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.
Window Depot did an amazing job on my deck. I wasnt sure what I wanted to do, but their composite decking was affordable and will last a long time. I am excited to have family over, and I am no longer embarrassed by my backyard. Jeff and the ground crew were polite, respectful, and caring for...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioWe used Unique Hardwood Floor LLC three years ago to work on the floors of a 70 year old home that needed a great deal of work. Some floors needed repairs, some were replaced and others just needed to be refinished. It was a complicated job as they needed to blend the old and the new to...
Unique Hardwood Floor LLCWe live in a condo and had space to add a tall cabinet. The problem was the space was already occupied by our catsâ litter box. We needed to still keep the litter box in that same corner. Beiler Custom Cabinets was able to work with our need and design request. What was created was an...
Beiler Custom Cabinets, LTDBill Gerhardt sold the company to his employees at the end of 2019, apparently without a workable succession plan and without notifying prospective customers of this fact. Most aspects of the maintenance contract have not been fulfilled: no installation of anual plantings per contract, no...
We had a gutter blockage that was causing water to sheet down the side of the house and ultimately it started to come in at a window (need mortar people next). Called around 7:30am, and he responded by 8am. He was able to come out the same morning and do a look over and clean out. He also...
The company was very easy to work with. My family is now able to enjoy a space that at one point, only collected junk!!!! I feel like i have a whole new addition to the house!!! Wonderful work Blurock on our basement, will recommend!
BluRock Services, Inc.Roger met me at a moments notice. I was in a bind. He was available and very accommodating. He was right on time, very professional.. the transaction was seamless! Thank you for your help I look forward to working together more in the future.
Notary One Mobile Signature ServicesWe 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 SolarAwful. 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...
Nice group of workers, very friendly. Day 1 covered everything before starting, seemed very organized. Things seemed to be going great. Day 2 they didn't show up until around 10:00a.m. and work crew was cut in half, was told they had another job. Day 3 they didn't show up until around...
CertaPro Painters of ColumbusFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
In addition to protecting against extreme Midwest temperatures, new siding in Columbus adds curb appeal. Learn about siding replacement cost in Columbus.
Fiber cement siding is durable, fire-resistant, and affordable. Learn more about fiber cement installation costs in Columbus, OH.
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.
Are you wondering what clapboard siding looks like? This explanation of clapboard siding will help you discover when to use clapboard siding, clapboard siding pros and cons, costs, and styles.
Tackle your EIFS repair job like a pro by following the steps in our guide, which walks you through cleaning and repairing small holes and cracks.
Covering homes in asbestos siding was common before its health risks were revealed, but what is asbestos siding? Find out what it is and what to do if you have it.
