Before deciding which siding materials to use in your new custom build, it’s important to consider the maintenance each option requires and whether certain materials, like stucco, are compatible with South Carolina’s humid climate.
Stucco homes require a good amount of maintenance in South Carolina, more than homes with fiber cement, vinyl, or metal siding. Stucco is porous and can be susceptible to water damage and mildew if not properly looked after. Proper installation, sealing, and cleaning can help stucco homes remain structurally sound and maintain curb appeal.
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Stucco homes may require more maintenance than homes with other siding options in South Carolina, but they can still be built in high-humidity climates. If you love the look of stucco, you don’t necessarily have to give it up because of your climate, but you should be prepared for the extra maintenance.
To keep your stucco home in South Carolina in good condition, wash the exterior 2 to 3 times each year. You can use your garden hose or even rent a low-pressure power washer to clean stucco siding without damaging the finish.
Cleaning stucco periodically helps remove dirt, mildew, and salt deposits, which helps it maintain its appearance and structural integrity. Stucco homes in less humid climates may need less frequent cleaning.
After building a custom stucco home, thermal expansion and contraction, moisture, house settling, and other factors might create small gaps between the stucco and the windows and doors. Even extremely small, hairline cracks in caulk can have major consequences for stucco in the long run and should be addressed immediately to mitigate the risk of water intrusion and damage.
Make it a point to check for gaps periodically once your house begins to settle after construction.
Stucco is porous, so placing dense landscaping right next to the house can cause moisture damage over time. Keep bushes, shrubs, flowers, and other plants at least 18 inches away from the stucco siding of your house, if not further, to limit pest access to your home and potential water or structural damage.
In a humid climate like South Carolina’s, stucco may need professional cleaning once a year, while in less humid areas, it may need professional cleaning every 3 years or less. Professionals can use proper washing methods that won’t damage stucco, treat and remove mineral-deposit stains, and visually inspect stucco for potential problem areas that need caulking or resealing.
Every 5 to 7 years, stucco may need to be resealed to prevent moisture damage. This is especially important in high-humidity areas like South Carolina, where water damage is more likely. Proper sealing during construction and periodic resealing help prevent stucco from absorbing water and help prevent mold and mildew from building up over time.
South Carolina’s high humidity and heat make certain siding materials higher-maintenance for homeowners, while others are better-suited to the environment. Stucco is a popular choice for its longevity and aesthetic appeal, but it may not be the most low-maintenance option for South Carolina’s climate.
Stucco can be a moderate-to-high maintenance siding option for homes in South Carolina. Its porous nature makes it susceptible to water damage due to the high temperatures and moisture levels in the area, so resealing and frequent cleaning are important.
While stucco may require more maintenance than fiber cement or metal siding in South Carolina, it is not out of the question for homeowners who don’t mind a little more annual maintenance to achieve the look they want for their custom homes.
You can build a stucco home in South Carolina, but it may require more maintenance than other siding options. We can help you weigh the pros and cons of different siding so you make a well-informed decision during the planning stage.
Stucco offers curb appeal, helps keep homes cool during the hot South Carolina summer, and can last for many years with proper maintenance and care.
Stucco homes can be susceptible to moisture damage unless properly sealed, particularly in South Carolina’s year-round high humidity. Stucco installation may require more experience, labor, and time than installing other siding options.
If you have concerns about keeping up with the maintenance requirements of building and owning a stucco home in South Carolina, we can show you alternative options that offer great longevity and aesthetics, such as fiber cement siding.
Stucco homes generally take longer to complete than homes with fiber cement, vinyl, or other siding options, often several weeks. We can apply multiple coats, allow the necessary curing time, and seal the stucco to keep it in good condition for years to come.
We can help keep the cost of building and maintaining a stucco home as low as possible by sticking to the budget you set, setting aside a contingency fund, and carefully installing and sealing stucco. Stucco is comparable in cost to fiber cement siding, but may require more labor.
Get in touch with the custom home planners and builders of Blythe Custom Homes to get started on your custom build in South Carolina.
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