I am building a new house and would like to put stucco on the out side, but here in the low country I'm hearing stories of all kinds of problems they have with stucco, I also undrestand that their is a new type there using and they don't use the foam anymore for the backing, cause it was holding the mosture causing problems(cracking, mildew, etc.) does anyone in the low counrty here know whats going on with all the problmes and if there is in fact a new type and way of putting stucco up, I really like the looks of stucco and would like to use it.

There's actually several tyes of exterior stucco materials and processes.

Synthetic stucco is the one you've likley heard a bit about regarding water problems. Sythetic stucco is applied over a substrate of rigid foam insulation. Although there is really nothing at all wrong with this technique, improper installations have resulted in water damage and mold issues and the lawsuits that have driven some manufacturers to the verge of bankruptcy. Although manufacturers have borne the finacial burdens of legal claims, it really has not been product defects. Problems were caused by installers not properly installing the product. Installed according to manufacturer's instructions this type of synthetic stucco can still be used without problems. But check with your local code authority because it's use has been banned in some juridisdictions.

Another form of stucco is natural stucco. Natural stucco is applied to the house sheathing after a water impermeable membrane like #15 felt paper has been fastened to the sheathing. Over that a layer of galvanized metal lath/mesh is installed and then successive coats of stucco base and top coats applied for the desired effect.

The bottom line is stucco, whether natural or synthetic, is still available and can be used on your home with no ill effects.

Well, there is one ill effect when you use stucco on your exterior, and that is on resale value. In many areas, the word is out that poor stucco applications are causing problems, and buyers are gun-shy. In my area, a stucco exterior can easily lower the selling price by 25% or more. No new-home builders are taking the chance - new neighborhoods that would have included brick, stone, and stucco now include brick, stone, and siding/shingles. Resales are advertised as "real stucco," "hardcoat stucco," or "certified" by a stucco repair specialist.

I'm not trying to trash stucco - it's a great look. Just check around (maybe ask a local realtor or two) before doing something that can have such a big impact on your investment!

We had a stucco (natural) house. It was always cool in the summer and warm in the winter. There was no upkeep to the exterior. You can do what you want but I loved it and would have another stuccoed house.

Though I wanted to put stucco on the front and side of my house in a remodel, I found, after some investigation, that Hardie Board comes in a stucco finish. It is up now and blends nicely with the rest of the house ...which is real stucco. It looks great and will probably outlast me. It might be worth checking out Hardie Board.

I am having a 4,000 sq.ft modular built. it is 2 stories. I would love to hard stucco the entire house, but hubby says it's way to expensive. I live in NJ, does anyone know roughly the difference between stucco and vinyl when it comes to cost? I know my home will be well insulated as is. Also, the basement is modular with an r-19 rating (I think, it's rated as liveable space).

Vinyl siding: $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot depending on quality and type.

Conventional 3-coat Portland cement stucco: $5.50 to $6.50 per square foot depending on surface finish and job complexity.

The biggest problem with a stucco exterior is the lack of proper finishing. First, the term stucco is used way too lightly as true stucco is approx. 7/8" thick as compared to "synthetic stucco" that is much thinner. Most stucco applications require a top coat of paint to complete the system and this is where the trouble starts. 90% of the time the paint is applied too thin, too early, and not to manufacturers specs. Education is the key, check out nwww.myleakyhome.com and www.paintinfo.com for some great information. My website (not for advertisement) www.wallcoat.com has many links to help as well as a complete application process spelled out. Again I am not selling anything, just educating who I can.

I disagree that true stucco requires a painted finish...I lived in one and know of dozens of houses that are finished in true stucco in a natural color, unpainted, and have been essentially maintenance-free for anywhere from 50 to 80 years!

Stucco is the original no-maintenance material, it looks terrific, and I would not hesitate to use it on my own house..without paint.

I absolutely love the look of stucco.

The most important thing to remember with EIFS is that it should never be applied directly or indirectly over OSB/wood.
Recommended substrates are:
Durock, Densglass, Cement Board, Gypsum, Block or brick.

The Tyvek and felt as a vapor barrier is OK over wood if you can sleep with that.

My builder is using EIFS on the top of Gypsum board and black paper. On what stage he suppose to put water drainage to prevent moisture problems? Thanks. Location Staten Island, NY