Stucco siding for new homes has become the most popular exterior

In communities where fire safety is paramount and building homes that endure the challenges of a changing climate is important, stucco stands out as one of the very best options for homeowners to consider. A standard application of just one-inch coating of stucco is able to provide an hour-long firewall rating, meaning that this material will prevent the spread of fire from one side of the wall to the other. In this case from the exterior to the interior of the structure, for a least one hour.

What is stucco made from?

Stucco is a mixture of Portland cement, sand, limestone, water and other additives that help to increase the materials strength and flexibility. Heavy wire mesh called ‘lath’ is attached to the exterior of the building createing a structure to hold the stucco. Traditionally, stucco is applied in three even coats. The finish coat can be smooth or textured in a variety of colors and designs to complement the homeowner’s preference.

Stucco siding advantages include;

  • Durability
  • Stands up to the weather, wind, and flying or falling debris
  • Comes in a variety of appealing tones and colors
  • Can be formed to create decorative enhancements to the exterior
  • Low maintenance
  • Resistant to both fire and insects
  • Provides a degree of sound proofing from outside noise
  • Offers some insulation value

Although a very versatile and reliable product, stucco siding can have its disadvantages. One of the downsides is its tendency to be brittle, and it may crack as a home expands and contracts with temperature changes and as the home settles. Stucco is more likely to develop cracks if it is jostled by earthquakes. With these disadvantages in mind it is important that an experienced professional is contracted for the installation, which is crucial for long term performance and appearance.

Stucco also has some very important advantages over other building materials including the fact that it is relatively low cost.  For example, stucco costs less than other building materials including brick, stone, most wood and some vinyl and aluminum siding. It is very durable and can look beautiful while being relatively maintenance free for as long as 80 years. Whereas vinyl siding and aluminum siding lasts from 20-30 years, and fiber cement 30-50 years. It also requires much less maintenance than wood and fiber cement, and its ability to resist fire, insects and weather makes it a superior product for durability when compared to all other building material with the one exception of brick.

We are here to help with your new home build

If you can imagine it, we can build it for you. With more than three decades in the construction industry, Nelson Builders has the expertise to be your custom home builder in the Northern California Bay Area.  Our homes come from quality that can only be constructed with the exceptional craftsmanship that our customers have come to appreciate. Our attention to excellence stems from the rich history of our company, a second-generation California custom home builder, and remains as one of our esteemed core values today.

Whatever plan you decide on, we work to ensure that you are completely satisfied in every regard including the selection of design details and finishes. We focus on clients individually to serve their needs at the highest level, so we can deliver our full commitment to the success of your project. Call us today at 707-955-6866 to get started.