Stucco / Acrylic / Eifs

While stucco's siding costs have dropped with improved manufacturing and distribution channels, this type of cladding can still be more expensive than others. This is offset by its durability and the fact that siding replacement will never be a necessity. In certain areas, synthetic stucco may be available, but realize that this is not as durable as the real product.

Modern stucco may also consist of a proprietary mix of additives including fibers and synthetic acrylics that add strength and flexibility. Modern synthetic stucco can be applied as one base layer and a finish layer, which is thinner and faster to apply, compared to the traditional application of three-coat stucco.

As with any cement-based material, stucco must be reinforced to resist movement cracking. Plastic or wire mesh lath, attached with nails or screws to the structural framing, is embedded into the base coat to provided stiffening for the stucco. Often, smaller surface cracks that may appear are covered with an application of one of a variety of pre-mixed acrylic finishes. Flexible acrylic finishes have the ability to stretch and bridge over cracks, improving appearance and limiting the passage of moisture behind the stucco.