natural or more colorful look and what type of texture you want the stucco to have.
Stucco siding can be a great addition to your home. Not only isn't it strong and durable, but it will also give your house a stately look. And, if those still-standing, ancient Roman buildings are any indication, stucco siding can help your home last for a really long time.