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Stucco or fiber cement siding — which one is better? Both materials can offer a unique design profile that boosts curb appeal and brings character to a building, but beyond fresh style, these two materials couldn’t be more different.
Let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison of stucco and fiber cement siding to determine which one of these materials offers better benefits.
Stucco has been around for centuries and is often recognized for its distinct look. It has a textured surface, which makes it a great addition to interiors or exteriors.
Stucco can also be painted many colors, but painting over stucco can be tedious. With that said, light-colored neutrals like white, beige and cream are most common for this material, as it is often used to express a crisp coastal aesthetic, chic urban style or desert-inspired design.
The interesting thing about comparing stucco to fiber cement siding is that, aesthetically, these two materials can appear the same. Fiber cement is incredibly versatile, and it can be molded in a wide array of shapes and styles, including stucco. If design appearance is your top priority, understand that it’s possible to get high-quality fiber cement siding that captures the charm of traditional stucco.
Both of these materials have a cement-based composition, but fiber cement is significantly stronger than stucco. Why? In addition to the ratio of materials included, there’s one particular component that is crucial to fiber cement’s structural strength: cellulose fiber.
The addition of cellulose fibers is a game changer for fiber cement because it gives the final product a subtle flexibility that is vital to its long-term resilience. Stucco is considered extremely strong — however, it is actually prone to cracking and can become brittle due to its rigidity. Fiber cement, on the other hand, provides exceptional strength with the added benefit of having a little give to it, meaning it won’t break, snap or crack under pressure — including heat and moisture.
Stucco requires several applications to create its signature look, which is why it typically requires professional installation, time and good weather. Depending on the precise composition of the coating, which may contain lime, fiberglass or acrylic additives, more applications may be needed to help strengthen the stucco.
Compared to stucco, fiber cement siding can be installed with very little effort. The way fiber cement siding is produced, the stucco-look panels are already pre-formed, so all you have to do is secure them in place on the building’s exterior. Fiber cement siding even has a built-in rainscreen for added moisture protection.
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In addition to the much easier installation process, fiber cement is the overall better siding choice. Though stucco is considered a relatively durable siding material, it doesn’t do well in areas with high humidity, regular rainfall or seasonal snowfall.
Stucco has a porous surface, so moisture can damage its appearance and overall structural integrity. Stucco can also require a lot of maintenance and can be difficult to clean and repair. For these reasons, it’s better off in warm, arid climates.
Fiber cement does not have those same limitations. Unlike stucco, fiber cement siding can be used in any climate because it’s built to withstand a range of weather conditions. It won’t crack, peel or crumble the way stucco does. Fiber cement is also fire-resistant and easy to maintain.
When comparing stucco vs fiber cement siding, the choice is clear. If you love the classic look of traditional stucco but want to avoid the risks, stucco-style fiber cement siding is the solution. With a stucco-inspired texture and a variety of colors that are ready to go, stucco-style fiber cement offers the best of both worlds: beauty and durability.
Stucco isn’t the only option for our weather-resistant siding. Lap, smooth panels, shake and wood-look siding are also beautiful styles available with fiber cement.
With plenty of design potential and the practical strength to look great for years to come, fiber cement siding is a great choice for your next building project. Contact the team at Nichiha today to start planning your next project with durable fiber cement siding.