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"
The decision to repair or replace stucco depends on the extent of the damage. For minor issues like small cracks, holes, dirt, stains, or discoloration, a repair is typically sufficient and more cost-effective. These issues can often be resolved with a simple repair, a deep clean, and possibly a new coat of paint. However, for more significant problems such as large cracks, peeling, mold, algae, or structural water damage, a replacement might be necessary. In these cases, it is best to call a professional stucco contractor for an inspection. An expert can assess the severity of the damage, determine if there are deeper issues, and advise whether a repair is adequate or if replacing a section or an entire wall is the more cost-effective, long-term solution.
The Mediterranean style is unique in that it’s designed for homes in hotter climates and to maintain a connection with nature. The building materials include stucco siding, clay roofs, and interior tiling with tall ceilings and open floor plans. These all come together to keep the interior cool. The building materials are all natural and tend to have muted earth tones, and the architecture typically allows for easy, open access to the outdoors through large windows and arched doorways. The decor and architecture can range from simple and functional to opulent, depending on the type of Mediterranean home it is.
Well-maintained trim boosts aesthetic appeal and prevents costly future repairs.
Stucco applied over brick can last 30 to 50 years or more when correctly applied and properly maintained. Stucco’s lifespan can be shortened by improper application, incorrectly mixed material, lack of preparation before application, and lack of maintenance. To get the most life out of your stucco siding, keep up with maintenance and repair any damage as soon as you discover it.
When hiring for your project, look for licensed, insured contractors with experience in stucco removal. Ask them for references, review their past stucco removal projects, and request detailed, written estimates. A reputable stucco removal contractor will explain the entire process, outline all costs, and ensure proper disposal and compliance with local codes.
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.
