Universal Windows Direct was originally founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 2002 by William Barr and Michael Strmac. It was their mission to create a home improvement company that offers high quality home improvement goods at the best possible value. What began as two guys in a 350 square foot office quickly grew to become one of the nation's leading remodeling companies. Today, Universal Windows Direct represents thousands of customers and has a rapidly growing network of locations nationwide, all of which are actively involved in the communities they serve. Universal Windows Direct opened Universal Windows Direct of St. Louis to serve St. Louis customers in 2017.
"Once again (my 4th time using this company), Stan and his crew came through to save the day. Late last week during heavy rain, I heard rain water dripping into my chimney, and it was coming out of the Electrical outlet next to our bed. I went out to see my old aluminum vent had been pulled up by the wind, and had exposed my chimney directly to the rain. I texted Stan the next morning, and within 4 hours his crew showed up, climbed up 3 stories, and cut the old vent off, and capped the chimney so no more water could get in. They were very professional, first, they checked all the bricks, and put extra mortar into several that needed it. Then they carefully sealed on a large piece of concrete board. I use Stan Mauk Tuckpointing exclusively for my brick house now, I dont even ask for estimates. I just ask to have the work done, and pay them after they've completed it. I couldn't be happier with the work, the Price, and Stan Mauk as well."
"We had some water damage and they came out to fix the plasters. I was happy with the service and we're very satisfied with they work. If I have some issues that came back and fix it right away, no problem, no questions and they fix the issues without charge."
"From estimate to repair excellent service and satisfaction. It was awesome our on-site inspection was same day as our call and we received our estimate next day. And was even available to answer our questions before and during repairs. We had a tree fall on our house that caused fractures down our chimney, other companies we had come out didn’t find the underlying damage- they not only found our structure damage but fixed us up! Very professional, available to answer questions and ensures satisfaction."
"It has been a pleasure to do business with Ahmed construction. They provide very fair price on bidding. The administrative project manager Mr Albert is a hard working guy. Him along with the Mr Judy did the decking and replaced some studs on an addition remodel project. I highly recommend Ahmed construction and I will hire them again for any future project"
Stucco is very challenging to DIY, so it’s always best to leave the work to professional stucco contractors. The same recommendation applies to painting a stucco house, which should be left in the reliable hands of a professional exterior painter.
Inexperienced DIYers can make several critical mistakes during stucco application, such as:
Failing to apply sufficiently thick layers for longevity and water resistance
Uneven application
Uneven texture across the exterior
Mixing the stucco improperly, leaving a weak structure
Failing to texture properly in between coats, leading to cracking and chipping
Yes, you can screw directly into stucco. Only do so if the item you are installing is a permanent fixture. Drill a pilot hole into the stucco using a masonry or concrete bit, then drive in the screw with a power drill or screwdriver.
To repair damaged exterior stucco, you’ll first remove all loose and crumbling material from the damaged area. You then need to thoroughly clean the area and dampen it to ensure proper bonding. After that, you’ll apply a bonding agent to the repair area, then apply new stucco in layers, allowing for curing time between each layer. The final coat should be textured to match the surrounding stucco pattern as closely as possible. Once fully cured, the repaired area can be painted to match the rest of the wall if needed.
If your windows are losing efficiency from wearing out or experiencing leaks on rainy days, it may be time to consider replacing them. Window replacement costs run between $180 and $410 per window but may be on the higher end for homes with stucco siding since stucco will likely require more time and special tools for replacement.
If it is applied properly, stucco is a durable material that can last between 50 and 80 years, especially with regular repair and maintenance. Things like painting the stucco every 10 years or so will help it last longer. The location of your home plays a big part in the life span of your stucco, too.
The Ladue, MO homeowners’ guide to stucco services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the cost to stucco a house in St. Louis, MO, including average prices, key factors, and tips to help you budget and plan your stucco project with confidence.
Find out the average traditional stucco repair or partial replacement cost in St. Louis, MO. Learn what to expect to pay to restore your home's exterior.
Discover the cost to stucco a house in 2026, including average prices, key factors, and tips to help you budget and plan your stucco project with confidence.
Installing new stucco gives your home a facelift and boosts home value. But can you stucco over stucco? You can, but there are some things to consider.
Choose the right pro for stucco installation to get the best professional-quality results. Learn who does stucco installation and the benefits of hiring a pro.
Wondering if stucco increases home value? The short answer is, yes, but the ROI you’ll see depends on a few factors, like location and installation costs.
