interesting theory you have data to confirm?

[QUOTE=MandoMan;2037959]I don’t know about northern homes, but I lived for years in California in stucco homes, and my ex-in-laws have lived for 55 years in a stucco home in a very expensive neighborhood without having the stucco painted. Not having to repaint it is one of the glories of stucco—it’s so much cheaper to maintain. You are right: the color is mixed into the top coat of stucco(only in traditional 3 step hardcoat nut not always )

Here is what one paint company says about painting stucco:

“What You Should Know Before You Paint Stucco
“Stucco is a hard surface building material similar to concrete; like concrete, it is made of cement, but has lime and sand mixed in as well. It is a breathable material full of voids that permit air and water vapors to permeate. When stucco is left untreated it moisture from the atmosphere passes freely through the material.
“Paint and Stucco: Not a Good Combination
“While you would resort to paint to protect many kinds of materials, stucco is one material that is not well matched with paint. For starters, because it readily absorbs moisture, the stucco sucks up all the paint and you need to apply many coats to cover the surface. The problem is most severe in humid climates. A bigger problem occurs when the moisture that has been absorbed into the stucco gets trapped beneath the sealing layer of paint: The result is unsightly blistering and peeling paint. As bad as this looks, what you can't see is even worse; the trapped moisture can wick into the wood framing of your home causing the wood to rot. The end result is dangerous mold which can only be removed by tearing out and rebuilding the affected areas.
“Once a stucco house is painted, it can be a nightmare to maintain. Because of the relentless peeling, the exterior will need to be scraped, cleaned, primed and repainted every few years.
“So what's the alternative?

Painting Experts
 

[Here is what one paint company says about painting stucco:

“What You Should Know Before You Paint Stucco
“Stucco is a hard surface building material similar to concrete; like concrete, it is made of cement, but has lime and sand mixed in as well. It is a breathable material full of voids that permit air and water vapors to permeate. When stucco is left untreated it moisture from the atmosphere passes freely through the material.
“Paint and Stucco: Not a Good Combination
“While you would resort to paint to protect many kinds of materials, stucco is one material that is not well matched with paint. For starters, because it readily absorbs moisture, the stucco sucks up all the paint and you need to apply many coats to cover the surface. The problem is most severe in humid climates. A bigger problem occurs when the moisture that has been absorbed into the stucco gets trapped beneath the sealing layer of paint: The result is unsightly blistering and peeling paint. As bad as this looks, what you can't see is even worse; the trapped moisture can wick into the wood framing of your home causing the wood to rot. The end result is dangerous mold which can only be removed by tearing out and rebuilding the affected areas.
“Once a stucco house is painted, it can be a nightmare to maintain. Because of the relentless peeling, the exterior will need to be scraped, cleaned, primed and repainted every few years.
“So what's the alternative?[/QUOTE]

Investment Painting Contractors has been painting "Stucco" for 55yrs Never had one of our jobs peel. Years ago some builders in California & Orlando took the cheapest bid and the stucco which was applied over "plywood" not block, and let moisture into the wood. Elastomeric has been known to bubble if not applied properly. Loxon and Sherwin Williams Satin is the prefered coating for new stucco. We have never had any problems in Florida using this method. Pre- painted homes can just be washed and repainted. If your the powerwasher blows water through your paint fire him imediately he does not know what he is doing. Lots of "EXPERTS" posting on this site. Len

much of our work in atl was maintaining/repairing stucco hoa bldgs - never experienced failures as noted

I've never heard of having to paint stucco..

A lot of variables can affect paint life. 3-5 years is probably way to short. Should last 8-10 years. In some of the stuccos used in Florida color is mixed into the stucco and that type of "paint" can last 20+ years. It will have a duller look.

Sounds like the person is looking for new business 3-5 years from now.