Best stucco pros near Shelby, MT

Homeowners insurance generally won’t cover stucco damage unless it’s caused by a covered event like a storm or fire. You’ll need to pay out of pocket for damage caused by age, wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or faulty installation. Consult your policy for the specifics of what stucco damage is covered and what isn’t.

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

It typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes for a window pro to replace one window in standard siding types, but a window in stucco will likely take a bit longer because of the density of materials. Custom architectural windows usually require a longer replacement process because of the additional fitting and securing required.

One of the most significant downsides to stucco is the installation cost, which is higher than that of many other siding options because getting it to look clean and professional is a labor-intensive process. Stucco can also absorb water, making it an unsuitable option for siding in areas that see excessive rainfall. Finally, stucco can crack and chip, especially in extreme weather, and repairs are not only challenging and require help from a professional who does stucco, but can get expensive.