The primary purpose of any siding material is to add a layer of protection and insulation to your home’s building envelope designed to shield the structure from weather elements.
With the above in mind, here are other important factors determining the best approach to a house siding project:
- Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional
- Total upfront cost of the siding job
- Unique house styles and the importance of curb appeal
Let’s get started with the general breakdown of costs you can expect for the somewhat less well-known siding materials we cover in detail below:
| Siding Type: | Material: | Labor: | Total Cost per sq.ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stucco | $5.00 – $6.50 | $3.50 – $8.50 | $8.50 – $14.50 |
| Brick & Brick Veneer | $6.00 – $15.00 | $6.50 – $10.00 | $12.50 – $25.00 |
| Natural Stone | $17.50 – $33.00 | $7.50 – $12.00 | $25.00 – $45.00 |
| Alum, Zinc, Steel, Copper | $4.50 – $16.50 | $5.50 – $8.50 | $10.00 – $25.00 |
House Siding Materials You Probably Never Heard of!
Stucco
Some think of stucco as popular in certain regions like Southern California, without realizing there are likely stucco homes in their own neighborhood.
Image source: View-Master Home Inspections
Our view is that stucco is a viable, long-lasting and architecturally attractive material that complements other house siding options.
Made from sand, cement, lime and water, the material is usually applied to a galvanized steel screen, along with a waterproof underlayment glued to a wood frame.
The stucco material itself isn’t all that versatile and instead is rather quite rigid, requiring special care during the installation to avoid cracks. But given that it is a hard material, it will last for the lifetime of a home, or at least 50+ years.
Costs: for stucco siding can range from $8.50 to $14.50 per sq. ft. installed, depending on the quality of materials, who’s doing the work and location of the property.
An average-sized home with 2,000 sq.ft. of siding will cost between $17,000 and $28,000 for the installation of new traditional stucco siding, including the cost of materials, professional installation, and workmanship warranty.
Pros: Very durable, low maintenance, great insulator, colors go through mix so repainting not necessary, resistant to fire and insects
Cons: Fairly expensive, takes skill to install, brittle material prone to cracking especially due to settling of a house, a sinking foundation, or even a mild earthquake. Not a good option for wet climates, tends to last less time in climates with lots of rain.
If the stucco material becomes saturated with water due to constant dampness or gutter leaks, then its insulation properties will be compromised and structural damage to the house may ensue.
