We lived in a stucco house. We had to have the house re-stuccoed. This was in the midwest. Our stucco contractor, considered the very best in our large metro area, told us NEVER to paint stucco. If it cracks, have it fixed by a stucco contractor, but it has to be recoated with stucco paint, not regular paint. I've seen stucco houses that have been painted with regular housepaint, and after a while they peel and it's a gawdawful mess.

Other than that, our house was great. I love stucco.

Do you have hard coat stucco?

I grew up in one. As soon as you see a crack or anything like that, get it fixed. Water gets trapped behind and turns a small problem into a big one. If you are in a tudor, they now make artificial stucco that looks just like it without the upkeep- it works great in between the wood. My parents did it on their addition- looks great and ten years later still no maintenance.

Anyone have experience with a stucco house? We just bought one in new england and I know nothing about it (except you don't see too many of them in new england!). Tips on cleaning, up-keep, anything else?