Sun, heat and moving ground
In St. George, the sun does more damage to exterior walls than rain. The cooperative station there read 117°F on July 10, 2021, tying Utah's all-time maximum. Heat and UV fade colors, dry out caulk and make some siding warp. The Utah Geological Survey's hazard maps for the St. George–Hurricane area also include wind-blown sand and expansive and collapsible soils, which can move foundations and crack stucco and siding. This checklist helps protect walls through the year.
Spring (March and April)
- Walk around the house and look for cracks in stucco, warped or faded siding, and gaps at windows and trim.
- Replace dried or cracked caulk with a sealant rated for high temperatures and UV.
- Rinse dust off walls gently.
Summer (May through September)
- Watch the west and south walls, which get the most sun. Warping vinyl, peeling paint and faded stucco show up there first.
- Keep heat sources away from siding: grills, reflective windows on neighboring houses and dark surfaces can overheat vinyl.
- After monsoon storms, look for wind damage and water stains.
Fall (October and November)
- Paint and patch in the milder weather.
- Seal cracks in stucco before winter rains.
- Check where walls meet the ground. Stucco and siding should end above grade so water and sand do not wick up.
Winter (December through February)
- Look for water stains inside after winter storms.
- Inspect for new cracks; seasonal moisture changes in expansive soil can move foundations.
When cracks mean more
Hairline cracks in stucco are common. Cracks that are wider, stair-stepped, or that keep growing, especially near doors and windows that have started sticking, can point to foundation movement. Ask a foundation professional to look before patching.
Who can do the work
Utah law exempts alteration, repair and remodeling work with a contracted value under $7,000, labor and materials included, from contractor licensing. Small patches may fall under that line, but a full re-side or re-stucco usually does not, and the contractor then needs a Utah license. Look it up with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing.
Comparing quotes
Ask for the product or stucco system, the water-resistive barrier, flashing around windows and doors, color and finish, and disposal in writing. For stucco, ask how many coats and what crack control is used.
Keep records
Keep product names, colors and install dates. Sun-faded walls are hard to match, so knowing the exact product helps.
Choosing materials for the climate
If you are replacing siding, ask how each product handles heat and UV. Some vinyl products are made for high-heat climates, and fiber cement and stucco stand up well to sun but need good paint and sealant. Lighter colors absorb less heat. Ask the contractor to show you the manufacturer's installation instructions, including any limits for hot climates.