It’s essential to think carefully before purchasing a house with a stucco façade.
Buying a home on TV is a genre you’ve probably heard about or seen. Location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and interior design are all factors that the real estate agent and prospective buyers consider. However, the exterior wall coverings of houses are rarely discussed. As a builder, this worries me because siding is crucial to a home’s visual appeal and protection from the elements. Using stucco as exterior siding calls for cautious planning. What you must know is listed below.
Stucco installation
Stucco’s durability, like any other building material, is highly dependent on its installation. As a result of its multi-layered construction, stucco is particularly vulnerable to improper application by a less-than-skilled contractor. Incorrect flashing is one of the most typical installation mistakes. As a result, water seepage can occur, leading to potentially costly repairs.
Stucco can start to crumble if sand used for the exterior of the house is incorporated into the soil around it. Even though cracks can be fixed, the expense usually falls on the homeowner. Even more frustrating is that many installation problems don’t become apparent until years after they were initially performed.
Due to the specialized nature of stucco work, it’s important to hire carefully.
Water damage
Stucco can only keep its strength if it is never exposed to water. It’s crucial to install gutters and downspouts so that water flows away from the house. To prevent water from penetrating the stucco, all doors and windows must be properly sealed.
Paint color commitment
Stucco siding, which can be used for over 50 years, is a long-term investment. To change the color of the stucco, it must be sandblasted first. Moisture problems can arise later if this step is skipped.
Stucco siding marketability
For many reasons mentioned above, buyers in humid or wet climates are often hesitant to commit to a home with stucco siding. As a result, homes with stucco siding usually stay on the market for longer than similar properties with different finishes. To protect yourself from unexpectedly high repair bills, it’s essential to have a trustworthy stucco inspector working alongside your real estate agent.
