When designing a building, every aspect is essential. From planning to construction, you want each part of the structure to be in excellent condition and have a long lifespan. This calls for careful consideration of the materials and construction processes used for each part of the building’s exterior.
Aside from aesthetic purposes, the building’s envelope — the outer layer of a building — serves as protection. It helps to reduce energy bills and protects against extreme weather conditions and UV rays. It’s important to consider a siding selection that could efficiently preserve a building’s exterior.
In choosing which type of siding is best for a project, you may quickly find yourself comparing FastPlank aluminum siding to stucco siding. Although each option has its own distinct advantages, understanding each siding option’s benefits and drawbacks may help ease the decision-making process regarding which choice is best for a project.
To ensure you are making an informed decision, we have outlined some benefits and key factors that should be considered when choosing an option.
FastPlank Systems Aluminum Siding
Weather-Resistant
The weather-resistant nature of aluminum siding is one of the many reasons why it has been used as an exterior finish by homeowners and business owners alike. You can use aluminum siding to replace wood or brick, saving money on materials and labor while getting a great look on your home or business.
FastPlank® aluminum siding is a high-performance, beautiful alternative to traditional stucco products. Our aluminum siding combines the durability of conventional materials like wood and vinyl without the maintenance. In addition, this durable siding is resistant to hail, impacts, and fire.
Easy to Install
Each plank installs in record time using our patented Clip & Slide™ technology. It can be removed, easily repainted or refinished, and re-installed at a fraction of the cost and time of a complete siding replacement. Offering 4″ and 6″ options, our aluminum siding can be installed horizontally or vertically; the possibilities for your project are endless.
Get the Beauty of Nature Without the Hassle of Wood
If you’re going for a natural touch, our FastPlank® System is an excellent match for your residential and commercial structure. Our products are available in a selection of standard woodgrain patterns, including Dark Walnut, Dark Cherry, Light Cherry, and Dark Fir.
Superior Water Management Technologies
Using patented technologies for water management, our exclusive 3/8″ air cavity design exceeds building code rainscreen requirements and creates a superior defense against rot and rust.
Stucco Siding
Stucco is a variety of masonry plasters featuring textures from pebbled to swirling to smooth. It’s durable and can protect against the elements. However, it can cause problems and may not be appropriate for every property. If you are considering stucco siding, it’s important to be aware of its benefits and common issues before deciding on the best siding for your project.
Resistant to Fire
It is resistant to fire. A 1-inch thick coating on the exterior of a building provides a one-hour firewall rating. If there is a fire on one side of the wall, it cannot spread to the other side for at least one hour. Making it a popular choice for multi-family dwellings with strict fire codes and developments with buildings closely spaced.
Prone to Cracking
Stucco is excellent for buildings with firm foundations, but if the soil in your area is exceptionally high in clay and prone to swelling, stucco might not be the best choice. Even if a foundation is firm and you decide to go with stucco anyway, keep in mind that over time, due to stucco’s brittle nature, it may develop hairline cracks.
If your home has been built with hand-troweled stucco, chances are you’ll be able to repair small cracks without calling a pro. But if your home is built with spray-on form or has multiple large cracks or chunks of stucco falling off, the only real option is to have the faulty siding removed and replaced by a reputable contractor.
Low Water-Resistance and Insulation Rating
Finally, stucco is not 100% waterproof: Stucco is made from cement, sand, and water, making it porous and prone to water damage and mold growth if not properly sealed. In addition, the material doesn’t insulate very well (it has a 0.20 R-value), so it doesn’t keep heat in or cold out very well either.
Stucco also tends to trap dirt-causing staining, which can make it look less attractive over time if not properly maintained with regular cleaning or painting of the surface area in question.
Cost Concerns
In addition to these points of concern, stucco can typically cost more than siding. Even though the material is cheap, the time it takes to prepare and apply can be considerably longer than the installation process for the FastPlank® System. So keep these potential costs in mind.
Your Project Success is Our Success
At the end of the day, no matter what siding material you choose to utilize, your project’s success is our success. We know how to work together with our customers—experts and non-experts alike—to build a solution that fits right into your needs, aesthetically or structurally, without sacrificing your vision or budget.
FastPlank® Aluminum Siding is a perfect example of that philosophy in action. It’s an economic investment with a 20-year finish and 50-year product warranty while still being a beautiful and durable product. If all this isn’t enough, you can count on us to help you every step of the way through our knowledgeable, reliable, and dedicated team for a truly seamless experience. Contact us today to receive a no-obligation quote and free samples.
