Question 1

Can stucco be installed over existing siding?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, stucco can be installed over existing siding, but some contractors wouldn’t recommend it. Putting stucco over other types of siding requires careful consideration and proper preparation. Stucco is regularly added over brick and wood siding; however, some of the biggest factors affecting stucco installation include the condition of the existing siding and whether it’s strong enough to hold the weight of the stucco. If stucco is added to another type of siding, the weight can cause it to crack, making it susceptible to moisture, water damage, and mold.

Question 2

Will Quikrete set without mixing?

Accepted Answer

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Quikrete will set without mixing. The process of pouring dry concrete into your concrete form and then adding water is called dry pouring. While this method makes pouring concrete simpler and easier, it reduces its strength and durability. It can be a viable option for small, decorative concrete pavers for walkways or for setting fence posts, but it’s not ideal for pouring slabs that will bear any significant amount of weight.

Question 3

What are the main alternatives to aluminum siding?

Accepted Answer

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Aluminum siding isn't the only type of siding material on the market for giving your home's exterior a makeover. Alternatives to aluminum siding include vinyl siding, wood siding, composite siding, and brick veneer siding. Each siding material comes with strengths and weaknesses that could influence your decision based on your particular circumstances, so it's important to look into each type as they pertain to your home and lifestyle before deciding.

A popular competitor to aluminum siding is vinyl siding, which has a similar price and is lower maintenance but comes with a shorter life span.

Question 4

Does stucco increase home value?

Accepted Answer

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Much like any new siding, stucco will increase home value and curb appeal. Stucco provides an average ROI of 70%. With the average cost to stucco a house sitting at $5,700, you can expect to see a value bump of close to $4,000. Opting for a high-end stucco texture can improve value even further.

Question 5

What are the alternatives to brick veneer siding?

Accepted Answer

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The most obvious alternative to brick veneer siding is a true brick wall. However, you can also explore cost-effective alternatives to brick veneer, including stone veneer siding, engineered wood siding, and fiber cement siding. Hardie board is another popular option for its high quality; Hardie board siding costs $17,500 on average, however. Vinyl siding is a more affordable option, but it’s significantly less durable than brick veneer. Explore the various types of vinyl siding—and their pros and cons—before committing.