You are looking to replace your stucco siding, but you don’t know if Hardie Board is the right option for you.
Stucco is a great material, but it has its limitations.
In this blog post, you will learn about the advantages of Hardie Board siding over stucco, and why it may be time to consider replacing your stucco siding with Hardie Board.
Table of Contents
- Which Is Better: Hardie Board or Stucco?
- Hardie Board vs. Stucco: 8 Major Differences
- Replacing Stucco With Hardie Board Siding
- Elite Home Exteriors: Skilled Professionals Trained to Install Your Siding
Which Is Better: Hardie Board or Stucco?
Hardie Board is a long-lasting, weather-resistant surface designed to handle varying temperatures.
Hardie Board also comes in many colors and textures, making it a popular choice for homeowners.
Stucco is also durable, but not as weather-resistant or color-versatile as Hardie Board.
Hardie Board vs. Stucco: 8 Major Differences
Hardie Board is a popular exterior wall finish option that can be used on both new construction and renovation projects.
While stucco is a more traditional type of facade finish, there are many major differences between the two.
Keep reading to learn about the eight key differences between Hardie siding vs. stucco.
#1: Resistance to Weather
Both Hardie Board and stucco are durable, but Hardie Board is more resistant to weathering — making it a superior choice for homes in climates that experience:
- Rain
- Snow; and
- Extreme temperatures
Hardie Board is made of a material that expands and contracts with the temperature, unlike stucco.
Stucco may last longer if you maintain it properly, but it’s not as resistant to weathering as Hardie Board.
#2: Availability of Textures and Colors
Overall, stucco is a versatile building material that can give a unique and handcrafted look, but — stucco is stucco.
Hardie Board comes in many colors and textures, making it a popular choice for homeowners who want a custom look for their homes.
Stucco is only available in one color, taupe, and is less versatile than Hardie Board when it comes to textured finishes or colors.
#3: Susceptibility to Moisture and Bug Damage
Stucco is usually installed with styrofoam behind it, which allows …
- Moisture
- Bugs; and
- Water
… to easily get underneath to cause rot and damage.
With stucco, it’s often difficult to see any damage from the outside, and you may never know if there is internal damage.
On the other hand, Hardie Board is installed with a seal underneath to help prevent these damages from occurring.
Hardie Board’s method of installation makes it easier to spot damage from the outside if it occurs.
#4: Fixing and Replacing Damaged Areas
If you are looking to fix a section of siding or board that has been damaged, Hardie Board is a better option over stucco.
Hardie Board can be:
- Repaired with a few simple steps
- Replaced with one-off broken boards or pieces of siding, and
- More cost-effective than stucco
Stucco requires more work to fix damages because, since it is essentially a concrete slab, you can’t easily fix one section.
#5: Curb Appeal
Hardie Board is a common exterior wall finish, which offers a nice neighborhood curb appeal. With Hardie Board, you can choose different colors or textures that …
- Fit your personality; and
- Align with HOA rules
… without having to worry about the appearance of stucco.
Hardie Board is also a good option if you want to change the look of your home without having to repaint it every time you want something new.
Stucco is often reserved for more expensive homes or those with a more formal style. Although the look is unique, it may not be the best choice for everyone.
Both options have their pros and cons, but if you’re looking for an easy exterior wall finish that will give your home a nice curb appeal, Hardie Board is the better option.
#6: Installation
When it comes to stucco and Hardie Board, there are a few things about installation to consider.
Stucco is less durable, and even professionals cannot stop it from cracking. If installed incorrectly, it can cause major damages that are expensive to replace.
The installation of Hardie Board, on the other hand, is pretty straightforward. You can get the job done in a fraction of the time it would take to install stucco.
#7: Longevity and Durability
Both are durable, but Hardie Board is designed to last longer. Hardie Board is made of hardwood and fiberglass, which gives the board long-lasting durability.
Stucco does not last as long as a Hardie Board and may require more frequent maintenance.
It is also more expensive to maintain stucco than Hardie Board, and it may be difficult to repair or replace parts of stucco on a home if it becomes damaged.
#8: Cost
There are many types of Hardie Board available at different prices, making it an affordable option for homeowners who want an upgrade from their old stucco siding.
Hardie Board allows you to get more bang for your buck.
In terms of price, Hardie Board, Hardie lapboards, and Hardie shingles all cost different amounts. For example:
- Hardie Board can range from $50 to over $200 per square foot
- Hardie lapboard can cost less than $100 per square foot; and
- Hardie shingles can be as low as $20 per linear foot
If you are looking for a less expensive option but want something that may not last as long as Hardie Board, then stucco may be a better choice.
However, there are few professionals that know how to install stucco correctly and stucco installation does not come with a warranty.
There is a 30-year warranty when Hardie Board is installed by their preferred contractors — like Elite Home Exteriors.
If you are considering stucco vs. Hardie siding, be sure to consult with professionals to find out the best option for your home and budget.
Call our professional team at Elite Home Exteriors to get a custom quote for your new Hardie Board installation.
Replacing Stucco With Hardie Board Siding
If you are considering stuccoing over Hardie Board, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with not having the stucco removed, such as:
- Rot
- Mold
- Bug damage; and
- Water damage
The cost of repairing these may be more than completely removing the stucco.
However, you will never know what damage is creeping into your home through the exterior wall coverings if you do not remove the stucco.
It’s advised to have a professional do the job if you’re considering stucco replacement.
Elite Home Exteriors: Skilled Professionals Trained to Install Your Siding
Elite Home Exteriors is a skilled professional home exterior installation company.
Our team of experienced professionals is trained to install your siding in a timely and efficient manner.
As James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractors, Elite Home Exteriors has the resources and equipment necessary to complete any type of siding project — big or small — with excellence.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how our team can help you achieve the perfect exterior finish for your home.