Everyone can agree that monthly bills are a headache. That’s why people are constantly finding ways to lessen their expenses, whether it be on housing, groceries, transportation, entertainment, or savings. One of the most effective solutions out there is conserving energy. How do you do it? By having an energy-efficient home using an energy-efficient type of siding.

While on that topic, it’s difficult not to mention stucco, one of the top contenders for a long time now. Explore what makes stucco an excellent siding option to cut costs on the energy inside your home.

Why Have an Energy Efficient Home

You might ask, why should you have an energy-efficient home? The answer to that question is pretty simple. Here are four things that make an energy-efficient home great:

• Saves You Money: Less energy usage can only mean one thing – lower energy bills at the end of every month. Who doesn’t want that?
• Good for the Environment: Being energy efficient leads to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, pollutants, and water usage, ultimately helping to slow down climate change. Now that’s one way of taking care of Earth.
• Better Quality of Life: Having an energy-efficient home makes it easier to insulate. So it will be warmer, drier, and well-ventilated, leading to better health and comfort.
• Increased Home Value: Everybody loves an energy-efficient home, which is why it usually sells at a higher price in the real estate market than regular homes.

Pros of Stucco Siding

Stucco has been one the most popular siding choices from a thousand years ago until today. But why is that? Explore the advantages of this siding right here.

Energy Efficient

Of course, the first thing on this list has to be the main appeal of stucco siding – energy efficiency. With varying temperatures the whole day, you’ll likely consume a lot of energy to control room warmth, which can be quite expensive. However, that’s not a problem when you’re using stucco siding. Why? Because it has incredible insulation properties, stucco can keep room temperature steady from day tonight. As a result, utility bills can significantly go down. Sounds charming, right?

But that’s not the end yet. Suppose you have a better budget on hand. In that case, you can also use External Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS), the synthetic counterpart of stucco. It’s still stucco but with a higher R-value of 4-5.6, compared to 0.20 for traditional stucco. Plus, it’s 80% lighter, less likely to crack, and isn’t porous. It’s the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

Durability

Made mainly of cement, sand, and water, stucco is known for its resilience against the elements. What’s more, it’s also pest and fire-resistant. With the right maintenance and installation, you can expect your home to remain standing for more than 50 years.

Aesthetic Appeal

More than just durability and energy-efficiency, stucco can also be quite an eye-catcher. Thanks to its versatility, you can apply different colors and opt for a wide variety of textures to suit your preferences. Better yet, stucco can retain its beauty for a long time.

Cost-Effective

There are cheaper siding materials in the market, such as vinyl and aluminum. But when it comes to cost-effectivity, stucco comes out on top. It has a longer lifespan, is easy to maintain, and you’ll also see a decrease in energy bills every month due to its energy efficiency.

Cons of Stucco Siding

Just like any other siding, stucco isn’t perfect. It also has its own share of flaws. Make sure to consider these disadvantages when choosing stucco.

Professional Installation

One of the few drawbacks of stucco siding is that it requires professional help for installation to achieve the best performance. There’s an increased risk of premature damage when put up incorrectly, something that you’ll never want. Although it can add up to the costs, it’s best to hire professionals.

Requires Regular Maintenance

Yes, stucco is easy to maintain. But you’ll also need regular upkeep to ensure its integrity. This is particularly true when you live in places with inconsistent weather patterns and cold climates. Always check for cracks, peels, and chipping, and repair it as soon as possible. Remember, the key to long-lasting stucco siding is proper maintenance.

Porous

If you live in a place that experiences constant cold and rainy seasons, stucco may not be the wisest choice. This siding is known to be susceptible to water damage. Cracks may appear, and they may break off over time. However, there’s a way out of that issue. EIFS. Unlike traditional stucco, EIFS is a non-porous material, making it resistant to water damage.

The Bottom Line

Having an energy-efficient home not only means lower energy bills but also taking good care of the environment. However, you can’t just use any siding for a house like this. You’ll need one that’s also energy efficient. One of the best in this category is, without a doubt, stucco. Carefully think about what you’ve read here in your decision to use this siding.