Siding and Stucco

Your home's exterior siding and stucco protect against weather while providing curb appeal. Different materials require different care, but all benefit from regular attention to caulking and finish maintenance.

Understanding Your Materials

Expansion and Contraction

All siding materials expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. You may notice:

• Slight waves visible under certain light conditions
• More visible shrinkage and separations in dry conditions
• Gaps that appear and disappear seasonally

These behaviors are normal characteristics of exterior materials and cannot be entirely eliminated.

Routine Maintenance

Task	Frequency	Time Required
Visual inspection	Seasonally	15 minutes
Check caulking at joints	Annually	30 minutes
Clean siding	Annually	2 to 4 hours
Check for damage after storms	As needed	15 minutes
Repaint/restain (wood/cement)	Every 3 to 7 years	Varies

Wood and Wood Product Siding

Care Requirements

Wood or wood-product siding requires routine refinishing. The timing varies with climatic conditions.

Maintenance tips:

• Maintain caulking to minimize moisture entry
• Some paint colors require more maintenance than others
• Sun-facing sides may show wear sooner
• Cedar siding is more prone to cracking and requires more maintenance

Signs refinishing is needed:

• Paint peeling or flaking
• Wood showing through finish
• Discoloration or fading
• Cracking or checking

Cement-Based Products

Care Requirements

Cement-based siding (fiber cement, HardiePlank, etc.) is more durable than wood but still needs attention:

• Periodic repainting (typically every 7 to 10 years)
• Caulking maintenance at joints and transitions
• Prompt repair of any damaged sections

Advantages:

• More resistant to rot and insects
• Holds paint longer than wood
• Dimensionally stable

Stucco

Care Requirements

Stucco is a cementitious product that does not require regular maintenance. However:

To prevent discoloration:

• Adjust splash blocks so water doesn't splash on stucco
• Direct sprinklers away from stucco walls
• Clean gutters to prevent overflow onto walls

Painted stucco (pop outs and bands):

• Will require touch-up and repainting as needed
• Color match may not be exact

Understanding stucco cracks:

• Small cracks are normal (stucco is rigid)
• Cracks under 1/8" are cosmetic
• Large cracks may indicate structural issues

Caulking Maintenance

Caulking at joints and transitions is critical for preventing water intrusion. Check and re-caulk as needed:

Where to Check

• Where siding meets trim
• Around windows and doors
• At corner joints
• Where different materials meet
• At penetrations (vents, fixtures)

When to Re-caulk

• Visible gaps or cracks in existing caulk
• Caulk pulling away from surfaces
• Dried, brittle, or crumbling caulk
• Water staining near joints

See Caulking for detailed instructions.

Troubleshooting

Joint Gaps Appearing

1. Measure the gap - Coverage applies only if >3/8" during first year
2. Note the season - Gaps may close in humid weather
3. Check caulk - Re-caulk if caulk has failed (your responsibility)
4. Document - Photo with measurement for service request if warranted

Stucco Cracks

1. Measure width - Coverage applies only if >1/8" during first year
2. Monitor - Some cracks are seasonal
3. Note location - Diagonal cracks from window corners may indicate settling
4. Repairs - Will show color variation from original (normal)

Paint Peeling

1. Check for moisture - May indicate water intrusion
2. Assess cause - Normal wear vs. moisture problem
3. Address moisture first - Fix any water issues before repainting
4. Repaint - Proper prep is essential for adhesion

Sprinkler Damage

If sprinklers have stained stucco:

1. Redirect sprinklers - Prevent further damage
2. Clean stucco - Mild detergent, soft brush
3. Accept limitations - Some staining may be permanent

What to Avoid

warning

• Don't ignore caulk failures - Water intrusion causes serious damage
• Don't let sprinklers hit stucco - Causes staining and damage
• Don't place items on stucco wall caps - Traps moisture, causes damage
• Don't delay repainting wood siding - Exposed wood deteriorates quickly
• Don't pressure wash at high settings - Can damage siding and force water behind it

Protecting Wall Caps

The tops of stucco deck walls and posts are finished with stucco. To prevent damage:

• Do not set plants or decorative items on wall caps
• Do not place heavy objects that trap moisture
• Clear debris promptly
• Check for cracks and seal as needed

Cleaning Guidelines

Material	Cleaning Method	Cautions
Wood siding	Mild soap, soft brush	Don't soak; avoid high pressure
Cement siding	Garden hose, soft brush	Low pressure only
Stucco	Gentle spray, mild detergent	Avoid aggressive scrubbing
All materials	Annual cleaning	Test cleaners in hidden area first

Related Topics

• Caulking
• Paint and Stain
• Wood Trim
• Grading and Drainage

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Warranty Coverage: See Siding and Stucco Standards for coverage periods and exclusions.