subject: What To Expect With Stucco Siding [print this page] Stucco is an attractive siding, especially for those who want a unique siding that is not used as often as brick or wood. Stucco provides the same durability and value as more expensive sidings, yet often for a lower cost. For this reason, many individuals are interested in having their homes and properties built with a stucco finish, yet may feel hesitant to use the material if they don't know what to expect.
One of the first things that a person should expect after having their home finished with stucco siding is the potential for small cracks to appear. When stucco is applied to a home, it is usually wet. It can take some time for the material to dry and for the water to evaporate.
The water's evaporation may cause the material to shrink slightly which can cause some small cracks. These cracks can also be expected if an individual applies their stucco in dry, hot weather. Fortunately, a bit of water or even a professional coat is often enough to remedy the cracking problem.
Another thing that property owners should expect when having stucco installed is the potential for color variations in the stucco. Unlike a wood or vinyl siding that has one uniform color, stucco tends to be more blotchy or spotty. The color variations are due to the way stucco is applied. Because the material is applied when wet, an area that dried faster may appear lighter.
One last thing that stucco tends to do to the exterior is produce a powdery substance. This substance has a technical name and is called alkali. The alkali will appear as a whitish powder on the surface of the walls. Fortunately, this is an easy fix and can be taken care of with clean water and white vinegar.
