Choosing the Best Stucco Contractors for the Job

Stucco contractors are experts in applying stucco exterior on homes and buildings. Stucco is a substance that is used on many homes and buildings in this country. It is made with a mixture of sand, lime, water and other ingredients and is used to create a unique, matte-like look on the exterior of a building. Whenever stucco is placed on a building, it must be installed by experienced stucco contractors. If stucco is not installed properly, it can lead to moisture getting into the walls of a home. This can cause numerous problems including causing mold to form inside the walls of a home. Stucco has been used for years and is most popular in certain types of architecture such as Greek and Spanish homes. When stucco contractors begin a job, they must cover the entire home with tar paper. They will also cover the home in a wire or metal screening. These items are necessary to keep moisture out of the home and begin placing stucco on the walls of the home. As soon as the home is properly covered with these materials, stucco contractors will begin applying the stucco substance to the home. This is done using trowels and other types of tools.
When the stucco is placed on the walls, the contractors will rub it in swirling motions. This will create a textured look when it dries. This substance will dry relatively quickly and it becomes very hard. This hard surface makes it an ideal substance for the exterior of homes. It is very important to choose stucco contractors that have been completing projects like this for a while. There are a lot of contractors out there that offer this service, but not all of the contractors have the skills necessary for this job. If it is not done right, you will have problems. The surface may also look very bad if the stucco contractors do not know how to finish it. When you hire stucco contractors, they may tell you about your color options. Stucco is most commonly seen in an off-white or tan color. With the addition of pigments, you can actually have stucco in almost any color you would like.
This is important if you are looking for a unique color. You might also want to make sure that the color you choose matches the rest of your home. For example, if you have brick on your home, find a stucco color that blends well with the colors in the brick. You may also decide to match shudders or roof colors to the stucco. There is one reason why many homes located in hot climates have stucco exteriors. Stucco is a substance that is great for keeping heat out of a home. It regulates the heat. This helps keep homes cooler in the hot, summer months. You will notice that a lot of the homes in Florida and other hot places use this substance to cover exterior walls. This is one of the reasons why.
People find that their energy bills are a lot lower with stucco as the exterior. Stucco also looks great. It makes a home look very classy and nice. It is perfect for homes in subdivisions or for homes on large parcels of land. Before having this service done, ask several stucco contractors for bids. You should also ask them about their experience and procedures. Make sure that you choose a contractor that is highly experienced. You can even ask to see some of the contractors past jobs. He should be able to give you addresses so that you will be able to see the finished products.

For a free estimate from a professional, referenced, Colorado stucco contractor, call Bart Rafferty of Confident Coatings by Rafferty Construction @ 719-492-3176.

From Website Noggin

Considereing Wood Siding?

Perhaps no siding material has enjoyed more success than wood. Even with a variety of "low maintenance" siding options available wood siding continues to be popular with consumers. Ironically most people who choose a different material will still select a "wood siding look" for their home as nearly all of the non-wood siding products that are available have tried to copy many of the common wood siding styles. Cedar and redwood are two very popular varieties of wood siding for their natural occurring preservatives but pine, spruce and fir are also common options.
Wood siding offers a lot of positives not the least of which is a beautiful classic appearance. Wood is available in a variety of styles and can be painted any color necessary to fit the look of your home. (Clapboard, also known as lap siding, as well as board and batten are two of the most popular options.) Wood is a long lasting siding material that can last 30 + years when it is properly installed and cared for. In fact wood that is well cared for will most likely have a much more pleasing appearance than a low quality vinyl product will after 20 years. Wood is a natural renewable material which does not cause environmental concerns when the time comes to dispose of it. Wood siding also offers good insulating qualities which can help reduce your heating and cooling energy bills an important consideration considering raising energy costs.

The obvious downside to wood is simply the ongoing maintenance it requires. You should plan on power washing your wood siding annually and painting or otherwise sealing it as it begins to show wear from the elements. Typical warning signs would be a finish that is faded or is showing signs of mold and mildew. Under normal conditions you will need to re-paint every 4-10 years depending upon the climate where you live and the quality of the paint job that was previously applied. While the maintenance requirements for wood are not extensive our society has become enamored with the idea of "zero maintenance" which has helped foster the popularity of vinyl siding in particular. If you are installing new wood siding you should be aware that some companies will offer pre-primed or sealed boards which not only reduces the amount of work at the point of installation but should give you a more even covering which will do a better job of protecting your siding.
Wood siding will vary in price depending upon your location, the type of wood you have chosen (redwood, a western grown tree will cost more in an eastern U.S. location) and how quickly the wood is able to grow to a harvested size. Typically, wood siding will be about average on the siding cost scale.
Wood Siding:
Longevity: 30 + years if well cared for
Maintenance: Annual power washing along with re-painting every 4-10 years
Cost: Average

For a free estimate on wood siding maintenence from a professional local contractor call Bart Rafferty of Confident Coatings by Rafferty Construction.