Stucco and Cold Climates: Can It Work?

Stucco and Cold Climates: Can It Work?

April 10, 2020

Stucco is most commonly used for home exteriors in warmer, dryer climates. If you live an in area that gets some snow and cold temperatures during the winter, you might be wondering whether or not stucco installation in Bluffton, SC is a feasible option.

The good news is that stucco is quite weather resistant, which means it can be a great choice no matter what type of climate you’re in. Stucco can actually be quite beneficial for homes that see a lot of cold weather throughout the winter. As always, the most important thing is to just make sure you’re working with a contractor who reliably provides a high level of work.

Here are just a few examples of some of the biggest benefits of stucco, even for freezing climates.

It is generally unaffected by cold

When you’re actually installing the stucco, you’re going to want to do it when the weather is on the warmer side, or at the very least above freezing. There are certain aspects of the installation process that become much harder if the weather is too cold, as it could cause the mixture to freeze up and harden faster than you want it to.

That being said, while the success of the installation process can be affected by cold weather, stucco that is already installed will be mostly unaffected by the cold. This means you don’t have to move to Arizona or New Mexico if you want to get a stucco exterior on your home—people throughout the Midwest and Atlantic Coast regions are perfectly capable of benefiting from stucco surfaces, as it’s able to handle a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.

Repairs are easy

There is always the possibility that some of the winter elements (like snow, ice or freezing cold) could do some damage to your home’s exterior and the stucco, but the good news is that stucco is usually pretty easy to repair. For example, say you’ve had a lot of snow built up around your house during the winter. In such a case, it’s likely that the bottom of the stucco will see the harshest impact, as it will have been exposed to constant moisture, which could encourage the formation of cracks of varying sizes. The good news is that if cracks are less than 1/8 inch wide, you can repair the stucco yourself without even having to call out a professional. If they are larger, you can hire a stucco contractor and they’ll still be able to make the repairs so long as you do not delay.

It’s highly durable

While stucco can be damaged when exposed to the elements, it is a generally durable material. It features a barrier underneath that prevents moisture from getting into your home, which is good when you consider stucco is a naturally porous material. Stucco contractors understand how to install stucco with a proper base layer to prevent issues that could result from long-term moisture exposure.

For more information about stucco installation in Bluffton, SC, contact Spring Construction today.

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