How Does Stucco Exterior Fare in Winter Climates?

As with other building materials, moisture is the number one enemy of stucco. If moisture seeps through the pores of stucco, and gets trapped, it can cause major structural damage.
 
Snow, melting ice and water can cause stucco to swell and bulge or separate from the wall, creating a pocket inside it. Moisture can get trapped inside this pocket and  cause additional damage.
 
Once moisture soaks into your stucco, fluctuating temperatures can cause it to expand and contract, resulting in cracks. Moisture can also get trapped between the stucco and the wall, causing large bubbles to form. These bubbles can eventually burst causing the stucco to fall off the wall.
 
If bubbles do not burst, they dry, shrink and eventually crack. Any trapped moisture can create a favorable environment for mold growth. Before you know, mold can start growing between your stucco and wall. This commonly happens when temperatures start rising after snowfall  or a rain storm.
 
Many homeowners believe that stucco is not the right choice for cold climates. This is not true. Stucco is a great choice for your home, irrespective of your local climate. Fortunately, stucco is quite weather-resistant and can fare well in winter when maintained properly.
 
Stucco is unaffected by cold weather, as long as moisture does not seep into it.The good news is that traditional stucco has a protective barrier underneath it to prevent moisture from entering your home.
 
It is important that you choose the right base for your stucco. Remember stucco is a porous material. With the wrong base, stucco can do more harm than good, allowing moisture to get into places it shouldn’t.
 
Choose a reputable stucco company in Calgary for your project that can help you choose the right stucco for your home and install it correctly. The right base prevents water and moisture damage and their negative effects such as rot, mold growth and premature deterioration.
 
Despite precautions, ice, snow and water can penetrate your stucco damaging it. If snow builds up on your stucco, its lower part can crack. Ice can damage your stucco’s moisture barrier. Fortunately stucco repairs in Calgary are fairly simple and straightforward . You may want to take the DIY route to repair stucco cracks, however, if cracks in your stucco are more than ⅛ inch wide, it's a good idea to reach out to the installer for help.
 
The Verdict -Stucco is an extremely versatile material that can handle a wide range of temperatures. Contrary to what many people might think, stucco is the right choice for both warm and cold climates.
 
Do-All Stucco & Stone is committed to helping homeowners get the most out of their stucco. We leverage our partnerships to create value for our customers. To make an appointment with a stucco installation expert, call 403-588-5306. 

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