Stucco vs. Hardisiding

[mousebg]

We are in the process of having an architect draw up a plan/blueprint of a new waterfront home we are planning to build on the Texas Gulfcoast. We would like to do the exterior in stucco. He is recommending Hardisiding, as he says the cost of "real" stucco is very high.

1. What are the pros and cons of stucco vs. Hardisiding?

2. What is "real" stucco?

3. What would an approximate ballpark cost be to do a 2000 square foot home in stucco and Hardisiding?

4. Which in your opinion is better for a waterfront home that may encounter Tropical storms?

Confused!

[mx2]

Having practiced for over 10 years in South Florida, and well versed in "High-Velocity Wind Zone" building code, the simple concept about exterior elements on any building in the path of a bad storm is its ability to come loose and fly through the air at over 100+ mph, essentially becoming a potential missile. 2x4's have been found to have penetrated concrete masonry walls, down in Homestead after Hurricane Andrew.

Hardie planks are cementitious boards meant to replicate wood siding but without the natural fibers that would narurally rot, warp and split over time. If properly attached, with wind pressures in mind, any material is fine in terms of bad storms, even an all wood structure can withstand hurricane winds if built correctly.

"Real" stucco is a portland cement based mixture with limestone, sand and water (a sort of plaster applied to the outside of a structure) which is applied wet and dries hard to protect masonry from water penetration (well, a little at least). But aesthetically, it's a flat "blank" wall. It's very popular down here in South Florida, but people go out of their way to dress these walls up with decorative patterns, rough textures, paint colors, etc in order to make the walls more interesting and pleasing to look at.

Costs vary from place to place, business to business...best is to call a local supplier and simply ask for unit costs (tell them you're looking to buy for a potential project...no need for any detail). Or call a local builder and ask them for an idea of cost.

Hope this helps.

mx2.5

[mx2]

sorry for confusion...I just realized the comparison.

The James Hardie Co does make a panel that replicates stucco...called HardiePanel Vertical Siding "Stucco".

here's their website:

http://www.jameshardie.com/

mx2.5

[phansford]

I have used both Hardiplank (siding product) and Hardipanel (Stucco look). Both have performed well, 10 years and counting on both applicatins, but then again we don't get hurricanes in Ohio

The Hardipanel was used on a "tudor" style house - replacing "masonite" panels that had failed. The Hardipanel looks nice with the cedar trim boards. (Which I guess could have been Hardiplank trim).

MX2 has explained "Real" stucco very well. The other "stucco" is EFIS (Exterior Finish Insulation System). This is what many people use now days as a replacement to "real" stucco. It is a synthethic coating troweled in place like stucco over rigid insulation, thus giving you added r-value. EFIS (sometimes called Dryvit, which is a brand name) can be molded and cut to look like many things. You can probably drive into any new neighborhood and see houses with EFIS.

However, and its a big However, EFIS has had problems over the years. Just Goggle the words "EFIS Class Action Lawsuit". I have not designed with or specified EFIS for 16 years and do not recommend it. Others think its fine, it applied correctly...... the last word being the operative word.... correctly. I prefer to sleep at night.

[StuccoLady]

"Real" stucco is also known as "hard coat" or cement stucco, and it is indeed more expensive to install than hardiboard or firbered cement hard board. The individual hard boards are factory sealed; but if these boards are cut during construction, care must be taken to insure that the cut areas are sealed from the elements. Hard board has an estimated lifetime of 20 plus years. Hard coat cement stucco properly installed will last the lifetime of the building; here in St Marys Georgia there is century old stucco in the historic district. The best source for general information about hard board, stucco and other cement products can be found on the Portland Cement Association website www.cement.org

[mx2]

I'm now wondering what are the cost differences between the two because ultimately, stucco plaster is the cheapest finish we can spec down here, mostly for two reasons: it's very common and for that reason, the related labor is cheaper. Like other specialties (regional) to hire a sub that can properly install (and warranty installation) down here would be costly...but I digress, I don't have the hard numbers.

mx2.5

[phansford]

Hardiplank and Hardipanel carry a 50 year warranty - pro-rated over the life of the warranty. Many clients like that.

While stucco has no warranty since it is a material that is created by mixing portland cement, water, and sand on the job site. You are only able to get a one year warranty for workmanship and materials that is typically covered by the construction agreement. You are at the mercy of the plaster contractor and whether the mechanic actually applying the material is skilled or qualified. MX2 is spot-on in his comments about regionality of this material.

So if a piece of Hardiplank fails in 5 years, you will recieve some warranty coverage for replacing the failed piece (labor is typically not included in these warranties). If you get a crack in your stucco in 5 years, tough luck. And good luck getting the mechanic to install expansion and control joints as recommended by PCA.

[Antisthenes]

"real" = mud

[mx2]

we specify and locate the crack control joints and expansion slip joints (100 square feet max.)....typically with an eye on the aesthetic. and the best part is that it's very easy to add a parge coat and stucco over any problem areas...re-painting to match is really the most challenging aspect. Better to re-paint entirely which segways into the finishes: stucco finishing is where the cost can vary greatly. Like gypsum board, the level of quality finish is where the cost of labor comes into play and any maintenance costs. But it is still cheaper overal compared to most materials and it covers the expose concrete masonry nicely which is a huge plus in hurricane country.

Now that said, hardie board does come in hurricane resistant assemblies... but my question now is are they truly comparative in cost? Anyone have a Means book laying around...?

mx2.5

[mousebg]

Wow - Thanks so much to all of you. I have learned alot already. I don't know which way we will go - pros and cons to each I guess. I still think stucco sounds the best, but I am sure finding the right contractor will be a challenge. Still interested in all ya'all have to say, so keep your comments coming! What a great website.

[csintexas]

It sounds like in mx2's area the stucco is applied over a cinder block wall -
Is that correct mx2?

Where here in Texas the exterior walls are most often stud walls.

I think the hardi siding is generally more fool proof than either fake stucco or real stucco but any of those systems properly installed will work well. The tricky part would be determining the expertise of the sub-contractors. After that it comes down to cost and preference. Here 120 miles north of the coast stucco would cost a bit more than hardiplank but you would have to get estimates done to answer that question.

[Antisthenes]

breathable stucco over straw bale

[mx2]

Funny, I had to look up cinder block...we only specify concrete masonry units (ie, concrete block) and just confirmed that cinder blocks have some type of ash and portland cement. Regardless, thought it was worht mentioning...but yes, we build 99% of the time out of block because it is very hot and humid and it rains a lot...I mean a lot! And it's safer to build with (you know the three little pigs story)...

Hardiepanel is the fake stucco the poster asked about...the question still is what are the comparative unit costs?

Found this online:

[Antisthenes]

you ever use OmniBlock?

[csintexas]

The original post said hardi siding which is a cementous board made to resemble wood lap siding.