Fiber cement and stucco siding have similar strengths, so choosing is tough
Fiber cement siding holds up to harsh weather, fire, and insects, but it is difficult to install and needs to be periodically repainted.
Stucco siding is very durable and can last for 100 years, but it can retain moisture and isn’t always easy to paint.
Stucco has the advantage in just about every category other than appearance.
Choosing a siding is a major decision for a homeowner. It affects not only the look of your house but also how well it’s protected from the elements. If you've heard of stucco and fiber cement siding, you may be wondering which is best for you.
This comparison guide breaks down each material's pros and cons so you can make an informed decision. Then, contact a siding professional near you for a consultation and quote.
Before considering fiber cement siding, you should be aware of its pros and cons.
Fiber cement siding has some very attractive pros, from appearance to durability.
Whether you're talking about salty air or hurricane-force winds, fiber cement siding is extremely tough and can handle just about anything Mother Nature throws at it.
Pests that damage homes, such as termites and carpenter ants, are drawn to wood—but not fiber cement.
Fiber cement is composed almost entirely of flame-resistant materials, so it won’t ignite when exposed to fire.
Fiber cement siding comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, so homeowners can create a custom look.
There are some significant drawbacks you should be aware of as well.
Although fiber cement is a low-maintenance choice overall, it does need to be repainted every 10 to 15 years.
Certain carcinogens can be released when cutting and installing fiber cement, so your contractor will need to take safety precautions. Fiber cement can be heavy and difficult to maneuver, and it can break during installation if not handled carefully.
Fiber cement siding isn’t an especially good insulator. Wood and vinyl do a much better job of stopping heat loss, which in turn saves money on your energy bill.
What about stucco siding? This type of siding has some key differences from fiber cement. Here are the pros and cons of stucco siding.
Stucco offers a number of benefits, including that it can last for 100 years.
Like fiber cement, stucco can withstand strong winds, fire, and insects. How long does stucco last, though? If properly installed and maintained, stucco can last 100 years.
Stucco has a unique textured look that is popular with homeowners. You can choose from different shades and finishes to further raise your home's curb appeal.
Like fiber cement, stucco siding requires little in the way of upkeep other than regular cleaning with a garden hose and brush.
Stucco isn’t right for all climates and can sometimes develop cracks.
Although some types of stucco can repel water, stucco tends to absorb and hold onto water. That means this type of siding is better suited for arid climates, such as the Southwest and Texas—though the material is popular in Florida. Waterlogged stucco can lead to problems like mold growth and cracking.
Stucco isn’t very flexible, so if it is rattled by an earthquake or simply expands and contracts as the temperature changes, you may notice cracks start to develop.
Painting stucco isn’t as straightforward as painting other types of siding and may involve special preparation steps like sandblasting.
So how do these two siding options compare? After all, their pros and cons are similar in many areas. Here’s the breakdown.
Fiber cement siding gets the edge on appearance because it offers homeowners a wider range of design options.
Stucco siding has better durability. While both types of siding are known for their strength, in the long run, stucco can last for decades longer than fiber cement.
Stucco siding also has the advantage in price. The cost of fiber cement siding can be up to $10 per square foot based on the size of your home. The cost of stucco siding averages closer to $8 per square foot.
Stucco siding takes this category as well. While both siding options are difficult to install, fiber cement is more challenging because of its heaviness and the safety precautions that need to be taken.
Stucco siding comes out slightly ahead on maintenance. Both types of siding are easy-care, but fiber cement does need to be repainted every 10-15 years.
We had the solar paneling installed over the summer and the folks from Ecohouse they had a very competitive bid. They were able to make recommendations on the siding, whether it would be a good idea to get solar. They did an excellent job with the installation. They also helped us arrange...
Ecohouse SolarWanted Exterior Windows/Screens washed but was overbooked, so I skipped it, which is fine. Performed job while I was away. Called to tell me he was finished. Upon inspection of his work he missed one entire side of the house. Noticed other side of house was missed - as in a muddy...
Soap and WaterI was very impressed with Miller Cantrell! I live in an old home in which the sewage line that runs from my home to the sewage system is a line of clay tile. These eventually collapse and need to be replaced - an expensive problem and sure to happen at the worst time. I told them that my...
Awful. Made an appointment 1 month in advance. Two days before the delivery appointment they called and said they would be there in the morning to pick up my furniture. The appointment was made at 4:30 in the afternoon, and I had written it down to make sure. I told them that the correct...
Great!, Was able to get them to show up within 2 hours of calling, which was very much needed. Had a new refrigerator delivered that could not be installed. The main water shut off to my house and the shut off to the old refrigerator could not be turned off. Water was leaking everywhere...
A Mann Plumbing LtdThe work went great! Couldn't ask for better. Joel set a work start date. About the time of the storms that may have been associated with Sandy. He was half a day late. They set up on a Thursday. On Friday they had a full crew at work. By Monday they were finishing up. Now, the best...
We asked to use our existing iron posts rather than getting new posts. Jack said that could be done and that they'd just cut them out of current porch and reset in the new concrete. This would have worked fine, but they didn't raise one side of the porch roof high enough and the post set...
They were done in one day and did good work. They replaced the conduit and hooked it back up on both sides.
We had to replace rotten wood on both buildings and shingle the sides of our dormer walls on the main building. Prior to replacing the roofs we had to tear down a deteriorating chimney to the roofline and Muth and Co worked with our hired chimney vendor to complete the project. While...
Muth & Company RoofingTHE CHALLENGES WERE TO CREATE A SECOND BATH AND MASTER SUITE IN A SECOND FLOOR OF A SMALL AREA OF OUR HOME WHERE SPACE WAS TIGHT. JEFF DEVELOPED ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS THAT MADE MAXIMUM USE OF SPACE AND TURNED A VERY TIRED OLD SECOND STORY INTO A SHOWPLACE. HE ALSO DESIGNED A GARAGE THAT HAS...
Conner Arcitecture llcFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of siding repair varies depending on material, design, and damage. This helpful guide covers the siding repair costs to expect in Columbus, Ohio.
In addition to protecting against extreme Midwest temperatures, new siding in Columbus adds curb appeal. Learn about siding replacement cost in Columbus.
New vinyl siding adds value and curb appeal to homes in Columbus, Ohio. Learn about average vinyl siding installation costs in Columbus, Ohio.
Old, damaged siding may leave your home unprotected against the elements. Learn when to replace siding and what signs to look for.
Power washers can effectively clean dirt and grime on siding, but there’s a risk of damage. So, can a power wash break siding? Find out more.
Picking between Hardie board and traditional cement board siding? Our comparison guide will help you decide.
