You don’t have to be stuck with stucco forever
Installing siding over stucco is possible, but it’s best to leave the work to professionals.
Expect to pay 5% to 10% more than standard siding installation to install over stucco.
Siding over stucco is only a good idea if the stucco is in good condition and isn’t leaking.
With proper prep work, you can install any type of siding over your existing stucco.
No longer loving the look of that old stucco siding, but not keen on spending thousands to remove it before residing? You can put siding over existing stucco, and with proper prep work and planning, you can save money over removing the old stucco first.
Yes, it’s possible to install siding over stucco, and with the cost of removing stucco averaging $2,000, it’s usually more cost-effective to cover the stucco rather than tear it down for a fresh start. You’ll need to hire a siding professional to assess your home for existing damage and prepare the exterior walls first, though.
When it’s time to install new siding, there are a few important things to consider if you don’t plan on removing that old stucco first.
One issue with stucco is that it readily absorbs water and can crack over time, leading to leaking behind the material. Installing siding over your stucco will mean trapping any moisture, which can lead to mold growth. You should always have a professional assess your stucco for damage before proceeding with the new siding installation. You may need to contact a siding repair company near you to carry out repairs before it’s safe to install siding over the stucco.
You’ll need a structurally sound, even base to attach your new siding. Most siding companies will install pressure-treated furring strips over the stucco and then attach the new siding to those strips. They may also install a vapor barrier or insulation to help with moisture and home energy efficiency.
Those furring strips need to be level, otherwise your new siding will look uneven. Stucco with a rough finish may require some additional prep to smooth it out to allow the furring strips to sit flat against the exterior walls.
Adding siding over your stucco will add to your wall thickness, which can leave windows and doors set back from the exterior wall. Your professional may need to extend those wall openings to create a clean look and proper drainage.
Fiber cement siding is a popular choice for covering stucco, but you can choose any siding style and material as long as your professional prepares the exterior walls properly. You can use the siding costs below to choose one that fits into your budget. Note that the required prep work can add 5% to 10% to your total.
| Siding Type | Cost (per sq. ft.) |
|---|---|
| Brick | $10–$20 |
| Brick facade | $3–$10 |
| Engineered wood | $1–$6 |
| Fiber cement | $5–$14 |
| Stone | $7–$30 |
| Stone facade | $5–$11 |
| Vinyl | $3–$12 |
| Wood | $1–$15 |
Installing siding over stucco is perfectly safe if a professional does the work for you. A pro will set up proper drainage to avoid moisture build-up and mold growth between the materials, and they’ll install furring strips to create a perfectly flat surface to install the new siding.
Even if you have experience installing siding, it’s best to avoid DIYing the project. With a pro doing the work, you’ll have boosted curb appeal, a lower installation cost than if you paid to remove the stucco first, and, most importantly, no added risk of moisture problems.
We had the solar paneling installed over the summer and the folks from Ecohouse they had a very competitive bid. They were able to make recommendations on the siding, whether it would be a good idea to get solar. They did an excellent job with the installation. They also helped us arrange...
Ecohouse SolarWanted Exterior Windows/Screens washed but was overbooked, so I skipped it, which is fine. Performed job while I was away. Called to tell me he was finished. Upon inspection of his work he missed one entire side of the house. Noticed other side of house was missed - as in a muddy...
Soap and WaterI was very impressed with Miller Cantrell! I live in an old home in which the sewage line that runs from my home to the sewage system is a line of clay tile. These eventually collapse and need to be replaced - an expensive problem and sure to happen at the worst time. I told them that my...
Awful. Made an appointment 1 month in advance. Two days before the delivery appointment they called and said they would be there in the morning to pick up my furniture. The appointment was made at 4:30 in the afternoon, and I had written it down to make sure. I told them that the correct...
Great!, Was able to get them to show up within 2 hours of calling, which was very much needed. Had a new refrigerator delivered that could not be installed. The main water shut off to my house and the shut off to the old refrigerator could not be turned off. Water was leaking everywhere...
A Mann Plumbing LtdThe work went great! Couldn't ask for better. Joel set a work start date. About the time of the storms that may have been associated with Sandy. He was half a day late. They set up on a Thursday. On Friday they had a full crew at work. By Monday they were finishing up. Now, the best...
We asked to use our existing iron posts rather than getting new posts. Jack said that could be done and that they'd just cut them out of current porch and reset in the new concrete. This would have worked fine, but they didn't raise one side of the porch roof high enough and the post set...
They were done in one day and did good work. They replaced the conduit and hooked it back up on both sides.
We had to replace rotten wood on both buildings and shingle the sides of our dormer walls on the main building. Prior to replacing the roofs we had to tear down a deteriorating chimney to the roofline and Muth and Co worked with our hired chimney vendor to complete the project. While...
Muth & Company RoofingTHE CHALLENGES WERE TO CREATE A SECOND BATH AND MASTER SUITE IN A SECOND FLOOR OF A SMALL AREA OF OUR HOME WHERE SPACE WAS TIGHT. JEFF DEVELOPED ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS THAT MADE MAXIMUM USE OF SPACE AND TURNED A VERY TIRED OLD SECOND STORY INTO A SHOWPLACE. HE ALSO DESIGNED A GARAGE THAT HAS...
Conner Arcitecture llcFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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