Can You Put Siding Over Stucco? What You Need to Know to Avoid Issues
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.
Can You Install Siding Over Stucco?
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.
Things to Consider Before Covering Stucco With Siding
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.
Existing Leaks or Damage
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.
Surface Preparation
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.
Stucco Finish
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.
Added Wall Thickness
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.
What Types of Siding Can You Install Over Stucco?
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 |
Is It a Good Idea to Install Siding Over Stucco?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
To install siding over stucco, you should first assess the old material and make sure you don’t have damage, leaks, or mold growth. Once confirmed, you can have a pro install furring strips attached to the framing right through the stucco, and then your siding professional can install the new siding over the furring strips. You may also need your expert to adjust openings for windows and doors so that they don’t sit behind the new siding, which won’t look nice and can create problems with leaks.
Fiber cement siding is the best siding to install over stucco because it offers many of the same benefits for homes where stucco is common, including fire resistance, insect resistance, and good insulation. Fiber cement siding is also rigid, so it won’t warp over time like vinyl siding might if installed over furring strips.
The average cost to replace siding is $10,500, but you should expect to pay an average of $12,000 to install new siding over stucco. The additional cost goes toward assessing the old stucco for damage, any necessary repairs before the new siding goes up, and the materials and labor required to install furring strips over the stucco to attach the new material. Even with this additional cost, installing siding over stucco is often more affordable than removing the stucco and starting over.
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