When you consider vinyl siding vs. stucco, there are benefits to each depending on your climate and personal preferences. As experts in both, we are happy to explain the key benefits and qualities of each. We preface all descriptions and advice with the key point that any exterior is only as good as the expertise of the company who installs it.
#1 Equalizer: Professional Installation
Both vinyl siding and stucco require a water-resistant barrier. Without this high-quality barrier correctly installed, the vinyl siding vs. stucco debate is moot. Neither one can do their job if they aren’t properly installed.
The Pros of Vinyl Siding
- Minimal Maintenance: Simply powerwash on an annual basis and perform regular exterior inspections to spot any potential problems.
- All-Weather Appropriate: Vinyl can withstand extreme temperatures and weather; the higher the quality, the better.
- Energy Efficiency: Quality vinyl siding with insulation will provide an energy efficient exterior.
Common Repairs or Remediation For Vinyl Siding:
- Fading: If you have a panel or several panels that fade over time due to excessive sunlight, you can easily have those individual panels replaced.
- Cracks: Cold weather makes vinyl challenging to work with, and cracks can form if repairs are needed in colder temps.
- Holes: If you ever played baseball in a backyard as a kid, chances are that you or a friend smacked a ball or a bat into the side of the house. Depending on the strength of the impact, you might find that this leads to a dent or hole.
The Pros of Stucco
- Aesthetics: Stucco offers more color and textural options, and fits any style of design.
- Durability: When maintained through annual professional inspections, it can and will last beyond 50 years!
- Energy Efficient: Stucco is an energy efficient exterior that will protect your home and keep energy costs down.
Common Repairs or Remediation For Stucco:
Most common stucco maintenance will catch issues before they become problematic.
- Cracking and Crumbling: Minor cracks are typical on a stucco exterior overtime, but anything larger than ⅛” should be checked by a professional.
- Staining, Mildew, or Mold: All of these are potential signs of a water issue and should be immediately inspected and remediated by a professional.
Annual stucco inspections by a professional company is your best bet for catching problems before they degrade the stucco.
Be In The Know When It Comes To Vinyl Siding Vs. Stucco
No matter what side of the vinyl siding vs. stucco debate you land on, or if you’re just not sure, Ai Restoration can help. Call us and rely on our nearly two decades worth of experience to help you make a determination of the best siding for your home exterior.
