stucco vs brick (question to realtor, home builder, etc..) (to buy, construction)

[davidtk]

All of the residential stucco I've seen in construction in the past decade is the traditional type, not the artificial type such as EIFS. Perhaps some builders are using the artificial stuff, but I haven't seen it.

Like brick, traditional stucco can last a long time if installed correctly. I'm not sure what's used in commercial construction.

[Supermac34]

I'm not seeing this "fake" stucco around. In my neighborhood, its traditional stucco and it takes them a long time to install it.

Real stucco is more expensive than brick in most cases.

[jimmyev]

Originally Posted by jbiggs

I about spit my coffee all over the screen laughing!

OP,

Nothing wrong with stucco or even EIFS if it is installed right. The problem is it is not installed right very often and usually has problems hidden behind it.

But EIFS is hardly ever installed right. It absorbs water like a sponge and allows mold to profligate. The best is brick. Real brick on block framing, not brick veneer. Does that even exist here?

[City Love]

Most stucco that I've seen on "luxury" townhomes or higher end homes do have some cracking. I think it's almost impossible to easily maintain stucco like brick. But, stucco is like having a higher end car, the maintenance will be more.

[houstonfan]

EIFs are not used alot in Houston anymore, it's basically styrofoam w a thin veneer of stucco. There were huge problems with them a decade or two ago and alot of lawsuits ensued. Real stucco is ok if done properly but that is extremely rare even for high end custom builders. In a humid rainy environment like Houston with high potential for ground shifting, stucco is not a good idea. Even if done properly, the cost of upkeep is very expensive due to cracking, repainting, sealant and mold problems. Unlike brick, stucco is very intolerant if there's water penetration, ie from a crack or dehissed sealant. Builders build in stucco because there is a high demand for it, not bc it's better

[cheryjohns]

I have never had a stucco house that didn't have issues (concerning the stucco) during inspections. EIFs were a nightmare. Even the real thing is not really suited for our weather.

[NTT]

Originally Posted by cheryjohns

I have never had a stucco house that didn't have issues (concerning the stucco) during inspections. EIFs were a nightmare. Even the real thing is not really suited for our weather.

Well, coming from a real estate agent, there's not much doubt about it.

Although not as good as whole solid brick, even brick veneer is thicker than stucco which makes it better.

If I have a stucco built home, I'd sell it really fast before the trend is gone. Then, I'd just go and shop for a brick ho-w-ze!

[Lost_In_Translation]

Originally Posted by NTT

Well, coming from a real estate agent, there's not much doubt about it.

Although not as good as whole solid brick, even brick veneer is thicker than stucco which makes it better.

If I have a stucco built home, I'd sell it really fast before the trend is gone. Then, I'd just go and shop for a brick ho-w-ze!

I imagine its a rare home in Houston with a full brick construction. Rarer still if it was full brick and built after 1950.

[eric3781]

Originally Posted by Lost_In_Translation

I imagine its a rare home in Houston with a full brick construction. Rarer still if it was full brick and built after 1950.

Not as rare as you'd think. At least in Cinco the standard on two-story homes is all brick front facade, brick first floor on sides and rear, and hardie on second level sides and rear. Brick all around is definitely available, but at a nice premium.

In my section they said they wouldn't do all brick because they wanted to distinguish the 60' product from the 80' product, which they do allow all brick. Most one-story homes out here have all brick. Most of the builder sections don't have many stucco homes. The higher end 'custom' ones have a lot that are 'stucco', and it breaks my heart.

While we are on the topic of unbefitting exterior claddings, what is the deal with blood red brick mixed with white stone? (in Jerry Seinfeld voice)

[ethanw]

My house is all brick around, two-story and no goofy looking stone and all that crap. Very clean and simple look. It does cost more but is worth it.