Homeowners throughout California have to make an important choice when it comes to their home exterior. They must factor in siding that will combat heat and sun exposure, keep the home cool, and keep up with the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood and the California housing market.
Hence, you want to invest in products that will protect the exterior from natural damage over the years. We run through the characteristics between vinyl siding vs stucco and why these may be top options when choosing a siding material for your home.
Stucco Siding
For many years, Stucco siding has been homeowners’ durable and popular choice in Los Angeles and throughout southern California. The material is made out of a mixture of marble dust, water, lime, and sand in modern times. The blend creates a form of plaster that is smooth to layer onto the exterior of your home.
Stucco remains a popular choice due to its high insulation. It is fire-resistant and does not erode under harsh weather conditions, making it a reliable option for individuals living in four-seasonal countries. Moreover, the material looks aesthetic and gives off a Spanish home vibe, often seen throughout California.
Besides its weather resistance, Stucco also protects against termites or wood rot. The material is easily applied and requires no color renewals even after years have passed.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Stucco Siding?
The material does tend to develop little cracks, but it often gives it more of a sophisticated look and can be easily fixed with lime fillings. However, these cracks quickly gather dirt and mold if left uncared for.
Cleaning dirt or mold off can be challenging since the cracks have small openings. Since California homes are prone to potential storms, these cracks can result in water collecting during rains, leading to wood erosion and mold spreading.
However, if you have the financial means to keep the siding maintained and cleaned every few years, this might be the right aesthetic choice.
Vinyl Siding
If your tastes are more personalized regarding the aesthetic look of your home, vinyl siding might be a suitable option. This material comes in many different hues, textures, and designs. You can choose between smooth and woody vinyl siding or a decorative one.
To give your home a vibrant look, vinyl is a cheaper option. Its durability is similar to Stucco’s but requires far less maintenance. If you’re on a budget but still want a modern aesthetic for your home, vinyl can be a great choice.
Once designed into the construction of your home, you won’t have to worry about rust, mold, or the color fading away from the material. It will look good as new and is less likely to crack under harsh weather conditions.
Insulated vinyl siding is also known to increase energy efficiency which can be great at keeping cooled air inside the home during the hot summer months. This option may offer lower energy bills to homeowners that worry about having to run their air conditioners for long periods of time.
Moreover, the siding is also easy to install, which means you can save on labor costs by skipping the professional hire and doing it yourself.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Vinyl Siding?
California weather can have a strong effect on the appearance of vinyl siding. The strong sun rays can fade the coloring which is why it’s important to choose a more neutral cream color to disguise any tarnishing.
Another disadvantage of vinyl siding is that it cannot be recycled once installed. The material is bound to require a repaint or clearing of staining after a few years of use which negatively impacts our environment.
Vinyl Siding vs Stucco: Pros & Cons
Every homeowner will have to make a choice according to their budget or aesthetic sense when it comes to their home’s exterior or house siding. Both stucco and vinyl have their pros and cons that should be looked into so you can make a well-informed decision.
Installation
As discussed above, vinyl sidings are far easier to install and seldom require professional aid. The panels can be bought ready to install, are cheaper, and generally require less effort. All you need is the appropriate tools and products to ensure a solid fix and proper installation.
On the contrary, Stucco is time-consuming and costly. It requires hiring a team for professional installation, as it is more time-consuming since it requires three coatings. You will have to wait for the Stucco to dry before layering on, making the process more daunting.
Between the two, Stucco cannot be changed or fixed easily if mistakes are made during installation. However, vinyl can be changed with little to no additional costs.
Maintenance
Maintenance is the determining factor and is highly dependent on the financial capacity of the homeowners. Both sidings will not require yearly maintenance but will require upkeep every few years. What matters is the level of destruction that can be caused and the maintenance cost.
Stucco sidings are likely to crack over the years, which may cause mold and wood erosion if not treated timely. However, it is a durable material and likely to last many years before any costly reapplication is required.
Vinyl siding is easy to clean and maintain. However, it will require repainting every year and, over time, might get changed due to staining and dents.
Cost Of Siding Vs. Stucco
Between Stucco and vinyl, the latter is the cheaper option. Stucco cost is relatively inexpensive and can average around $14.50 per square foot. This does not include the cost of hiring professionals, paying for equipment, labor, or taxes. Stucco comes with a higher cost when compared to vinyl but is more environmentally sustainable.
On the contrary, vinyl siding is more budget-friendly. Even if you choose a high-quality, insulated vinyl, it will estimate at around $12.50 per square foot. If you select an average vinyl, it can cost approximately $9.50, with a cheaper option around $6.50 per square foot.
Durability
Stucco is easily the superior option in terms of durability. You can easily spend a few years without any repairs or reinstatement with one installment. This is because the three layers of Stucco are ten times as durable as one layer of vinyl siding.
Stucco is also resistant to harsh weather and can withstand California rain, hail, or snow. It is less likely to dent or break under pressure and requires maintenance every few decades.
While vinyl is a durable option, it also requires yearly cleaning, repainting every few years, and might be replaced every decade. So, where the vinyl will last 20-40 years, Stucco will survive 100 years in the same conditions with far less maintenance.
Colors And Finishes
Between the two, there is little room for comparison. Both sidings can be changed into any color of choice. They also provide a variety of designs that can enhance the exterior aesthetic of your house. However, vinyl does have more design options since it can easily be molded into any personified design.
In terms of color, vinyl requires a repaint every few years. Stucco lasts decades before a reinstallation is needed, which is when the paint is changed. Otherwise, it can withhold against harsh weather conditions.
Are They Energy Efficient?
The energy efficiency of siding is measured by R-value and homeowners can always check this rating for efficiency and savings metrics. Although both are energy efficient, insulated vinyl is the better choice and most energy-efficient option.
Other Siding Materials
Fiber cement is another popular siding option for California homeowners due to its durability and fire-resistant capabilities. Made up of wood pulp and cement, it can also be found in a wide variety of colors and designs that can be made to look like traditional vinyl, wood, or cement siding.
Fiber cement requires very low maintenance to maintain its appearance which is why it’s considered the highest return on investment when it comes to siding material options. This cost-effective material is also pest and rot-resistant.
Summary
Homeowners must consider their location, design preferences, and budget when it comes to choosing the best option for their home exterior. While stucco remains the most popular option throughout southern California, vinyl is a very popular choice due to its lower maintenance, durability, and installation costs. Both will trap heat and cool air and help homeowners withstand the weather elements of California.
If you live in the greater Los Angeles, California area and looking for any custom home construction or remodeling, contact Build Method Construction at 818.900.9626 for a free consultation or Get a Free Quote.