If you’re considering installing new siding on your home, you’ve probably spent a lot of time researching all the options. However, at this point, you may have narrowed down the list to two choices—stucco and James Hardie® fiber cement siding—and need an honest analysis to determine which material is best for your Indianapolis home.
Below, we’ll explain the unique differences between stucco and Hardie siding to help you make an investment in your property that you can feel confident about.
What Is the Makeup of Stucco and James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding?
- Stucco — Stucco is made from a mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water (similar to concrete, but with the addition of lime for breathability). It is applied in thin coats on the outermost layer of a building to give an inviting, clay-like appearance that protects the home’s structural elements underneath.
- James Hardie — Hardie siding is made from a durable mixture of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. It is applied in panels on a home’s exterior and can mimic the look of other materials to provide low-maintenance, long-lasting exterior protection.
The Most Notable Differences Between Stucco and James Hardie Fiber Cement
Weather Resistance
Fiber cement siding is designed to expand and contract in fluctuating temperatures, making it ideal to protect homes that endure cold winters and warm summers. It’s also completely waterproof and uniquely designed to withstand the elements for the climate it’s installed in (called the Hardie® Zone System). So, Hardie siding installed in Indianapolis can resist damage from rain, snow, hail, and humidity.
On the other hand, stucco performs best in consistently warm climates, like the Southwest or Southeast. Stucco homes in Indianapolis will likely experience cracking and damage from this exterior material expanding and contracting due to changes in temperature. These cracks may invite moisture beneath the stucco surface, often resulting in mold, rotting, and costly structural damage.
Style Options
Stucco can be applied in several finishes by a professional contractor, including smooth, lace, and sand, to give your home a custom look. It can also be tinted before application or painted with a standard exterior paint to enhance curb appeal. Stucco is ideal for Mediterranean, Spanish, and other architectural styles found in the American Southwest.
Hardie fiber cement siding boards are offered in multiple styles, including lap, vertical, or shingle siding. Hardie siding can mimic the look of other popular materials, like wood and stucco, for a beautiful appearance with enhanced durability. Fiber cement siding is ideal for Colonial, Craftsman, Cape Cod, Farmhouse, Ranch, and Contemporary home styles. Honestly, just about any architectural style can be achieved with fiber cement siding due to its versatility.
James Hardie also offers siding boards with ColorPlus® Technology. This factory-controlled finish is designed to protect against peeling, chipping, and fading and comes in hundreds of timeless shades in the Statement Collection™ and Dream Collection™. If you have a specific color in mind, you can also get your boards primed for paint.
Maintenance Needs
Stucco needs to be inspected at least once annually for holes, cracks, or other exterior damage, like tear-like streaks that can indicate water damage underneath. Small fissures can usually be patched up, but if they go unnoticed, they may allow water to seep beneath, causing wood rot and structural damage. Unlike regular maintenance, stucco failure is much more invasive and costly to repair.
On the other hand, fiber cement siding is virtually impervious to damage from pests, fire, moisture, fading, and the elements. It only needs to be cleaned with mild soap and water once per year to stay in great shape. And, in the unlikely event that something does damage your Hardie fiber cement siding, it’s much easier to repair. An experienced contractor can simply swap out the affected panel with a new one.
Installation Technique
Both stucco and fiber cement siding require professional installation for long-lasting performance.
Stucco comes with a handcrafted look that requires an element of artistry during installation. In addition to aesthetic skills, installers must be meticulous during installation to prevent stucco failure. However, when all is said and done, stucco is less durable than fiber cement siding, so even the most well-trained professional cannot prevent stucco from developing cracks, which can eventually be the gateway to rotting and moisture damage.
Though fiber cement siding is cumbersome, the overall installation process for fiber cement siding is more straightforward than stucco. Additionally, when you hire an Elite Tier Contractor within the James Hardie ALLIANCE, like our team at JD Hostetter & Associates, you can be confident they will install your siding the right way to uphold the outstanding James Hardie warranty.
Install James Hardie Siding on Your Indianapolis Home with JD Hostetter & Associates
Though stucco has unique advantages, it’s easy to see why Hardie siding is the superior choice for Indianapolis homeowners. We encourage you to read more about Hardie siding (and the perks of installing with a James Hardie Elite Alliance Contractor!), and when you’re ready, call our team to get started on your siding installation.
