Today, homebuilders often prefer to build EIFS homes, which are made with several different types of foam insulation material. Over this, a "one-coat" stucco finish is applied, but one common problem we see in areas with heavy rain is that moisture gets trapped behind or absorbed into the stucco finish, causing premature flaking and crumbling.
So while stucco might look more convenient, when compared to brick or other siding, a stucco exterior requires the same care and attention to quality and workmanship to seal out the elements, especially at window and roof-to-wall connections.