Popular throughout the American Southwest, stucco siding can be used in many climates and areas. This is because stucco is a cement-based plaster that is applied over a galvanized wire mesh called lathe, which helps the plaster adhere to the wall surface and adds strength. Stucco is usually applied in at least three coats, with the top or finish coat, including any color or special finishing techniques.
While the strength and durability of stucco are one of the biggest benefits, there are different other reasons why stucco might be the right choice for you.
- Stucco is tinted, not painted, which suggests that it can withstand fading for decades.
- Stucco can be textured for a unique and decorative look.
- With the correct manner of maintenance, stucco can last a very long time, which means that you won’t have to budget for its replacement sometime soon.
- Stucco provides great coverage against inclement weather.
- The cost of stucco itself is relatively low when compared to other types of siding, making it an economical option.
However, with the benefits that stucco has to present comes a few disadvantages too.
- Stucco requires professional installation, which can significantly increase the cost.
- Applying stucco can be a time-consuming project, with most professional stucco companies requiring several days to complete the job.
- Stucco can be damaged easily, which would mean there’s a need for professional repairs.
One more concern is whether you can manage to pay for it to depreciate the cost of your stucco finish over the span of several years. According to the IRS, a large improvement like adding stucco to your rental property’s exterior cannot be deducted as an expense but rather depreciated over time. This means that you will be able to deduct the full cost of the stucco siding, but not all at once. This makes a careful assessment of your cash flows and tax situation an essential part of your decision-making process.
If you choose to go with stucco as still the best option for your properties, the next step is to find a reputable stucco company that will do the job correctly and at a fair price. It can be challenging to find a decent service provider without spending a lot of time on research, time that may be better off spent on your investing activities.
The good news is that Real Property Management Azalea City can help. Our Tillmans Corner property managers can offer suggestions and guidance about exterior siding options, as well as suggest quality stucco professionals committed to providing the highest customer service. To find out more about us, contact us today.