Why Are Houses In Florida Made Of Stucco?

Florida is one of the most unique states in the country because of the weather, sights, and bodies of water. The architecture in Florida reflects the tropical climate and unique aesthetic that the state is known for. So, why are houses in Florida made of stucco?

Houses in Florida are made of stucco because it is resistant to heat and moisture, which are inescapable in the state. Stucco is also long-lasting and can help keep pests out of your house.

Florida experiences many hurricanes, and stucco is one of the best materials for withstanding tropical storms and extreme weather.

While it is durable, stucco can crack if your foundation settles or shifts, which is a downside of the material. Otherwise, stucco is considered one of the best siding materials for hot and humid climates.

Follow along as we explore why houses in Florida are made of stucco and whether or not they are worthwhile.

Stucco is used in warm climates because it can withstand heat. Florida is known for its consistent heat, and that is why so many houses in the state are made of stucco. Stucco contains cement, sand, lime, and water, which are all heat-resistant.

When combined, these ingredients form to make stucco, which offers the ultimate heat resistance. Stucco can easily withstand temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which can occur in Florida. This material is also moisture-resistant, which is essential because Florida is typically humid and it rains a lot.

Stucco can also easily last for up to 80 years when applied well. It also doesn’t hurt that stucco is affordable, durable, and looks great when it dries. However, proper application is quite important, otherwise, water is likely to seep through the stucco and damage your home.

It can be risky to buy a stucco house in some cases, especially if the house is in poor condition. Cracks in stucco houses can easily let water in. This can damage your home’s interior as well as your foundation, which is dangerous and expensive to repair.

However, stucco is an excellent material when applied correctly and it’s a worthy investment. For example, stucco is quite fire-resistant, which is essential if you live in states that have severe fire seasons. Stucco is also durable enough to withstand severe storms and strong winds without letting moisture in.

It’s worthwhile to consult an expert before you buy a stucco house. They will be able to tell you whether or not the stucco is in good condition. Never buy a stucco house if the exterior is compromised or you may have to refinish it or you risk letting water in.

The main disadvantage of stucco is that dark spots can easily form on your home’s exterior. This is common in states such as Florida that get plenty of rain throughout the year. Stucco is so absorbent that water can settle deeper in certain areas than others.

Dark spots can form in parts of the stucco where water settles the deepest. Some homeowners don’t mind this, but it can be quite noticeable in many cases. The other downside of stucco houses is that the material is quite brittle.

It can crack and flake over time, which will alter the appearance of your house. However, the flaky nature of stucco can be a serious problem if your foundation shifts or settles. This can result in massive cracks throughout your home’s exterior.

There is no way to guarantee that any home is safe during a hurricane, but stucco is a great option. Stucco can handle heavy rainfall and strong winds, which are both parts of a hurricane. Stucco is water-resistant enough that you don’t have to worry about excessive rain during a hurricane.

Fires can also break out during hurricanes due to electrical damage. Luckily, stucco is also fire-resistant, so that is less of a concern. Stucco can also help keep pests out of your house, which is another factor during hurricanes.

Energy efficiency is necessary during hurricanes as well, and stucco is great for keeping the air inside your home. Stucco houses are also unlikely to decay in the aftermath of a hurricane, and that’s important. The hurricane season in Florida lasts from June through November.

Stucco isn’t waterproof, but it is water-resistant. The only type of siding that is considered waterproof is vinyl. Vinyl siding is also common in Florida, and you will see it as often as you see stucco.

Many homeowners prefer stucco over vinyl siding because it’s more visually appealing. With that said, vinyl is quite affordable and practical if you want to save money or live in an area with lots of rain. While stucco isn’t waterproof, it can still withstand daily rain in many cases.

Stucco doesn’t decrease home value, especially if you live in a state such as Florida. You can even get more value out of your home if it has stucco siding. Durability and water resistance are key selling factors for homes in states with humid climates.

Stucco is also appealing to prospective buyers because of how energy-efficient it is. Energy efficiency is important in Florida because of how expensive it can be to keep your home cool on hot days. That isn’t a problem with stucco because it can keep hot air out and cool air in your home.

Stucco consists of three layers, so the thermal integrity of a stucco home is impressive. This can help keep energy bills low, and that’s something that many people look for in a home. Curb appeal is a major factor of stucco houses as well, and they are instantly recognizable.

You may have to repaint a stucco house every 10 years. In extreme cases, you may need to repaint a stucco house in as little as 5 years. It depends on several factors such as rainfall, temperature changes, strong winds, and natural disasters.

This is considered standard for most exterior siding materials. You can prolong the paint’s lifespan if you carefully prepare and prime the surface in advance. It costs at least $3,000 to repaint a stucco house if you hire professional help.

Stucco houses are prone to mold in some cases. Mold can form in stucco siding if there are cracks and there is consistent moisture. That’s why it’s important to carefully inspect stucco siding to make sure that there are no cracks.

Cracks are most likely to form when a newly built stucco house’s foundation settles. Artificial stucco has become quite popular in the last several years because it is less likely to crack. This can greatly reduce the risk of mold, which is essential if you live in a wet climate. You can remove mold patches on stucco if you clean it with water and mild dish soap.

Houses in Florida are commonly made of stucco because of their water resistance. Stucco homes are also heat-resistant, which is essential in hot states like Florida. The consistency of stucco is also great for keeping pests out of your house, and Florida is home to many bugs.

Stucco houses are a great investment because of how durable they are, and they can easily last for 80 years. Disadvantages of stucco houses include dark spots and flakes that can form because the surface is somewhat brittle. It’s worthwhile to buy a stucco house if you live in Florida because it can withstand climate conditions and even hurricanes in many cases.