The History of Stucco

Modern buildings finished with stucco look great. There is something about the rustic and rugged look of a stucco finish that can transform the appearance of a building completely. Given the look that it provides, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that stucco has a long history in the construction world. This material has been put to use in various applications for thousands of years, with some of its earliest roots found in Greece. The material itself and the use of the material have come a long way since then.

Starting with the Renaissance

It was during the Renaissance period that stucco began to take hold as a material to be used in construction. Since stucco can easily be formed into various shapes and positions, it was the perfect material to use for the intricate designs of the times. It was common to see churches finished with stucco, in addition to many other types of buildings. If you enjoy viewing some of the classic structures to come out of the Renaissance period, you can certainly thank stucco in large part for their beauty.

A Big Discovery

It was during the end of the 19th century when stucco took a big step forward in terms of its composition. Portland cement was discovered in England by a man named Joseph Aspdin, and the rest is history. The Portland cement allowed the stucco to be more durable and harder than ever before, meaning it can easily last for many years while holding up to the weather. This modern stucco was largely a combination of the Portland cement, sand, lime, and water.

Moving into the Current Age

When talking about the quality of stucco as an exterior finishing material, the proof can be found in how many new buildings continue to choose stucco over other options. Despite the many modern products on the market today which can be chosen as exterior finishing, many people continue to select traditional stucco to do the job. Very few materials stand the test of time in this way. Since stucco is so durable, it makes for a great investment, and yet it still comes in at a very reasonable price. Stucco can be added to a home for a lower cost than options like brick or stone, and yet it is still an upgrade over a budget choice like vinyl siding.

It Takes a Skilled Hand

One thing that hasn’t changed over the years with regard to stucco is the need for an experienced and talented craftsman to do the installation. Not only will a qualified stucco installer be able to make the finished product look great, but he or she will also be able to install the product in a way that allows it to stand the test of time. Poorly installed stucco is the most common cause of failure with this product. As long as you have a professional on your side, you should be able to look forward to decades of great performance from the stucco which coats your home.