
Is it expensive to remove stucco?
The cost to remove stucco on metal lath is $1.05 per square foot and $1.20 per square foot if the stucco is on wood lath. Expect to spend between $900 and $2,100 to remove stucco on the average home. Prices go higher if your walls are over 8’ high and require scaffolding.
How to repair stucco on exterior of house?
Steps for Repairing Stucco
- Break Off Loose Stucco. Whack it with a hammer, or a hammer and a cold chisel, taking care not to damage the underlying wood lath supports.
- Chip Away At The Edges. Continue until you reach stucco that's firmly adhered to its lath. ...
- Cover The Exposed Lath. ...
- Add Mesh. ...
- Mix The Stucco. ...
- Sling It. ...
- Scratch It. ...
- Apply Second Coat. ...
- Put On The Finish Coat. ...
- Wait To Paint. ...
Why do many stucco crack fillers don't work?
Another reason stucco cracks fillers can fail is because not all cracks are the same . Some cracks are caused by normal wear and tear. But some cracks can be a sign of a much bigger problem. By filling a crack yourself, you could be unknowingly making the damage worse.
What you should know before you paint stucco?
- Insufficient Curing. When stucco is initially applied, it needs time to dry and cure. ...
- Ignoring Necessary Repairs. Stucco will crack and the paint will peel. ...
- Incomplete Cleaning. This mistake is true of most surface painting. ...
- Painting on Wet Stucco. ...
- Improper Painting Techniques. ...
- Not Hiring a Professional. ...

Does stucco need to be redone?
Stucco and plaster can create a surface that's seamless, mold-resistant, fire-resistant, and even noise proof! But, every material needs to be cared for over time, and if your plaster or stucco is beginning to crack, it's time to take action.
How often do you replace stucco?
50-80 yearsStucco is a very durable finish material with a typical life span of 50-80 years or more. Although it is one of the most durable surfaces available, it also features the lowest annual maintenance cost when compared to other siding materials. Stucco is a natural material consisting of an aggregate, a binder, and water.
Is it better to repair or replace stucco?
Got cracks, stains, water damage, mold issues or leak? A repair should do the trick. Repairing stucco is much more affordable option than replacing it. A proper repair done by an experienced Montgomery County stucco repair company will get to the root of the problem and will help keep it from reoccurring.
Should I replace stucco with siding?
When water damage and mold result from improper stucco application, it's time for a siding material change. The most popular siding replacement materials are fiber cement and vinyl. Vinyl may be cost-effective, but it is also thin, dents easily, and doesn't last as long as fiber cement.
Is stucco expensive to maintain?
Stucco repairs cost $8 to 50 per square foot, or $40 to $60 per hour plus materials. On average, homeowners spend $477 to $1,510 on stucco repairs, while DIY stucco repair kits to fix cracks costs $40. Prices depend on the home's size, the square footage of stucco, and accessibility.
What is the service life of stucco?
Most newer homes with exterior stucco have an acrylic-polymer finish, which will expand and contract with the weather. This keeps cracks to a minimum and means the stucco can easily last up to 50 years before needing to be repaired.
How do you update exterior stucco?
Instead of replacing the stucco, use a few steps to update it.Pressure wash the stucco. ... Fill small cracks with a caulking gun loaded with acrylic-based caulk. ... Repair larger cracks. ... Prime the stucco using an acrylic based sealant. ... Cut in the paint using a soft-bristle brush. ... Spray the stucco wall with paint.
How do you fix water damaged stucco?
If you believe the stucco requires a minor repair, you can remove the damaged section of stucco, much like you would with damaged drywall or rotted wood. Patch the area with a stucco mix that matches your current exterior. Apply three coats of the stucco and allow for drying time between applications.
How do you fix crumbling stucco?
0:373:03How to Repair Cracks and Holes in Stucco - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a chisel and hammer widen the crack to a minimum of one quarter inch. And break away anyMoreUsing a chisel and hammer widen the crack to a minimum of one quarter inch. And break away any deteriorating material the edges of the crack should be vertical or beveled in an inverted V.
Can I put new stucco over old stucco?
Loose or chipping paint can reduce the bonding power of a new coat of stucco, so it should be removed by sandblasting. If the painted surface is in very good condition, you can apply stucco directly over it, as long as you use a bonder.
How much does it cost to change stucco?
Expect to pay between $6 and $9 per square foot to add stucco to your home. This includes labor and materials. The labor portion, if you decide to hire the job out rather than DIY, will set you back between $2 and $3 per square foot. For the stucco material itself, the cost ranges from about $5 to $6 per square foot.
How much does it cost to change stucco to siding?
