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This article deals with all the questions that you may have about Stucco siding. In case you would like to have it installed in your homes, this is a must read for you.

Stucco siding has been used since ancient times. Still widely used throughout the world, it is one of the most common of traditional building materials. Up until the late 1800s, stucco, like mortar, was primarily lime-based, but the popularization of portland cement changed the composition of stucco, as well as mortar, to a harder material. Historically, the term "plaster" has often been interchangeable with "stucco"; the term is still favored by many, particularly when referring to the traditional lime-based coating.

Traditional stucco is a cement mixture used for siding, usually on Mission or other Spanish style homes. The cement is combined with water and inert materials such as sand and lime. Usually, wooden walls are covered with tar paper and chicken wire or galvanized metal screening. This framework is then covered with the stucco mixture. Sometimes, the cement mix is applied directly to specially prepared masonry surfaces. Stucco siding techniques were elaborated by the Italians during the Renaissance and spread through Europe. This marble dust compound could be molded into decorative shapes, polished to sheen or painted.

Most stucco siding deterioration is the result of water infiltration into the building structure, either through the roof, around chimneys, window and door openings, or excessive ground water or moisture penetrating through, or splashing up from the foundation.

The most common treatment is to whitewash the stucco siding, often annually. The lime in the whitewash offers protection and stability and helps to harden the stucco siding. Most importantly, it fills hairline cracks before they could develop into larger cracks and let in moisture. To improve water repellency, stucco buildings are also sometimes coated with paraffin, another type of wax, or other stucco-like coatings, such as oil mastics.

Stucco Siding - The Way of The Future?

Stucco siding is primarily used on residential buildings and relatively small-scale commercial structures. Original and natural stucco are hard and moisture resistant. Synthetic stucco however, though may look authentic, but may not be as strong and durable as the natural ones. For more info see http://www.homesidingreview.com/Exterior_Siding/Exterior_Wood_Siding.php on Exterior Wood Siding.

With stucco siding, you have way more flexibility in playing around with the decorative effects it offers. It has the property of blending into the environment. Therefore, whatever color your house has been painted with will complement the stucco siding. This is because at the time of manufacture of the stucco, pigments can be mixed with the stucco and one can get hundreds of shades of the same color. Therefore, the color of the stucco siding can be made to match that of your house.

There are many different ways to learn about the different house siding types, the most popular been researching on the Internet. There are many helpful websites that will be more than happy to help you in your research. An important caveat however is that when using the Internet you only rely on trusted websites. Manufacturer's websites will have a lot of information, however they will be merrily there to sell their product as such using third-party trusted sites is probably more advisable. Alternatively, you can turn to reference books and periodicals as further sources of information in your quest for knowledge. In any event, use common sense to evaluate your sources of information.