The exterior of your home is a major factor in your home’s curb appeal and resale value. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers or simple passers-by see, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Whether you’re building your forever home or replacing your siding, there’s a big choice you need to make, and that is what material you will use on the exterior of your home. Understanding stucco vs. vinyl siding is important to help you make the best decision.
To make your decision easier on whether to choose stucco vs. vinyl siding, we will be going over the pros and cons and how to ultimately decide between the two.
Stucco vs. Vinyl Siding Pros and Cons
Stucco Pros and Cons
Believe it or not, stucco is a traditional material that has been used for thousands of years. In fact, its earliest existence was noted in Greek construction in 1400 B.C. It is made of cement, water, and sand. Once mixed together, it creates a paste that can be placed over brick, stone, concrete, or hollow tile. Like any material, it comes with its pros and cons, including:
Pros:
- Durability: When stucco is applied, it’s applied in several layers. That makes stucco long-lasting and durable. This enables it to last 60 to 100 years and withstand severe weather conditions.
- Timeless appearance: Stucco is a timeless choice for homeowners that adds character that siding doesn’t.
Cons:
- High cost: With stucco costing about $14.50 per square foot, this makes it about $2 more expensive than the highest-end kind of vinyl siding.
- Maintenance: If any cracks form in your siding, specialists will need to be contacted to rectify the issue. If left untreated, the cracks could spread and damage the integrity of your siding. Furthermore, if you live in an area with lots of sunlight, stucco could require touch-ups over time.
Vinyl Siding Pros and Cons
Vinyl is a PVC for the exterior of buildings and homes. It’s useful for protection against severe weather and is durable. Furthermore, it’s a relatively beautiful material to use on the exterior of your home. Because it is inexpensive, it is a popular choice among homeowners.
Pros:
- Customizable: If you’re looking for a wide range of colors and styles, vinyl siding is the solution for you.
- Less expensive: Compared to stucco vs. vinyl siding, it costs significantly less than stucco at $6.50 to $12.50. This makes it a very budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to save money.
Cons:
- Less durable: With stucco’s 60 to 100-year lifespan, vinyl only lasts 20 to 40 years. That is significantly less than stucco. It is also susceptible to water leaks, meaning insulation is important to install before the vinyl siding.
Stucco vs. Vinyl Siding
Now that you know some of the general pros and cons of stucco vs. vinyl siding, it’s time to point out the factors of each and which succeeds in each category.
Customizability
As far as color goes, stucco and vinyl siding have a wide variety of colors. For the best results, it’s recommended that the material is mixed in the color. Stucco is more textured than vinyl siding, which gives it a more defined and noticeable appearance.
Vinyl siding, however, has a great deal more customization. It comes in different shapes and sizes, from shake to shingle tiles and vertical panels. Stucco, unfortunately, only comes in one material, with its only option for customization being color.
Durability
Both stucco and vinyl siding are durable substances. If stucco is applied in multiple layers, the thickness makes it resistant to weather and harsh conditions. In fact, stucco can resist winds up to 80 miles per hour, while vinyl siding can withstand 70 miles per hour gusts. Furthermore, stucco lasts 60 to 100 years. With vinyl siding’s only 20 to 40-year lifespan, this makes stucco much more durable than vinyl siding.
Price Tag
If the price tag is the most important factor for you in your home’s exterior, vinyl siding costs significantly less than stucco at $6.50 to $12.50 per square foot, while stucco costs about $14.50 per square foot. This is largely because stucco is more labor-intensive. Even the most expensive vinyl siding costs less than stucco, making vinyl siding the most cost-effective option between stucco vs. vinyl siding.
ROI and Resale Value
Based on Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report, vinyl siding has a 67% return on investment (ROI) versus stucco, which has a 68% ROI. This is not a major indicator as to which is the better choice, but based on the numbers, stucco is more appealing for resale, but not by a significant margin.
Maintenance
Much like the durability of stucco vs. vinyl siding, both have particularly low maintenance. Stucco doesn’t have many issues in terms of maintenance, but a visible crack should be cause for concern and be treated right away. Stucco also is known to fade in the sun, so frequent touch-ups may be necessary. Vinyl only requires annual cleaning, making its maintenance less encompassing.
Need Further Help?
Do you still have questions about what material is best for the exterior of your home? Let BetterBuilt Builders help you choose between stucco vs. vinyl siding. Our team of experts has years of experience in the industry creating dream homes. Contact our team today for any questions or project ideas you have. Let us help you make them a reality!