Stucco siding costs between $5 to $9.58 per square foot on average to install. If you were to apply stucco siding to the average size 1,500 square foot home, you could expect to pay around $10,935 in total installation costs at an average of about $7 per square foot.
How often should you inspect stucco?
every two yearsRecommended Time for Inspections It is recommended that you inspect your stucco every two years or so to ensure that it's showing no signs of damage. You can certainly inspect this material on your own, though it will help you greatly to have the professionals stop by and perform this inspection.
How do you maintain stucco?
The good news is that cleaning indoor stucco usually takes nothing more than water and a bit of elbow grease. Simply scrub the dingy stucco with a dampened nylon brush to saturate the surface, then rub away the buildup with a moistened microfiber cloth (or clean cotton rag).
How long does stucco paint last?
7-10 yearsWhen it comes to your stucco home, the right paint process matters. When done right, a professional paint job on your stucco home should last 7-10 years.
How do you inspect exterior stucco?
12:1416:59Tips on Inspecting Stucco and EIFS During a Home Inspection - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne other key point you need to keep in mind as a property inspector looking at stucco if you seeMoreOne other key point you need to keep in mind as a property inspector looking at stucco if you see EPS or XPS don't jump to the conclusion. That. You have an e ifs. System one of the major.
Why is stucco remediation important?
The biggest benefit to stucco remediation is that it’s a permanent fix because it solves underlying issues that caused the damage .
Why is my stucco leaking?
The primary cause of stucco issues is moisture penetration between the outer layer of your stucco and the inner framework of your walls. The source of your problem lies in poor stucco installation, or the stucco is simply so old that it isn’t holding up any longer.
Does Hardie siding work on stucco?
Known for its lasting beauty (up to 50 years) and ability to stand up to moisture intrusion and severe weather, Hardie siding delivers a great answer to your stucco problems. It can even mimic the look of stucco (minus the maintenance and repair needs). Fiber cement doesn’t harbor mold or mildew like stucco, and it comes ready to combat Pennsylvania weather 24/7.
Can stucco damage your home?
There should be no damage to your home exterior once stucco remediation is complete.
Can stucco be repaired?
Your home’s internal damage (such as mold and wood rot) will be properly repaired once outer layers of stucco are removed.
Can James Hardie siding be replaced?
Replacement: If you’re ready for a change from stucco, are there any other options? Yes! James Hardie Siding replacement.
Does stucco repair work?
Stucco repair works well with small, specific, isolated areas of stucco failure.
What happens if stucco windows leak?
If windows located on a stucco wall are leaking, the stucco may be failing and need to be replaced. Additionally (and hopefully) it could be something more simple like caulking or repairable cracks. See where the water is coming in through and have it inspected by our professionals, then decide the best remedy.
What is EIFS stucco?
Although EIFS presents the image of traditional stucco, it is essentially a multi-layered wall system that contains separate elements including the insulation board (foam), a reinforcing fiber mesh, base coating, and a finish coating.
Is stucco a soundproofing material?
February 13, 2019. Stucco provides a unique, textured appearance to the exterior of homes, which adds a lot of character and also some practical value to the home. It is fire- and mold-resistant, helps to soundproof buildings and is seamless. While there are fewer maintenance requirements for stucco than there are for other types ...
Do you have to care for stucco over time?
While there are fewer maintenance requirements for stucco than there are for other types of exterior finishes, you should keep in mind that there are still some processes you must follow to care for that stucco over time, especially if you notice it beginning to crack.
Reasons to Replace Stucco Before Putting In New WIndows
Should your renovation project include getting new fixtures, here are reasons to support the earlier claim that stucco remediation is a better option than stucco repair before window installation.
1 – New Fixtures May Damage Existing Stucco
If you choose to go with stucco repairs and have new windows installed, the process may cause even more damage to your existing stucco. Keep in mind that stucco damage will tend to worsen over time, making the stucco damage more extensive when you do decide to remediate.
2 – It May be More Difficult (and Costly) to Remediate Later
Choosing to forgo stucco remediation may cost you later when you decide to push through with it. The damage may be much more severe, leading to much more costly fees to remediate the stucco. The damage to your stucco may also cause damage to the interior of your home, which will add to the growing price tag of your stucco remediation.
3 – New Additions May Clash with Old Stucco
Your existing stucco may not look good beside brand new windows and doors. Their styles and designs may clash with each other, creating a site that may not be as aesthetically pleasing as you had hoped. On the other hand, newly plastered stucco will complete the overall look you were going for with your remodel plans.
Conclusion
Stucco remediation is the first significant step that should be done in any home renovation. It may seem tedious, but having it done will ensure that you will have the home of your dreams after your renovation. If you are unsure how to go about stucco remediation on your own, working with an experienced remodeling contractor is the way to go.
