Stucco siding is made from cement or lime-based plaster that is spread over the exterior wall to form a smooth or patterned finish. While we covered some stucco repair techniques in an earlier blog post, here are some additional tips and tricks to help you repair cracks, small holes, and other minor damages to your stucco.
For best results, do your stucco repairs on a temperate day, out of direct sunlight. Check the weather forecast to make sure the stucco repair will have time to dry before the next rainfall.
Small cracks about 1/8″ long can usually be repaired with masonry caulk. First, clean any debris from the crack. Then, carefully apply a bead of caulk to the crack. In most cases, you will want to apply a second layer of caulk a few days later. Finish up by adding sand to the final wet bead to help blend the repair.
To repair larger cracks or small holes, mix up patch material that matches the original stucco. Remove the damaged portion of the stucco, and enlarge the hole slightly to create uneven edges. You’ll want to use multiple light coats of material instead of one heavy coat. Generally, two or three coats should suffice. Make sure to allow each coat time to dry before adding the next coat. The undercoats should be smooth, and the final coat should match the texture of the wall. Practice on scrap first until you are sure you can replicate the pattern and texture.
The larger the damaged area of the stucco, the harder it is to disguise the repair to the remaining wall. For that reason you may want to hire an experienced stucco contractor for large repairs.
Since its introduction, fiber cement siding has become renown as a cost-efficient, attractive, and durable cladding material. What many people don’t know is that this type of siding is also a very environment-friendly building material. Below are a few green advantages to choosing fiber cement siding for home exteriors:
- Environment-friendly materials – Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of cement, wood fibers, sand, and water. These materials are safer than the chemicals used in the production of other types of siding, and fewer emissions are released during the manufacturing of the product.
- Long Lasting – Fiber cement siding will last for decades before needing replacement. This long, useful life span means that less energy and resources will be needed over time than other siding products.
- Fireproof – Fire-resistant siding adds fire protection to your home. Discarded fiber cement siding will not burn or give off toxic chemicals in landfills.
- Recycled materials – Some fiber cement siding uses up to 30 percent recycled materials in the production. This reduces the amount of raw materials and energy used to produce the siding.
- No painting required – Colors are molded into the boards of the siding during the manufacturing process. There is no painting required, and the color won’t chip off or fade. This makes fiber siding cement very low-maintenance as well as environment-friendly.
- Insect-proof – Fiber cement siding is resistant to damage from termites, carpenter ants, and other burrowing insects. This insect protection reduces the need to use chemicals for insect extermination.
There is more emphasis now than ever on choosing eco-friendly products whenever possible, and with all the additonal benefits of fiber cement siding, opting for this green product can be an excellent choice.
Vinyl siding is one of the most common siding choices for residential construction today. Let’s take another look at the advantages of vinyl siding to understand why it is such a popular choice.
Affordability – Vinyl siding is one of the most cost-efficient siding options. Vinyl siding costs are comparable too, or less than, the costs of wood, fiber cement or aluminum siding.
Curb Appeal – New vinyl siding can improve the appearance of your home. Vinyl siding is available in a wide range of vinyl siding colors and styles. Today’s vinyl siding options look great and can increase your home’s value.
Low Maintenance – Unlike wood siding, which needs to be painted on a regular basis, vinyl siding requires very little upkeep. The vinyl siding colors are formed as part of the boards during manufacture. The most you should ever have to do is clean your vinyl siding from time to time.
Durability – Today’s vinyl siding should last for decades on your home. Unlike wood siding, vinyl siding will never rot, peel or need to be repainted.
Insect Resistance – Vinyl siding is safe from the damage caused by termites, carpenter ants, and other wood burrowing insects. By using vinyl siding instead of wood siding you can avoid paying an exterminator and still protect your home from a damaging insect infestation.
Improved Resale Value - A home with new vinyl siding is easier to sell than a home with old, faded wood siding. An attractive home with vinyl siding can bring in more than an identical home with older wood siding.
For the best vinyl siding values, make sure to pick quality siding from one of the top vinyl siding manufacturers such as CertainTeed, Mastic, or Crane.
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