Popular throughout the American Southwest, stucco siding can be utilized in many climates and areas. This is because stucco is a cement-based plaster that is applied over a galvanized wire mesh called lathe, which helps the plaster adhere to the wall surface and adds strength. Stucco is usually applied in at least three coats, with the top or finish coat, including any color or special finishing techniques.
While the strength and durability of stucco are one of the biggest benefits, there are various other reasons why stucco might be the proper option for you.
- Stucco is tinted, not painted, which means that it can withstand fading for decades.
- Stucco can be textured for a unique and decorative look.
- With appropriate maintenance, stucco can last a very long time, which means that you will not need to budget for its replacement sometime soon.
- Stucco delivers excellent protection against inclement weather.
- The cost of stucco itself is relatively low when compared to other types of siding, making it an economical option.
Of course, along with the benefits that stucco has to offer, there are a few disadvantages too.
- Stucco requires professional installation which can significantly increase the cost.
- Applying stucco can be a time-intensive project, with most professional stucco companies requiring several days to finish the job.
- Stucco can be damaged easily, requiring professional repairs.
One more concern is whether you can manage to pay for the depreciation of your stucco finish over several years. According to the IRS, a large improvement like adding stucco to your rental property’s exterior cannot be deducted as an expense but rather depreciated over time. This indicates that you will be qualified to deduct the full cost of the stucco siding, but not all at once. This makes a careful assessment of your cash flows and tax situation an important part of your decision-making process.
If you decide that stucco is still the best choice for your properties, the following step is to locate a quality stucco company that will do the job rightly and at a reasonable price. It can be difficult to find a trustworthy service provider without spending a lot of time on research, time that may be more profitably spent on your investing activities.
Fortunately, Real Property Management Rental Direction can help. Our Naples property managers can offer suggestions and advice about exterior siding options, as well as recommend quality stucco professionals dedicated to providing the highest customer service. To learn more, contact us today.