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Stucco, otherwise known as Portland cement-based plaster, is a versatile building material comprised of a thin shell of mixed sand, cement and lime. This mixture is then applied overtop of framed wall structures or concrete masonry.

There are Canadian homeowners who mistakenly believe that stucco is inappropriate for use in construction this far north. Somehow people have the idea that it isn’t a suitable home building material for use in predominantly cold climates. However, studying the architecture in Germany, we find that cement stucco is implemented successfully there despite issues with repeated freezing and thawing. For Canadians who are willing to buck the conventional wisdom, this is a building material offering numerous advantages.

1. A Luxurious, High-End Look

With 43% of the total market share, stucco is the top choice for exterior siding that’s used on residential architecture valued at more than $750,000 US dollars. Even if your home is valued at far less than this, a plaster style exterior can make it look more valuable.

2. Numerous Artistic Options Are Available

You can choose a wide variety of plaster textures and colours to customize your home’s appearance. Earthy colors and neutrals are the most popular options right now, but your choices are virtually unlimited.

Siding and walls aren’t your only options. You also have the option to create an interesting textured ceiling or customized cornice moulding details with this material.

3. Protection From the Elements

The possibility of fire damage is a concern to all homeowners. If you live in an area that’s prone to wildfires, concrete masonry offers you the advantage of superior fire ratings.

Portland cement-based plaster is also resistant to moisture damage, which makes it an ideal building material for use in construction projects in areas prone to hurricanes, humidity and frequent precipitation.

4. Low Maintenance

This material is easy to maintain, and the maintenance doesn’t require any special expertise. Plaster’s greatest downside is a tendency to crack, but the cracks can be repaired.

5. Best Long-Term Value on Siding Overall

While stucco seems expensive to install if you compare it against vinyl siding or fiber cement, it actually offers you the best possible long-term value on exterior siding. According to manual # STP1269, Exterior Insulation Finish Systems published by ASTM International, it is the siding material that has the lowest cost overall when rated over a lifespan of 30 years.

Quite a few homeowners with older homes can attest to the longevity of this building material. There’s a market for popcorn ceiling repair services, since it is sometimes preferable to repair a stucco ceiling rather than replace it.

As you can see, stucco offers home builders and buyers numerous advantages when used in residential construction. These advantages are well worth considering when you decide on the building materials you’ll use for constructing or renovating your home.

Air conditioning is one of those creature comforts that you do not want to live without during the hot summer months. The cool, comfortable air that circulates through your home creates a relaxed environment on even the most torridly hot days. Without air conditioners working in homes at night, you may be hard-pressed to get comfortable enough to fall asleep, and you may toss and turn all night long. There are some days when the temperature is so high that you may even put your health at risk if your air conditioning is not functioning properly. Nonetheless, many homeowners delay scheduling air conditioner repair service until the last possible minute. There are a few good reasons why you need to schedule prompt AC repair service.

Your Repair Issues Could Grow
When a broken AC system continues to run in your home, other AC components must function overtime in order to keep up with your demands for cool air. This means that added wear and tear is occurring, and this could lead to more problematic issues with your AC system. This additional wear and tear can even impact your system’s longevity and cause a premature need for a costly replacement.

You May Be Wasting Electricity
When your system works overtime to make up for broken components, it may be running for longer periods of time or turning off and on more frequently. When this happens, your AC unit will consume more electricity than it otherwise would if your system was properly maintained. In some cases, this increase in your electrical energy bills can be sizable, and this can impact your budget until the repair work has been completed.

You Are Risking a Complete Breakdown
Air conditioners that continue to work in overdrive when they are broken may ultimately suffer a complete breakdown. This is because your system may be working so hard to cool your home on very hot days that it simply cannot keep up. When this happens, your home may be without air conditioning for several hours or more while you wait for air conditioner repair service. In the event a complete AC unit replacement is needed, you may even be without the use of AC for several days.

Many homeowners notice signs that their AC unit needs service well before they schedule repair work on it. They may overlook the issue until it becomes worse, but you can see that this is the worst thing you can do. You can save energy, repair costs and more when you schedule repair service at the first sign of an issue. If your AC unit is not functioning well today, now is the time to reach out to a qualified AC repair company for service. The Climate Experts website may be able to provide additional insights.