Stucco is an alternative house siding that gained popularity in the early 1900s and is still a prevalent and durable building material, particularly in the Southwest. Stucco consists of a combination of aggregate, some binder, and water applied wet and dries as a dense solid. This siding works on the exterior of both residential and commercial buildings. There are two different types of stuccos today: traditional and synthetic.
What is Traditional Stucco
Traditional stucco, or classic stucco, is siding made from lime, cement, and coarse sand. There are several benefits to deciding if traditional stucco is suitable for your residential or commercial property.
Traditional stucco is exceedingly durable, relying on years of traditional techniques and mastery. It also looks more natural and meets historical board requirements if needed in historical areas. Traditional stucco is also helpful in dry, arid regions because it is fire-resistant. You will receive a high-quality La Habra product if you choose traditional stucco from Santa Fe Stucco & Roofing.
Traditional stucco has a few downsides. This natural-looking cladding tends to absorb water and show rain streaks. Its natural nature also allows the stucco to change color over time. Of course, these “downsides” can also be highly prized by those seeking a more rustic aesthetic — streaking and uneven color fade can develop into a rich patina over time. However, there is also a potential for cracking when using the traditional product. Cracking is not simply a cosmetic problem. It can lead to more significant structural issues since the moisture seeping through the cracks can cause damage.
What is Synthetic Stucco
Synthetic stucco is the modern alternative to traditional stucco. Synthetic stucco is comprised of a different combination of materials than traditional stucco. This siding system consists of an even layer of a water-resistant base layer of flexible leveling compound, with fiberglass mesh embedded throughout to provide consistent adhesion and flexibility. The surface is then primed to allow for even hand-troweled application of the textured color layer.
There are numerous benefits to using Synthetic Stucco. The mesh-embedded base layer allows for uniform rates of expansion & contraction from changing temperatures, which significantly decreases structural cracking over time, and allows any captive moisture to plume and expel evenly through the surface of the color layer. Unlike traditional stucco, synthetic stucco is much less likely to experience as dramatic color change or fade; any gradual color fade from UV exposure will be consistent and uniform across any given wall. Santa Fe Stucco & Roofing uses STO brand products for synthetic stucco. This product was developed and tested in the desert southwest, with our unique climate and high altitude in mind.
Just like traditional stucco, synthetic stucco can have unique challenges. It is paramount that synthetic stucco is appropriately installed. Improper installation can lead to moisture retention concerns and issues. Property owners in historical areas or attached to the classic stucco look may not be satisfied with synthetic stucco’s newer and less natural look.
Choosing the Right Stucco: Synthetic vs. Traditional Stucco
If you need to re–stucco a property, knowing whether to use traditional stucco or synthetic stucco can be challenging. Here at Santa Fe Stucco & Roofing, we offer traditional and synthetic options to fit your needs. One caveat is that we cannot use traditional stucco on a synthetic stucco property. However, if you have a traditional stucco home, we can switch to synthetic stucco if that is the best option.
So, how do you choose? The first step is to consider your priorities for your property or home. Do you value a traditional look? Do you need to adhere to HOA or historical codes in your area? Are you drawn to the intricacies and unique natural look of traditional stucco? If you answer yes to one of these traditional, it is an excellent option to look further into.
Synthetic is an excellent option if you want a more uniform appearance with more design flexibility. The addition of energy efficiency is also a plus when looking at synthetic stucco.
Both products offer benefits and disadvantages. Yet, the most critical factor when deciding to re–stucco your property is ensuring it is installed professionally. Unprofessional or novice installation will lead to possible moisture and structural issues in the future.
Santa Fe Stucco & Roofing implements the highest standards when installing traditional and synthetic stucco. We understand the high altitude and extreme weather in the Santa Fe region and only use materials designed for our area’s intensity.
The decision between synthetic and traditional stucco ultimately depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the unique characteristics of your property. At Santa Fe Stucco & Roofing, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch installation services tailored to the Santa Fe region’s high-altitude, extreme weather conditions. Whether you choose the traditional charm of classic stucco or the modern advantages of synthetic stucco, our commitment to quality ensures your property will be beautiful and durable for years.