How Does Stucco Fare in the Rainy Vancouver Winter?

As the weather continues to get wetter and wetter, with little end to the precipitation in sight, a lot of home owners are starting to worry about the siding on their homes. Moisture is always a concern in Vancouver and an even greater one in the winter. So how will stucco fare in the rainy winter?

To know how well stucco will handle rainy winters, there are two things to consider. The first is the stucco cladding that’s being used. Simply put, what protective layers have been placed on the house before the stucco was applied?

Traditional stucco is porous and will allow moisture to penetrate once it has become saturated with water. Any good contractor will know to properly wrap the house in a protective layer, which will keep the moisture from getting into the wood and cause mold or rot. Then, once the weather warms up, the stucco will breathe and dry out, getting rid of the moisture before it causes a problem.

The second thing to consider is what kind of stucco has been applied. If the contractor applied new, synthetic stucco, the home owner can relax in the winter time because this new version of stucco is waterproof. It prevents any moisture from entering and, once the weather warms up, prevents it from exiting too.

However, this could become a problem if there are any cracks in the stucco or bad caulking or poor flashing at the windows and doors. The water could get under the stucco and has no way to evaporate.

One of the easiest ways to ensure that your stucco, and your home, can handle a rainy Vancouver winter is by hiring the right contractor in the first place. Choice Stucco, with over 30 years of experience, can either install it right the first time or repair your stucco if cracks or problems have developed. Our stucco applications fare the best in winter.