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."
"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"
Choosing between traditional and synthetic stucco depends on your specific needs, budget, and climate. Both options are durable, but synthetic stucco includes an extra layer that makes it more resistant to cracking and a better choice for climates with extreme weather. In hot, dry climates with less rainfall, traditional stucco is a suitable and more affordable option that is less likely to trap moisture. Synthetic stucco also offers more color options and requires less maintenance.
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.
A standard drill will work just fine if you’re drilling small holes, and only a few of them. But anything with a diameter larger than 3/8 inch is best done with a hammer drill, since it is stronger, faster, and also makes your drill bits last longer. While you don’t absolutely need a hammer drill for stucco, it is a worthy investment if you think you might drill more holes down the road.
The length of time shouldn’t matter much if you stick with lightweight Christmas lights and similar decorations. Those shouldn’t pose risks to your stucco. You should avoid attaching anything to your stucco that could fall because it’s too heavy, which may take part of the stucco with it. Some methods, like using double-sided tape or adhesive hooks, will naturally wear out over time and lead to falling lights, so don’t expect to leave these lights up year-round.
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
The Valley Park, 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.