What Is Stucco?
To understand when you should be concerned about stucco and how to repair it , we should first know what stucco is.
What to do if your stucco is cracking?
If you are experiencing diagonal cracking, you may not only need a stucco repair by a licensed contractor but also an engineer to evaluate the structural integrity of your home.
Why does stucco crack matter?
Why does this matter? Well, if stucco cracks on a concrete block home, water can enter through those cracks and the cement soaks up the water just like a driveway or sidewalk. Then, you have the potential for water intrusion in your home.
How to prevent stucco cracks?
For homeowners, the best way to prevent stucco cracks is to ensure you are properly maintaining your home by clearing vegetation away from the home, painting the home when needed, and repairing your hairline cracks. If you have a newer home by a large developer, be sure to paint your home within the first 2-5 years of moving in.
How big is a hairline crack in stucco?
Hairline Cracks – Typical stucco cracks that require normal maintenance are hairline cracks less than 1/8 of an inch. These cracks can be stair-stepping on concrete block homes and that’s completely fine.
What is the difference between a wood frame and a concrete block?
But, with a wood-framed home, an underlayment is nailed to the wood framing. Then, a metal lathe, or metal netting, is then placed over the underlayment.
Do you need a home inspector to inspect stucco?
If you are buying a stucco home, be sure to hire a qualified home inspector. We see inexperienced home inspectors fail to properly identify stucco cracks time and time again. For anyone in the Tampa Bay Area, we can serve you.
How long does stucco last?
I will say that our stucco contractor, who was a restoration specialist said real stucco has a life of about 50 years. Longer if it is well cared for and maintained.
Can you change the finish on a wood floor?
It's difficult to get the same depth, finish and contour as the original. If you want to change the finish everything has to be redone.
Can stucco be replaced with elastomeric?
We removed the stucco that had failed and replaced it with new stucco. The areas that had not failed were left in place and painted. You will want to use an elastomeric paint, much thicker than normal exterior house paint. Elastomeric will shrink and swell as the house breathes. It is more expensive, of course, than normal exterior house paint. Keeping paint on the stucco and moisture away from the interior surface will keep the stucco in place for a long time.
Does elastomeric shrink?
Elastomeric will shrink and swell as the house breathes. It is more expensive, of course, than normal exterior house paint. Keeping paint on the stucco and moisture away from the interior surface will keep the stucco in place for a long time. Sort by: Oldest. Newest.
Does stucco need to be replaced?
If the stucco still attached and is solid against the substrate, it doesn't need to be replaced. To make this determination, our contractor tapped the surface with his ring. There was a difference in sound. I could hear it, too. While a simple method, it worked.
Can you paint over stucco?
As I said, the new finish will be a different color and a different texture so there is no option to paint over the old. If the old stucco is not removed then everything has to be completely covered with the new stucco.
Can you stucco after removing color coat?
Don't quote me on this but it might be OK to stucco after removing the color coat.
How long does stucco last?
Properly applied, the color coat of your new stucco can last for decades. Paints will not have comparable durability and you’ll still have to paint again in a few years even if you don’t have any problems, so it’s better to go with the color coat ultimately.
What goes between stucco and the house?
When it’s installed, a waterproof membrane (tar paper, house wrap, Styrofoam, etc.) goes between the stucco and the structure of the house, so the inside stays dry. The final pigmented coat of stucco goes on as part of the installation process, so when the stucco is done, it’s done.
What to do with a cracked stucco?
If your stucco is in good shape, your best option is to clean it with a pressure washer (not too harshly) and then cover it with a “ fog coat .” This is a very thin coat of Portland cement, water, and pigment (no sand) that covers the surface like paint, adding a layer of color that bonds to the structure of the existing stucco. If the stucco is cracked, chipped, or spalled, it needs to be repaired and then recovered with a whole new color coat.
How long does it take for stucco to dry?
If you were to paint, you’d have to wait for the stucco to dry and cure, which can take weeks. Not only that, but the paint interferes with the breathability of the surface. Moisture can become trapped in the wall between the membrane and the paint.
How thick is stucco?
Colored stucco is achieved by adding pigment to the final coat as it’s applied, creating a layer of color about 1/8-inch thick.
What is stucco made of?
Many of the most famous ancient civilizations used it: the Greeks, Romans, and Aztecs. The Egyptian pyramids were once stuccoed too! It used to be limited in color to the earthly elements it’s made from (lime or Portland cement, sand, and water), ...
Can you paint stucco over paint?
If there’s already paint on your stucco, you cannot stucco over it. The new material will not bond to the paint and will crack and fall away in short order. That includes stuccoing a whole wall, or just patches or repairs here and there. If your stucco has fared well under the paint then you can paint over it.
